When I tried to play Bluray DTS TrueHD, the audio output via the toslink into the amp was detected as just a mere Dolby Digital. Obviously the sound is not as dynamic as the DTS.

In Amp like this, what is the audio format being played? My amp does come with only DTS or DTS ES etc.. but not the latest DTS lossless format.

My mobo is the 785 series, no other added soundcard or graphic card.

Indeed good fun. Learn a lot of things in the process.

This is my first time building up a CPU. So this project helps me to boost my confidence a bit.

The next challenge is to relay lossless audio to my non-lossless AV Amp. Two challenges here:

First, how to convey lossless audio to HDMI in the first place, which may need an extra soundcard.

Second, how to decode lossless audio to my PowerAmp segment of my Amp by getting an economical pre-amp or decoder for the job.

$$ will come in again, so this project will be delay for sure.

I do agree. At the end of the day, htpc is just a CPU.

To save cost, its even better to just use an erected standing CPU, which is much more commonly available. Once you upgraded the GC and memory, bingo, you are there.

I do note the older style desktop CPU, which is available in tonnes at any computer mall, is probably ideal for any htpc set up too, except that proprietary CPU of branded name may not conform to the usual MOBO standard, but to be exact, I am not sure actually. So its better to use generic casing that cater for fix standard mobo like ATX etc.

You may even get the old CPU casing and spray paint it to make it look better too.

Just a short feedback.

My HTPC that based on Gigabyte MA785G mobo with built in only GC and sound processor, the image quality actually surpassed my old Pioneer DVD player !

The only difference is that I am using HDMI cable for the Htpc, but using Composite connection to my LCD. But the difference is huge.

Haha.. sorry, my mind was mixed up.

I am using HDMI cable to connect my htpc to my LCD. But using just the composite cable from the DVD player to the LCD while making comparison.

Tested with Component cable from the DVD player and HDMI from the htpc. The difference is still substantial.

It is very obvious when the movie's end credit appear, the clarity of the alphabets can be compared easily.

Now I think the HD 5450 is out, but not as yet here locally, which I think is pretty soon!
Here's Anand's take on his latest article about the GC choice for HTPC.

Article on HTPC GC

Not many soundcard supported it, the highest profile one is the auzentech HD, but it could be expensive.

I am also looking to improve sound output, but willing to wait till the market ripe for such hardware. It will be common place I believe in due course.