HTPC audio from mobo

[Leon1972]

Hello. I just put together my first htpc. I am using XBMC as my front end media center software. I have a lot of experience in computer and some in av so I need some assistance on a audio question. Can I run my mobo to an amp to surround speakers and how will they sound.
My mobo onboard audio specs are
Realtek® ALC892 codec
High Definition Audio
2/4/5.1/7.1-channel
Support for S/PDIF Out

What do I need to look for in an amp for this if this is possible and what else do I need. I really don't know where to begin for a setup like this.
For those interest I'm running the h87 gigabyte mobo featured in the link
http://www.gigabyte.us/products/product-page.aspx?pid=4733#sp

 

[LoveMachine]

You have HDMI ports, so a single HDMI cable will carry everything (full 1080p video and 7.1 DTS-HD Master audio) to an AVR receiver or TV over a single cable. S/PDIF only supports 5.1 up through DTS or Dolby Digital, and won't support the newest high def content. Since it's all digital from the HTPC, the limit of sound quality will depend on your speakers and the D/A converter in your receiver.

 

[LoveMachine]

Oh, and the Realtek D/A converter on the MB will send analogue signal to a non-AVR amp, but the sound quality will be inferior to anything on a lower midrange AVR.