2. digital
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Add soundcard with digital out?

I have a PC sourced system as follows:
Windows XP > JRiver Jukebox > Soundblaster Live! 5.1(unmapped)> USB out to Giga Lab Moon NOS DAC > RCAs out to pre-amp.

The Moon DAC will sample up to 48kHz on its USB input, but it will do 96kHz on its coax and optical inputs. The Soundblaster has no digital outs (which is why I got a USB DAC in ther first place).

In order to take advantage of the 96 capability of the Moon DAC, should I replace the Soundblaster card with one that has coax or optical out (like the M Audio Audiophile 2496 or the ASUS Xonar DX)?

BTW, at present I use this system for just internet radio and MP3 downloads from Amazon and WalMart (oy!). So, all I need is 44.1kHz. But, if I can ever get my butt in gear, I have over 200 CDs from which I want to copy selected tracks onto my PC.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
mmarvin19

Showing 1 response by mmarvin19

mmarvin19 OP
157 posts
 
Thanks Bnieman. There is a black output on the card, but it is 3.5mm. I did some researech on the Live! 5.1 and it appears that connector doubles as a heaphone in and a SPDIF out. I found a $1.50 3.5mm to optical adaptor at Parts Express.

Myrtle - anything from Empirical will have to wait until I win a lottery. I won't need a converter if I go optical out from the PC to my outboard DAC (which is presently connected via USB).
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