Hi

I'm trying to figure out a way to send quality-audio from my computer to my receiver. I originally thought that the DAC in the receiver were far better than one could find in an soundcard (for a decent price), but I've now read that that isn't the case at all. Or is it?

Anyway, the receiver is an Yamaha RX-V1500.
Specs:
http://reviews.cnet.com/Yamaha_RX_V1...5.html?tag=sub
http://www.yamaha.ca/av/PDFs/Receive...0_brochure.jsp

Since I thought that the receiver would have the best DAC I planned on getting an untouched digital signal through SPDIF from the computer to the receiver. That did however prove to be extremely difficult when combining the applications that I use (MCE). So the most straightforwad thing would be to just get a good enough soundcard for the computer that perferably is better than the receiver.
Any idea what that would cost me?

Eventhough stereo has a higher priority surround will be used so it should be a surround card dealing with atleast 4 channels (perhaps more to leave some room? Or is that just a waste and something to think about when/if new equipment is bought?).

A temporary setup:


The computer has been moved to a closet in the hallway (about 5 meter cable is needed). The main speakers are couple CM-3's (I really have no idea what I'm talking about here but thats what I think it is, I'll look it up).

Budget?
Well, that depends on whats needed. My non-educated guess was around $140 but if there are much better alternatives higher up I might have no choice

Thankful for any suggestions