Depends on your OS and mobo audio outs. I'll use (Arch) Linux + OSS4 as as example. Because OSS4 does not provide support for onboard S/PDIF out and because USB support is still experimental, you will need a soundcard (e.g. Xonar ST) with S/PDIF (coax/TOSLINK) out. Using S/PDIF coax as part of the example, connect a digital coax cable from soundcard coax output to the coax input of your chosen standalone DAC. If you have active speakers, simply connect your speakers to the DAC via available output methods (typically RCA, or XLR). If you have powered speakers, connect the DAC to your amp. Done. Linux + ALSA/PulseAudio? You can go straight USB out from your mobo.
Basics for connecting PC to stereo
I am only using CDs to listen to music on my stereo. I would like to start to use my computer to be the source of my music for both convenience and I have some music only in mp3 or wav due to the unavailability of the music in CD format (example dj spooky remixes).
I have yet to find a basics guide on how to do this but I am hoping I have been looking in the wrong places and some of you know where it is.
I have a low budget stereo for an audiogon user (which is high budget for the general public), no standalone DAC, and am hoping to make the transition for under $1000, but willing to go $1500.
Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Dominic
I have yet to find a basics guide on how to do this but I am hoping I have been looking in the wrong places and some of you know where it is.
I have a low budget stereo for an audiogon user (which is high budget for the general public), no standalone DAC, and am hoping to make the transition for under $1000, but willing to go $1500.
Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Dominic