IMHO you definitely do not want to use a soundcard - too noisy. Two choices,
1) a USB device like the now hard to find Waveterminal, then a SPDIF or Toslink into the DAC - I run this with excellent results using an Opticis fiber USB which can run great distances...
or probably the better choice
2) A Squeezebox (SB) which is a network device that can connect via either Ethernet or WiFi (802.11g). The SB can give you a SPDIF out. Many people mod theirs (Redwine Audio or Bolder Cable) but the big first step is simply to get a better power supply - check the Squeezebox Forums for the latest there.
The big advantage is that the SB has a remote interface meaning that you can control the music selection (ie the hard drive) from your music room. You can also use it to stream Internet radio. Neither of which the USB solution can do.
1) a USB device like the now hard to find Waveterminal, then a SPDIF or Toslink into the DAC - I run this with excellent results using an Opticis fiber USB which can run great distances...
or probably the better choice
2) A Squeezebox (SB) which is a network device that can connect via either Ethernet or WiFi (802.11g). The SB can give you a SPDIF out. Many people mod theirs (Redwine Audio or Bolder Cable) but the big first step is simply to get a better power supply - check the Squeezebox Forums for the latest there.
The big advantage is that the SB has a remote interface meaning that you can control the music selection (ie the hard drive) from your music room. You can also use it to stream Internet radio. Neither of which the USB solution can do.