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help choosing cable pc to dac.

I would like to stream audio from windows 10 pc.I am concerned with the limitations of the pc source.How far should I go up the cable chain ? 18ft run of 3.5mm to rca to dac.I want a good signal without added noise but don't want to waste money either.Can anyone share their experience or make recommendations.?RW
128x128rickw062
marktomaras
544 posts
 
Perhaps you can use a usb to Spdif converter and run a single length of RCA.  I used the Musical Fidelity V-Link to this end a while back.  This way you still get USB out, which can be a benefit, and run a good signal through the lone RCA.
mesch
3,500 posts
 
I use a USB?SPDIF converter with older DACs. The V-link, as suggested by markomaras, can be had inexpensively.  What will you be streaming in way of file type?
rickw062's avatar
rickw062 OP
23 posts
 
I get little tuner reseption where i live.Just want variety while working around the house, cooking etc.  pc has Realtech High Def.Audio card.I will add gear later for streaming and storage.This is for casual play back only through my 2 channel rig.
rickw062's avatar
rickw062 OP
23 posts
 
just checked dac, only one rca and one optical port aval.No optical out on pc.Can i just run 3.5 to dual rca straight to preamp as if it were a tuner?
mesch
3,500 posts
 
I take it that your sound card has the 3.5mm output. I see no reason a 3.5mm to dual RCA cable would not work for you. 
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