Thank you Rives! I have been considering the PS Audio Digital Link III for a DAC since it has XLR balanced "outs" and I did look at the Creative Sound Cards as you suggest - they come highly rated but I agree with your assertion that a high quality external DAC is the way to go. Am I to assume that by using the digital SPDIF out for an external DAC that I am effectively bypassing the PC sound card or would it be necessary to disable the PC sound card first?
Bypassing a PC Sound card
True or false? If you put an external DAC between the dedicated PC and your music system's pre/pro or amps you are effectively bypassing the PC's internal sound card? I need a new sound card but am thinking that a basic, lower-end card will do since it would only be used for monitoring downloads or rips. An external DAC would take Digital to Analog responsibility off of the internal sound card thus eliminating the need for something more upscale like a Creative Soundblaster Xtreme Gamer, etc.
I'm concerned that a PC sound card could never pass audiophile quality sound into my system.
The system has a Krell HTS 7.1 pre/pro, Krell fpb 350's in front, KSA 100 for center/sub and fpb 250's for the rears. All speakers are Maggies - 20.1's in front. smaller ones for center and rears.
Thanks for any simple, non-techno, answers!
I'm concerned that a PC sound card could never pass audiophile quality sound into my system.
The system has a Krell HTS 7.1 pre/pro, Krell fpb 350's in front, KSA 100 for center/sub and fpb 250's for the rears. All speakers are Maggies - 20.1's in front. smaller ones for center and rears.
Thanks for any simple, non-techno, answers!