Magichord1

Well, it's not exactly a "high end" laptop, and though the build quality is great, and I never really have issues, and I got 4G RAM and 490 GB of space. But, I didn't spend like $2k or more on it or something. To Apple's credit, toslink appears readily on ProBook, and I don't know how far up the chain w/ Toshiba you'd have to go to get it. I do have FireWire and e-SATA though, the latter which I dearly love for file management, video stuff, storage transfers, etc. Yes, I know about that new Bel Canto DAC. A little over my budget, actually. I'll probably be able to lay out no more than $900. for the DAC alone, and get something like the MF V-DAC a bit later...see post below. But for an inexpensive means for conversion to Toslink, thanks much on the docking stn. thought. Never owned one, and so far I haven't found any product tech feature lists for any brand mentioning toslink at all, but I'll get back to looking at that later, as I've also read how this interface can turn out much better than many for USB. It's better to have it along as a second landing, eh? Over-&-Out.

Eloise, Yes, the MF V-Link will be a possibility if I later decide on a DAC which doesn't offer an asynchronous mode in the input receiver chipset, but does offer other sonic benefits such as a well-designed tubed analog stage, or something. In 1st post I mentioned that the Halide Bridge will be beyond my $-means, given all else I need to plan for, A/V-wise and everywhere else in life over the next few years. But I could swing the MF if I go for one of the Chinese DACs, spending $160-or-so less, there...there's plenty to choose from, and many have damn good headphone amps/ output jacks as well, which will triple the enjoyment I'm getting now from my AKG K-701s. I could get the DAC first, and just wait to buy the V-Link later when I can afford it. This thread is done. I got what I needed on a relatively minor issue here. Many thanks.

Thanks for taking the time here, Nick. I'm aware of the general superiority of Toslink, but I'd have to get a whole new computer to have that option, and I've only had this machine (a really nice, fat Satellite), for 2 yrs. When I eventually do buy my next PC it'll be a Mac, more than likely. I also have FireWire and e-SATA-out. But with no wealthy uncles about to leave me an inheritance soon, I can't quite squeeze in that Weiss 202! Anyway, I'll try this again through someone's outboard DAC or better-quality 5.1 processor/receiver to see how things sound, as I don't trust the 'consistency' variable w/ my bro-in-law's aging little micro 5.1. Speaking of multi-chnl. audio processors, since you suggested going USB direct there-- I'm a pretty happy camper with 2.1 for home theatre, and am mostly a music fanatic- but after discovering Emotiva's new UMC-1 processor, I'm now leaning toward finally taking the plunge into surround. Getting back into having a high end stereo DAC again may have to wait a few years-- I've put off having 5.1 for movies too long. The Cirrus Logic DSP chips in this thing should be fine for dealing well with a 16-bit input (my huge flac/CD collection)...and I can always modify the analog-out stage of the UMC-1 to heart's content, later. This baby has all the right curves, and does everything except wash the dishes! http://emotiva.com/umc1.shtm

If one or more of the experienced Windows users here could clue me in on this, I'd really 'preciate it. I'm building a new system this year and plan to use my PC, a somewhat high end Toshiba Sat., as my server so to speak, on Windows Vista HP-SP2. I'm kind of an older-school audiophile who got started in the high end in '82, and am just now about to break into the computer-based realm of things. The mini-jack headphone-out from the laptop is easily configured over to a digital S/PDIF-out via the Realtek HD audio manager on board, and I was hoping to use this soon as my source for a good stereo DAC, rather than USB...even though I realize some of the USB-in DAC designs have advanced in the last couple years, the quality of the asynchronous game improving, etc. I can't afford most of those DACs though, and would still prefer to use coaxl dig.-out if possible. But when I tried it with an adapter for going to RCA S/PDIF on my bro-in-law's crappy little 5.1 surround receiver, the music was balanced in stereo properly, but the dynamics were very muted, and flat. One source suggested to me that these computer coaxl digital-outs aren't even remotely 75 ohm, and "there are probably other issues". Like what? What's the story on this type of switchable analog/digital output? If I do ultimately have to use USB, I could afford the HST Plus, as far as a DAC without it's own headphone rig, unless anyone has a better suggestion...something like the Halide bridge isn't really within my budget right now. Many thanks. I'm new here--this is fantastic little web portal!