Pioneer VSX 517, A computer and a noob

[marlon]

Hi,

I hope that this is ok for my first post here. I have always used good old analog equipment.
Ive been out of the scene for a few years, and now I have no clue what's going on.

It took me a while to figure out what "AV Receivers" are.

My plan is to build a complete theatre solution around my computer (used for most of media sources).
I have a Pioneer VSX 517.

Now the tricky part is understanding what I should do.

I *think* I can do an analog 5.1 our from my soundcard to the VSX (soundblaster live with no spdif/dig out)
Option 2 would be to obtain a soundcard with digital out, and rather use that.

Some people say that analog is preferred for flexibility, others say digital is better. I don't know, what's the catches, the perks and gotchas?

WHat should I do? ANy advice is appreciated.

And a quick second question. I have my two B&W 8ohms, and two 6ohm sony's. The receiver has two settings, 8ohms or higher, and 6ohms.
Can I run the 8's in front and 6's in the back channels, or should I have something like inline 2 ohm resistors on them to balance?

Thanks guys!
Marlon

 

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