Yeah, I do not use HDMI for audio either, I also am running TOSLINK
That was part of the "high end" features I was referring to when looking at receivers. Need to have the right combination of hardware to support bitstream passthrough.
The R3E is one of those boards that has a decent enough audio chip to cover any needs you have I think.
Looking forward to the pics of your setup...
Curious.. I tried having a 24/7 system, but just flip Hardware way to much to really build a system to just sit (okay not quite true.. my HTPC goes 3 months at a shot without me opening it up
) How are you intending to set yours up?
You doing a custom desk too or putting hw on a shelf? (used to like integrating PCs, now I like shelf builds
)