Hello,
Yes, a sound card can replace your receiver to an extent. You run into problems when you want to start connecting external components such as a VCR and/or Game Console etc.
Your computer acts as a DVD player, CD player, MP3 Player, Digital Video Recorder, DVD Burner, HDTV tuner and video file player.
However, the speakers you use with the PC have to be powered through the subwoofer of the PC speakers, because the sound card has no amplication power to drive the speakers whatsoever. You can get 5.1 - 7.1 THX certified surround sound speakers. The sound card through software is capable of handleing Dolby Digital and DTS signals.
But if you are looking at achieving the same power with a sound card and PC speakers as that found with a/v receivers you find in the stores, the PC speakers subwoofer simply does not have the power to drive the speakers like that of a A/V Receiver that drives the 5-7 speakers with the subwoofer self powered.
So, if you have a small home theater room, you can use the PC speakers with great success, but once the home theater room gets to large, forget it, you will need a A/V receiver.
By the way, I am almost finished with my 200+ page ebook on building a home theater PC and cover this information extensively.
Hope that helps.
Take Care,
Shawn Mosqueda
WireSmart LLC
www.wiresmart.com
shawn@wiresmart.com
How To Build A Home Theater PC ebook coming soon! visit www.wiresmart.com
can a sound card in a media center pc replace a a/v reciever in sound? or would i still need a a/v reciver?

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