Audio PC

Some people here are telling ya accurate stuff and trying to save ya money. Others want to share their neurosis.  Get a fanless PC with an SSD and spend the money on a good DAC with USB input. Don't need to be expensive. No timing issues ever that's why they have such high dynamic range. Sometimes the numbers don't lie. Lots of stuff out there to get rid of USB electrical noise if you're worried. Save ya money to spend where it matters.

I have not used Euphony Stylus or any of the Linux implementations.  Sorry.  I'm running Windows 10 PC because it's used as a multi-purpose computer, gaming computer and sound system.  I'm running an AMD 5900x based system with a Pink Faun S/PDIF card using AES/EBU as connection type.  Farad Super 3 as linear power supply for the Pink Faun.

@snratio,

Good post. I've got a real quiet Noctua CPU fan in my PC, but I'd certainly want to go fanless next time.

As for the power supply fans, there's some pretty good low-noise units available at reasonable prices nowadays.

Any decent PC nowadays should be virtually noiseless. 

I like these HP Business mini’s. Lots of processor choices and a long warranty. They are built solid. Only going to work for USB out. If you are worried about power, they use an external supply so ya can do what you want. No fan and quiet. https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/mdp/business-solutions/hp-elitedesk-805-mini#!&tab=vao

@auxinput if you’re not interested in going dual boot, and are happy with Win 10 as your OS, maybe you aught to check out a trial version of Phil’s Audio Optimizer for free? There is a large PC music community and the information is quite good.

14 day trial for free
https://www.highend-audiopc.com/audiophile-optimizer
** If you do try it, please give some impressions? There will either be an immediate improvement heard in your system or not, there will be no waiting for it to run in. **