You can connect your laptop to your AVR either via optical or HDMI, I connected my Onkyo receiver to my PC using an optical cable. But let me tell you I use this setup for movies only and if you listen to music
(for relaxation) you will start feeling
more fatigue than to chill yourself.
For music, I have Marantz integrated amp connected to my Polk RTI A3. For this setup I'm using Fiio K3 DAC which take signals from my PC
(connected via type C USB )->convert it to beautiful analogue signals and transfer it to
TEAC EQA 220 equalizer which is connected to Marantz...the Marantz send those to Speakers. The best part about K3 DAC is, it's also equipped with headphone amp, a bass switch and a gain switch. And a preamp (Volume control).
Just made a diagram of my actual setup for you.
View attachment 44006