A/V Integrating an old stereo amplifier

Hi! New here! I'm building my first rig. I'm really excited and wanted to know if anyone can tell me what I can do with my stereo. Its a pioneer sa-950. I hook my laptop to it with aux running to the component ports. That's the only connection I have on the stereo, jus component. If it matters, here are some numeros: 190 watt 120 volt 60 hz.

Is there a better connection I can get running from the computer than aux?

Are there any sound cards which may work better with my old ass system than a stock sound card?

I really appreciate any advice!

 

For a laptop by itself, use a line out to connect to an external amplifier. Usually you can configure the headphone port to work as a line out (i.e. turn off the gain).

If you're building a desktop PC there are a number of Asus cards (Xonar) which are great value. Same principle here; use the line out into another amp and let it do all the work.

 

Or a step up would be a discrete USB DAC - something like the ObjectiveDAC - which goes PC->USB->DAC->RCA->Amp.

 

Teac-udh01 USB is a steal at that price.

 

Much appreciated!