[gsilver]

I'm already using a dedicated headphone amplifier, and I'd like to use a dedicated stereo speaker amplifier as well, instead of a receiver (no real interest in surround). My TV does have optical audio out when using HDMI, which I can use with a normal DAC, but I'll be missing out on some of the high-resolution audio formats on Blu-Ray disks. My 360 doesn't have easy access to either analog out or coax/optical when using HDMI.
 
What's my best option?
1. Use a reciever
2. Use a standard DAC with optical out from the TV
3. A stereo DAC that takes HDMI?
4. Forgo a stand-alone DAC entirely and get a Blu-Ray player with high-end audio? (I'm looking at the BDP-95), and just use analog outs for the HTPC and game systems? Most of my music listening is on CD, anyway.
 
 
Here's my current setup:
HDMI sources: HTPC, PS3, 360
Analog sources: Sony XA5400ES CD player
Receiver: Marantz NR1501
Headphone amplifier: Meier Audio Corda Concerto (usually connected directly to the CD player)
Headphones: Audeze LCD-2
Speakers: JBL Stage Venue
 
Aside from the receiver and speakers, which are temporary, that's a fairly high-end setup.

 

[oculus]

http://www.lektropacks.co.uk/view_product_standard.php?product=1001185&department=126&sub1=245&show=245&department=99 
 
 
This will allow you to break out the pcm.  It does do mulitchannel but you would probably just want the left/right channel only to feed to your dac.