I am just starting to look into this. My constraints are a PC running Windows or Linux, listening through old Stax headphones connected to an integrated amp a couple feet away from the computer, and very low budget, say, around $200. By the way, all my PCs (purposely) have FireWire on the motherboard, and I do have an old D/A converter I can use to get started. I would be looking to upgrade as money permits, but this won't be right away. Obviously, I wouldn't be able to afford the best USB interface.
So in this context, what is the best way (in terms of sound quality) to get sound from the computer? Would it be better to get one of those integrated USB/DACs with built-in cable? If so, I'm guessing this would mean money down the drain when it comes time to upgrade.
Also, many mention that using coax or toslink from motherboard is not a good idea, but I don't see a justification for this other than USB is the way to go. Why is it that coax/toslink from the motherboard is inferior? On my computer at work I at least don't get constant ticks and pauses like I do when using the cheap USB->coax adapter I got several years ago.
So in this context, what is the best way (in terms of sound quality) to get sound from the computer? Would it be better to get one of those integrated USB/DACs with built-in cable? If so, I'm guessing this would mean money down the drain when it comes time to upgrade.
Also, many mention that using coax or toslink from motherboard is not a good idea, but I don't see a justification for this other than USB is the way to go. Why is it that coax/toslink from the motherboard is inferior? On my computer at work I at least don't get constant ticks and pauses like I do when using the cheap USB->coax adapter I got several years ago.