Need Help Optimizing PC Audio

Thanks for the info Matt. So how would I transmit video as well as audio to the single hdmi port on the receiver? If the optical cable goes to the DAC and then an hdmi to the receiver, how do I get the video signal? I’m just a little confused as to how all of the hookups would go and still allow me to use the pc to watch movies, etc. Also, what if I don’t have an optical out on my pc? I don’t see one unless I’m missing it. Would I just need to buy a soundcard? Also, I read that optical can’t do Atmos which is how I watch a lot of movies on the PC. Is that true? I also read people saying to use USB to the DAC, which confuses me a bit. Anyway thanks again for the help.

@mattmiller Hey Matt just wanted to make sure you saw my responses since I forgot to tag you in the initial response. Thanks

I came across this DAC. Any opinions? It has hdmi input and output. Would this make a significant difference instead of going straight from the PC to the Receiver?

@flrun No I don't think the sound quality is bad at all. I'm just trying to make sure if there's an extra couple hundred I can spend on a DAC and it makes a difference that I do simple things like that. If there's no sensible option that will keep atmos then I'll just keep my current setup. I was just hoping for a simple fix, haha, which never appears to exist.

@ghdprentice It’s a Marantz SR6013. I’m currently upgrading my towers/center to Focal Aria or Kantas most likely in the next few weeks. I’m also installing a power conditioner and a direct 20amp line for the amps. Is there a DAC that I can just go HDMI in and HDMI out or is that not a thing? Thanks for all the help.

@ghdprentice Great, thanks for all the info. Do you have an opinion on integrated vs just adding a pre-amp? Seems like everyone has a different opinion on this.