Inamelotone

Thanks Souptin - all good to know. The soundcard properties tell me SPDIF is via 'optical jack'. I think for the sake of a few £££ it will be worth investing in the mini toslink cable you mention and experiment. Not sure if my current DPA DAC (probably over 10 years old) will know what's going on but it should be interesting! As it stands most modern DACs seem to carry the USB option so I guess I will have a choice when it comes to listening... which let's face it is quite a nice thing! Cheerio for now Inamelotone

Hi folks As a follow up to my previous post... well I have just discovered that my laptop (a pretty average Packard Bell EasyNote TR87, bought in January) actually comes fitted with a SPDIF output! Am I right in thinking this ought to be superior to USB? I have investigated the soundcard and it would appear to be by VIA Technologies. Looking into properties/supported formats, I see the card can output DTS Audio & Dolby Digital (ticked as default settings) and Microsoft WMA Pro Audio (unticked). The latter option is very intriguing... So before I go down the USB route, would the SPDIF output be a better bet for high quality audio? And if so, are there any good cables (or adaptors) that can channel the digital output from the mini-jack SPDIF to the coax on my DAC (I have yet to buy a DAC but I working on it!) As always your thoughts, links and all round expertise will be most gratefully received. Inamelotone

Well than you again everyone - great response. I will check out the Beresford and some of the pro options. Week-end is approaching, phew... Bye for now Inamelotone

Thanks for all the suggestions - I will investigate the various models, as well as the alternatives to itunes and WMP. Will report in due course! Inamelotone PS. a shoot out of budget DACs could indeed make for interesting reading Mr Editor!

Hi folks I am new to this forum and thought I would quiz seasoned computer audiophiles on what good DAC(s) might be available to get me started with hi-res audio files, e.g. the 24/96 downloads which one might purchase from HD Tracks and the like. I should point out that my sonic preferences very much lie with vintage valves (tubes) amplifiers, horn speakers and analog sources - I am not anti CD but feel that hi-res downloads must be where the future lies! I have started dipping my toes in 'computer' based music and have enjoyed playing around with itunes and Windows media player (ripping CDs in uncompressed form). I acquired a used Onkyo SE-U55 external sound card a couple of years ago, which is now used as a USB to coax converter, outputting its signal to a late 90s DPA Little Bit DAC. The sound is ok but nowhere near CD yet - so there must be scope for improvement! I would appreciated suggestions for a good but affordable DAC, say up to $500-$600, so I may move on to the next stage... Thanks in advance Inamelotone