1) Play CD's from the CD ROM drive along with computer music files on some kind of external speakers or stero system that would be local to the PC - sending OUT through a soundcard, and I understand external is the way to go.
2) Be able to send audio INTO the computer for LP transfers, etc., again with the understanding that an external device is the way to go.
I'm looking at something like the Xitel INport (external USB device) for sending audio INTO the computer and their Hi-FI Link (another external USB device) for sending audio OUT of the computer. This would take the place of a traditional internal soundcard, right? Does the fact that my motherboard doesn't have built in audio and not having a regular soundcard mean anything if I go with these devices? My computer assembly guy said he couldn't hook up the CD ROM to anything, so no music. I'm guess that usually hooks up to the motherboard directly, or or to the soundcard of there is one? So, If get the USB devices, and play a CD in the CD rom, am I going to get music out of the USB port that will be picked up by the external USB device? IOW - does the CD rom extract the info and send the info through the computer and make it available at the USB connectors, soundcard or not? Same for audio coming in?
I guess I'm concerned because the CD ROM drive itself apparently has an audio out of some sort that gets connected to something, something that I do not have :( That said, I don't see why I'd have a problem as the CD rom drive itself is in no way part of doing LP transfers, but I want to know before I start buying stuff. Thanks!
marc g. - audiophile by day, music lover by night
