You could buy a used Asus Xonar Essence STX on ebay for anywhere from $50 to $250. There's an STX II card for $295 if you want the latest version. These have an RCA S/PDIF output that is better than the optical on your motherboard. Drivers are available on the Asus website. However, it's not as good as the Pink Faun S/PDIF.
Usb or Optical
Have a custom built computer has latest greatest Realtek Audio 1220 vb or whatever its called. I have a Little Dot Mark ii tube amp and i just bought a SMSL D300 dac. Should i go optical from computer to desktop dac ? or usb from computer to usb on back of destop dac ????? im not trying to get dsd or any crazy hi res 24/192 is fine. Whats going to give me the best sound ?
thanks for all input is welcome.
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- 47 posts total
- 47 posts total