2. pc-audio
  3. 1300828643

PC Audio via S/PDIF question

If I wish to use my PC (Win 7) laptop as a music server via S/PDIF outs to an external DAC, is there anyway to avoid using the laptops internal sound card? Or is it preferable to use a USB out - either to a USB to S/DIF converter or direct to USB input on the DAC?
salmonsc

Showing 2 responses by tobias

tobias
1,534 posts
 
The answer depends on the quality of the equipment you have.

If you have a very good sound card with S/PDIF out ( Lynx ? ), you're better off using that and a good cable.

If your sound card is ordinary, you have to use USB but you will need a good-quality cable ( cryo treatment is nice ) and a decent DAC.

if you need a USB-to-S/PDIF conversion box on top of that you'll need the S/PDIF cable too. ( 1.5 meters long, essential. )
tobias
1,534 posts
 
Good to know for sure that external conversion is the way to go.
More to discover