Well, I finally replaced Toslink with USB ...and I'm glad I did...


I just went USB from my Windows laptop to the back of my DAC amp and I must say, the sound blows me away.
I have a newer Dell laptop with a solid-state drive, running Windows 10.  It's fast and all I had to do is load the driver for my DAC amp and I was in business.  

USB A to USB B.  No complaints.  Great sound.

My rig: Dell Laptop with USB into a Teac AI 101-DA DAC integrated amp, out to Sony bookshelf speakers.  Also, using a Panamax line conditioner.  YouTube Music Premium subscription.

Total investment...under $1000.




128x128mikeydee
I will say that USB through a HiFace M2 sounds better then fiber from my $25 sound card, both into a MultiBit DAC.
Too bad for you but "great" sound is not possible from a multipurpose computer.
And keep it away from the audio room
@mikeydee,
Very nice setup there. I like the USB to DAC option too. Mine is an old 2010 Asus laptop upgraded with 8GB RAM and SSD.

@fuzztone,
Please elaborate on why one should keep computer away from audio room?
Give Audirvana a test on that windows 10 box  with some Qobuz high res and you will be very pleased. Whole new level of improvement.