As far as I know, most PC software players will only deliver a transcoded PCM bitstream. Pure bitstream is not common in software players. Something to do with DRM and licensing, I think... Anyway... A friend of mine is using JRiver to bitstream to his receiver. Works well, but it took some digging to make it work. As fas as I know, Arcsoft's Total Media Theater also does this, but I can't vouch for that, as I don't use it.
I know this is probably not what you wanted or expected, but it is a software issue for PC bitstream output, and not a sound card issue (Bitstreaming means bypassing it, and sending signal to receiver/pre/pro). Get new software, or a decent,
wired network hardware player and avoid using DLNA gear like the ROKUs of this world (DLNA = Downsampling and transcoding to lossy formats).
I'm using VLC and Foobar2000 when using my computer, so I'm also in the PCM boat when using my PC, but I prefer to use my
Oppo bdp-103 or
WD TV Live Hub Media Center 1TB. These two devices allow me to playback network-stored files without problems.
I use the Oppo to playback just about everything from DVD-A and SACDs to downloaded and locally stored youtube files. I use the WD for the few formats the Oppo doesn't support (ISO being the elephant in that room).
The WD unit referred to here is no longer sold, but the
HD-less model is still produced and sold, and has a decent networking file share server, and supports 2 TB portable USB hard drives and wired networking.
Hope this helps.
Edited for better clarity.