I appreciate the responses... As far as USB goes, unfortunately I had to rule out the use of USB and rule out the use of my laptop... I had a vdac ii hooked up to my asus through USB and I had popping and clicking issues... I had tried another vdac ii and the problem was still there... Last week I bought the Cambridge Audio ID100 iPod/ iPad dock and I'm loving it... I just need a good dac for it now... Temporarily I'm using a cheap parts express $36 dac that I got earlier in time for my flat screen tv... And yes, I got what I paid for... Thanks again for the responses guys... It's much appreciated...
Leo
Leo