My Budget is variable. I would prefer something under $1000 but if it's going to be something that will last me forever and is really leagues better than the other options I can be flexible.
I looked at the Apogee Ensemble and the RME Fireface/Babyface line but I couldn't find any clear info on whether it can be used as a primary sound card. Also hard to find info on whether they output 5.1(or 7.1) through Optical or digital Coax.
I did find in the Fireface manual that it says they don't recommend using the Fireface as the primary sound system. I don't know if that's because it will do something to the hardware or if its a precautionary warning.
Does anybody else think this is a gap in the Audiophile market? I mean it's easy to find as much info as you want about Headphone Box's, Phono Box's, DAC's . . . etc. But there is very little info on External Computer Surround Sound box's.
Anyways, can you give me any more info on how these systems work? Do you just plug it in via Firewire/USB and then run a toslink/coax from the Interface to the receiver. Obviously change the output settings in my system preferences also. But is that all there is to it?