A follow-up. Since the media center is the only input used on the TV I elected to connect the speakers to the MC directly. Got me around all the negatives in connecting to my TV audio out.
I purchased the Z623s. Simple 2 speakers and a sub. Not 19.1 channel Dolby digital, but in a very simple way adds good quality and depth of sound to my HTPC. KISS works for me.
Thank you for all the feedback and thoughts. It is appreciated.