Connecting Windows PC to DAC

These are generally referred-to as USB converters. There is a large range in SQ from these. You get what you pay for, and this is the most important part of the digital audio system. The lower the jitter of the master clock and the design and power system, the closer it will be to analog sound quality. The Off-Ramp 5 has S/PDIF, AES/EBU, I2S, HDMI I2S outputs.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

FWIW, a friend is using the Musical Fidelity USB-to-RCA converter (not a DAC), with satisfying results. I have heard the system and it sounded fantastic to me. This is one of the cheaper options out there, too.

Thanks, everyone. I am happy to know that a usb converter is what I need. Now I'm confused as there seem to be quite a lot of choices. As this is my first venture into digital music, I don't want to invest too much into it. Do people have any thoughts on the Trends UD-10 and the KingRex UD384?

It all depends how much you want to spend.

For $200 you can get a Musical Fidelity V-Link 192 (discounted from $400) at Music Direct.

Stello U3 is quite a bit better, but costs $499. IMO this is the most sensible choice for AN DAC One.

Then there are EA Off Ramp Turbo 5, BADA Alpha USB, Soulution 590 - but those are $$$.

Dont forget also the Diverter HR and Synergistic Research. These along with Off-Ramp 5 have earned best of shows at RMAF.