Blazer

Can someone point me to a link that lists the different types of connections used between PCs and DACs, along with the pros and cons of each? Thanks...

Chris, I'm still confused... 1) The means by which I connect the computer to the DAC is determined by what digital "IN" ports are on the DAC and what digital "OUT" ports are on the PC. So I have to use a type that they both have. 2) If I connect my computer to a DAC, how do I direct the sound in my playback software to the digital "OUT" port that connects to the DAC? I'm still in the "pondering" stage and have not purchased any gear yet. Thanks,

OK... I'm giving thought to going PC based digital with a server, so here are a few questions: 1) I need a computer (PC or laptop) 2) I need some software to manage & play the music files (I Tunes, Windows Media Player, other...) 3) I need a lot of storage (for lossless files) like an external hard drive or better yet a RAID NAS 4) I connect an external HD to my PC via USB/firewire 5) OR I connect an NAS to my Linksys router via network cable 6) I connect my computer to a DAC via USB, Toslink, coax, or whatever options I have between the two. 7) I connect the DAC to my system preamp 8) I actually control playback via the computer and software Are the above correct? I am confused about the PC sound card and what role it plays in the system and the features it needs. How does that card sonically effect the output? Thanks...