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Decided to update/get working my PC for music, using external amp and regular speakers.
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I've got a PC with no digital out, NONE.
(Windows 7 x64, older Dell Workstation)
I have USB and am using that to an inexpensive external DAC now.
(running Jriver and mostly ripped Cd's, and a few higher rez files)
But I really want Coax out, Optical will work though. (an move up in DAC)
(obviously for an external DAC to play music files, higher rez an whatnot)
I don't really need/want a sound card, IF I don't HAVE to.
And I really didn't want to just do a USB to SPDIF either.
(not sure I like the idea of just another conversion here) ?
Do they make something like say a pci/pcie card that just has COAX/OPTICAL outputs on it there?
If not then is there a cheap sound card that would work well/really good with no sound quality issues?
If my thinking is off base here gimme suggestions of what you might do then please and why if you would...
Any and all thoughts/suggestions are welcome,
Thanks,
Keg
Follow Ups:
They hate USB as well, but make great DACs at lots of price points with multiple digital inputs. You could use one with your current PC via USB then save for a modern PC.
I know you said you aren't a lover of USB DACs but let me suggest an alternative. The ifi nano iDSD is a small USB DAC which has both an analog output and a digital output. Thus, you can use it just for its DAC capabilities and as a handy digital output. I use the digital output to provide an input to my DEQX processor which doesn't have a USB input. The little ifi unit works great and only costs $199.
I really don't like how AA puts these posts/threads together.
Wish they would just flow post date/time on down to follow easy.
Anywho my thoughts have changed a little with research and testing as posted above.
I'm no longer looking for a digital output connection other than USB, or a non USB DAC.
Probably converter, then upgrade my DAC as the converter I'm using now is a borrowed 1.
----
And as stated I still have 2 more DAC's here to try/listen to,
Then I'll probably go and get my own converter, then upgrade my DAC.
Converter borrowed, an any DAC I can afford/want to buy/pay for this setup will probably benefit from 1.
This a secondary system, my thoughts DAC I'm going to get will either be used, bang for the buck cheap.
Meaning my thoughts are whatever I can afford would probably benefit from using a converter.
(Just stating above that if this is good as I get it would actually be fine with what I'm hearing)
So I'm hunting converters now, then I will end up getting a much newer DAC as well for the PC
(The DAC will probably still be something 1-3 years old, but newer than what I got anyway)
Hi !
i am not an expert but after a lot of kind and valuable advice i have understood two things, actually one ... the pc is both a source of signals and noise.
So a good interface should address primarly this noise coming from the pc providing, for instance, galvanic and EMI isolation for the dac downstream the pc.
If you use a optical link you have both. Problem with optical connection is in the execution quality. Usually poor. With the AT&T standard (the reference) being extremely rare and expensive.
So a usb to spdif interface that provides both galvanic isolation and good reclocking of the pc signal is key for good sound.
Or, better said, it will put your dac in the condition to sound at its best.
I would use one of this interface.
Many Inmates here have gone this way with very good results.
Kind regards,
bg
Edits: 04/24/16
Well still researching an learning, and listening
From that I've gathered so far, (whether right or wrong)
On average to cheap DAC's you will probably benefit from a decent async USB to SPDIF converter.
You may still benefit from a decent async USB to SPDIF converter on a decent to good DAC as well.
On an newer, well designed PC DAC/USB input DAC the benefits diminish, no need for one on it here.
(mainly because the USB interface on the DAC isn't that great, an the adapters isolation/implementation)
And it seems my needing/wanting an card or other to get coax/optical out of the PC is not the way to go.
(I'd be better off getting an really good DAC that doesn't need the usb/spdif adapter or a good adapter) [IMG]
---------------
Now I have the "Nuforce U192S" adapter in an connected to an older Theta DAC through the COAX input.
WOW!
I can't say for sure if it's the adapter or the DAC, my guess some of both..
(this DAC has no USB to test it and the original I was using has only USB) [IMG]
Any edginess that may have been present is gone, an now has an easiness to the presentation, light n airy.
Similar to going from say digital to analog, or dare I say it from solid state to tubes, Big Improvement there.
(Not trying to say analog better than digital, tubes better than solid state, just trying to describe the change)
I don't believe my older Theta DAC or Nuforce U192S adapter are "top notch" performers so still room here.
(and I still have 2 more DAC's here to get through while doing more research, testing)
I could probably live with this setup as it is and be quite happy. [IMG]
Started out all I wanted was decent output from the pc, use speakers otherwise sitting around not being used.
It's certainly exceeded that! ;)
Thanks to everyone who has responded, and any more please do, I'm all ears and welcome it that's for sure!
I use a Juli@ card. Coax and optical SPDIF out, tho the coax is via a somewhat clumsy dongle.
Can be hard to find depending on what expansion slots your PC has; the regular card has been in stock recently, the XTe "express" connection, not.
How about a Raspberry Pi 2 or 3 with a HiFiBerry DIGI+ addition, that has coaxial out? Different free software programs out there you can use. I run Logitech Media Server on the PC with piCoreplayer to intergrate the Raspberry with the Logitech program.
Edits: 04/23/16 04/23/16
.
"Asylums with doors open wide,
Where people had paid to see inside,
For entertainment they watch his body twist
Behind his eyes he says, 'I still exist.'"
Here's one for $290. I don't know if that's a good price. I sold mine several years ago. Link below.
But, it's about what folks are paying for them. On second thought, it's a cheap price. Some folks are asking nearly $500 for a used one with the original box and all the accessories.
I should have bought a hundred of them when Logitech closed them out a few years ago for $179. The returns on those would surely have beaten my stock portfolio.
-Rod
& other hardware endpoint solutions, + Roon compatibility, - we'll prolly see less crazy prices, as there are now better sounding alternatives in a smaller, better-sounding, package.
"Asylums with doors open wide,
Where people had paid to see inside,
For entertainment they watch his body twist
Behind his eyes he says, 'I still exist.'"
I've seen some ridiculous asking prices for the SBT! I'm thinking that $290 isn't so bad if you don't consider the original price or closeout price. Incredible.
At the moment I'm running USB from the PC to USB in on an external DAC. (actually sounds pretty good)
I have an Nuforce U192S borrowed from a buddy to try out 3 other DAC's an there COAX/OPTICAL inputs.
As mentioned I'm fairly new to the whole pc media server external DAC thing.
I'm researching and trying to find out what the supposed best connections and hookups are.
My thinking on the USB to SPDIF converter was your introducing another "layer in the mix/translation"
an just figured that wouldn't be as good as straight from an SPDIF output, but I'm open to any outcomes.
Even though I have an excellent dac (Audio-GD Master 70 with a good usb input I use a Melodious USB converter. I then can choose from several different outputs to the many inputs on the dac. I can use I2S, Coax, optical , AES/EBU and BNC. I use I2S. The melodius is a bargain at under $300 and sounds great
Alan
I've got a PC with no digital out, NONE.
You have a PC with no digital audio out.
I don't really need/want a sound card, IF I don't HAVE to.
Understood.
Do they make something like say a pci/pcie card that just has COAX/OPTICAL outputs on it there?
Yes, it is called a sound card, built-in or add-on.
What is your objection to the USB output? There are many quite excellent USB DACs.
Thanks for the posting,
But yah this MB/PC has no digital output connections.
Often Mobos do have a SPDIF header but not necessarily a receptacle
If this is the case a simple bracket might do like:
http://www.ebay.com/bhp/spdif-bracket
The Well Tempered Computer
http://forum.videohelp.com/threads/333711-S-PDIF-connectors-and-making-your-own-MB-S-PDIF-connector
The Well Tempered Computer
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