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Windows PC to USB DAC. How do you do it ?

I am in the process of trying to integrate my laptop computer into my audio system and was planning on purchasing a DAC with a USB input. However, I am not sure how I get a digital stream of data out of my computer, more specifically, using Window Media Player which is what I have used for my music handling on my pc. I have heard I need to buy a sound card for my laptop, but I cant seem to get more information, nor, how I would still direct the music from WMP to the sound card.
Any help greatly appreciated !
Thanks,
Mark
markny
mrmb's avatar
mrmb
299 posts
 
Take a peek at Wavelength Audio's DAC site. It contains good information re. PC to DAC interfaces.

http://www.usbdacs.com/

The Computer Audio Asylum forum also contains lots of helpful information.
http://www.audioasylum.com/scripts/tv.pl?forum=pcaudio&s=1

-Mike
ajahu
306 posts
 
You may also try the apogee rosetta 200 with inbuilt firewire card.
scramman
43 posts
 
Look at the thread I just had going for "USB DAC".

You don't need a sound card, you'll be going right from a USB port to your DAC.

There are many options for a USB DAC. It just depends on how much you have to spend. You can get a pretty decent one for under $200.
stayonboard
3 posts
 
Exactly what Scramman said above me, the only thing you need is a USB port for your DAC

I ended up buying a FUBAR III USB Dac which also has a build in amplifier (Personally I love it but if you don't listen to headphones its not needed). If you solely JUST want a USB Dac I'd really recommend the Fubar II. Same DAC as the III only without the headphone amp. You can get a Fubar II for about $150 American including shipping.

Hope that helps!
Cheers!
puerto
372 posts
 
If what you all are saying then, if I want to go directly from my library in WMP to my pre/pro, all that is required is the USB port in the laptop and a corresponding port in the pre/pro. The pre/pro can do the dac work and play it through my "system". Correct? Couldn't you also do the same thing from an external HD to the pre/pro?
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