Can I hook up an amp to a PC???

[damnngina15]

OP,
I've looked at your specs and it looks like the on-board audio is roughly equal to the most <$100 sound cards so unless you are looking to go with digital out or have identified noise issues, or just want higher quality DAC of a high-end card I'd stick with the on-board audio.

So you don't think one of the Asus Xonar cards would be a tremendous difference from the on-board "HD" audio of my desktop?

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

OP,
I've looked at your specs and it looks like the on-board audio is roughly equal to the most <$100 sound cards so unless you are looking to go with digital out or have identified noise issues, or just want higher quality DAC of a high-end card I'd stick with the on-board audio.

I'd have to disagree on this one - YMMV on onboard sound card quality will vary a lot depends on specific motherboard implementation. Some done ok, and COULD be somewhat close to Asus Xonar DS, some will sound terrible.
It'll also very depend on your speakers - If they are good enough for you to even notice the difference.
Asus Xonar DS is card done right, like I said - not top of the line, but expect that extra $150 or 400% [for xonar essence] will not give 400% better sound

 

[sholling]

So you don't think one of the Asus Xonar cards would be a tremendous difference from the on-board "HD" audio of my desktop?

It depends but the on board HD audio in mine is pretty good - however the ALC889A "HD" audio chip in mine in my opinion doesn't equal the analog output (only) with the CMI8788 in the higher end cards. But maybe I'm hyper picky. For digital output I don't think it matters which you use. That's just my opinion. I have no idea what chipset your PC is using. Personally I prefer using digital and if your receiver/amp can accept a digital feed I'd save the money and go digital.

 

[Greddy87]

I have a phone jack to Analog connected to my Harman Kardon AVR 1600 Receiver with a pair of Cerwin VE12'S.. I turned off all other pc background sounds and have windows media player volume to high, including the pc volume on high.. No problems at all, i control the volume with my receiver.. When it comes to other programs, u can adjust the audio for it.. Like for ex MSN msger.. I have my music playing without any interuptions when im on msn.. Hope this helps..