PC Receiver - Kinda. Suggest parts please?

[Mitch311]

TL: DR -> Soundcard/DAC for 5.1, 3 channel's of amp to run this D/A converter into (will scale to 6 channels for 5.1 later). Software for auto room equalization, LPF + HPF control at the soundcard/dac level. Maintain high quality throughout process. Minimal hardware. <$300 total cost USD for 2 channels of amp + the dac/soundcard.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

OK So, I had a quick browse through this forum back to posts from march 2010 and nothing super jumped out at me.

I am planning on building a HTPC to handle all of my media viewing and sound play back type things. Going to be ripping Blueray iso's and FLAC for high quality reproduction. Video will be handled by HDMI directly to the TV.

I am starting with DIY 2.1 System that I will add center and surrounds to in the near future. Going to be building 2x TLAH Line array's and a THT LP both of Bill Fitzmaurice design.

I have considered buying a receiver to run the system from HDMI sound input but I would like to look over the possibility of integrating the sound reproduction aspect of the system into my PC as it will be handling everything else anyway.

SO:

I'm looking for a modular sound chain that I can upgrade individually over time. At the most basic level I'm looking at a soundcard -> individual amp channels -> Speakers/Sub. I'm not aiming for biamp crossovers or anything else. I want to be able to set the LPF for the sub out and the HPF for all the other channels though. I'd rather handle the crossover filters with software if possible and am planning to run windows 7. Preferably I'd like to make as much as possibly happen software side with minimal hardware. Though I will probably use pots for volume control to avoid issues using windows volume control.

So what should I be aiming at? Can anyone suggest a soundcard/dac and amp chips to suit? I am open to basic DIY and can easily wire chipsets together. I really don't see myself needing more than a 20-30 watts per channel realistically and this is only to handle dynamic peaks. The Sub will probably have a sub amp plate unless I can manage a very well controlled 3rd or 4th order LPF for the subout on the software side.

Also does anyone know of any automated room correction software that you can run on your PC similar to Audyssey or MCAAC etc?

Budget $300 USD for soundcard/DAC + amps for 2.1 setup that can scale to 5.1

Thanks for your time, feel free to tear this idea apart, I was just thinking I could probably set up a system that sounds superior to a $300 receiver and being able to run parametric equalizing, cross over control etc via software instead of hardware seemed like a good idea.

(I'm in Aus, $300 doesn't get you far receiver shopping here.)

Thanks for your time. If it's smarter to just save a few more bucks and get a receiver tell me so.

[dangus]

An M-Audio Delta 410 sound card that I investigated (didn't buy) a while back had built-in subwoofer crossover (and bass management), with adjustable crossover frequencies. I think the current model is the 1010.

You could explore some of the common Creative PCI sound cards. There's the kxproject drivers which unlock various features. Specs (and RMAA loopback tests) look impressive but they may not tell the whole story. The Envy24 chip used on the 410 (and various other cards ranging from cheap to prosumer) seems to get more respect.

For amplifiers, either some digital amp (T-amp?), or there's the Gainclones.