Windows PC to USB DAC. How do you do it ?

If you have a dac you like try a HAG, Trends or Empirical audio USB-to-DAC device. I own all three and recommend any of them relative to the total price point of your system.

Re: USB cables, non digital "grunge" is a real issue for some combinations of digital and analog equipment. It can be seen using a good 'scope. Excellent power/isolation hygiene is a must for the last amount of performance.

For my main system, where I am driving dcs and sigtech gear, I use Gefen pro-audio optical USB and battery power supplies as the input to the digital chain as well as isolated power lines with PS Audio Power plants for the dcs and Sigtech.

In my bedroom system with Magnepans, ASL and MSB Platinum, I just plug in my laptop and don't really bother (other than ferrite suppression USB cables).

phil

Seen perhaps, but this is audio. Can it be heard? I still doubt spending 185 times the going rate for a cable is necessary. Again YMMV, as may your desire to waste money.

If you can't hear any differences don't spend the money. If you aren't sure set up a double blind test. Some combos of equipment are more sensitive to grunge than others.

And some individuals are more sensitive to marketing hype than others. ;)

If you are using a good high-end pre/pro you can get a signal adapter (Trends Audio UD 10 USB 1.1) (Cyro-Parts USB 2.0 to SPDIF converter) and let your processor do the DAC work. (You will be going in and out of the adapter in digital). Most interfaces have lots of bells and whistles that many don't need, i.e. mic, guitar inputs, etc. If your PC has USB 2.0 it will be better than the USB 1.0. I-Mac users have 2.0, SPDIF Optical toslink and firewire outs.