If I were you I'd grab a Meridian Director DAC (old, but very good sound) or equivalent and go direct via USB from the computer to the DAC. For the equipment you have (good indeed, but not premium), I can't image how any difference in sound quality between standard and mini USB could be discerned.
How to add SPDIF and Toslink connections to my computer
My motherboard lacks SPDIF and Toslink connections. I don’t want a sound card, or at least I don’t want to USE a sound card. I want to buy an external DAC. I can use the computer’s USB connections with my as yet chosen DAC, but most have a micro USB, particularly the ones I’m interested in, and I read they are less desirable for audio quality. Is there something I can add to my computer, besides a sound card, in the way of a card or adapter to get those connection.
This is for my husband’s computer. His old computer went down and the problem could not be easily diagnosed so he bought a used Dell. A pathetic substitute for his previous Intel motherboard, but it is what it is for the price. Next to it sits a Meridian 551 integrated amp and a pair of Spendor S3/5 speakers and we got decent audio from the old sound card, an ASUS Essence STX, but not great and I want better if I can get it. So moving from a sound card to an external DAC seems like a good idea.
I’ve been looking at USB DACs like Schiit Modius, Allo Revolution, SMSL Sanskrit. Basically DACs under $500.
ideas welcome.
This is for my husband’s computer. His old computer went down and the problem could not be easily diagnosed so he bought a used Dell. A pathetic substitute for his previous Intel motherboard, but it is what it is for the price. Next to it sits a Meridian 551 integrated amp and a pair of Spendor S3/5 speakers and we got decent audio from the old sound card, an ASUS Essence STX, but not great and I want better if I can get it. So moving from a sound card to an external DAC seems like a good idea.
I’ve been looking at USB DACs like Schiit Modius, Allo Revolution, SMSL Sanskrit. Basically DACs under $500.
ideas welcome.