A DAC is gonna be your best bet here. imo
One with USB input perhaps, though not necessarily. One can go either way... out from a sound card into a receiver, or int, or preamp via analog.
From the card into a receiver or processor/controler or DAC via optical or coax cables.
Or via USB directly from the PC then into a DAC via USB cable. There are others too.
Some even bypass the conventional stand alone DAC altogether by using the Apple Airport, Squeeze box, or Transporter. These wireless units possessing DACs that feed your audio power train via analog cables.
Lots of ways. Which is best? Don't know for a fact, but I went with a conventional stand alone DAC possessing all the digital inputs + USB for greater flexibility.
Logistics say some will have to or want to, use wireless, eg., Airport/Transporter, or a laptop and USB DAC. I understand one can even use their cell phone now with some devices.
Iv'e tried all but the Airport & Transporter as I'd still have to use a laptop to view and navigate via it's larger display.
I prefer both the sound card approach into the preamp... and the USB/laptop into the DAC. Each has it's merits. The DAC in my case is the key however... IMO.
Though there are other considerations. File types. Lossless, or compressed. media players too can improve the sound. How the files are ripped and formated as well, contribute to the outcome.
Pick your own poison. Squeeze box... Airport... Transporter... they begin at about $300 & up. The Transporter is $2K. DACs are whatefver you want to pay...
At $2k I wanted more flexibility with other digital sources so I chose to look at a few DACs.. and stayed with the Bel Canto DAC3.
Where ever the conversion from digital to analog occurs is where your bottleneck as I call it, or your limitations reside. Concentrating on getting that area as best you can will pay big dividens... along with the other items I mentioned previously... player, error free ripping, lossless files etc.
A little trouble now, perhaps, but much ease very soon there after... with as good quality as you wish to or can, afford.
One with USB input perhaps, though not necessarily. One can go either way... out from a sound card into a receiver, or int, or preamp via analog.
From the card into a receiver or processor/controler or DAC via optical or coax cables.
Or via USB directly from the PC then into a DAC via USB cable. There are others too.
Some even bypass the conventional stand alone DAC altogether by using the Apple Airport, Squeeze box, or Transporter. These wireless units possessing DACs that feed your audio power train via analog cables.
Lots of ways. Which is best? Don't know for a fact, but I went with a conventional stand alone DAC possessing all the digital inputs + USB for greater flexibility.
Logistics say some will have to or want to, use wireless, eg., Airport/Transporter, or a laptop and USB DAC. I understand one can even use their cell phone now with some devices.
Iv'e tried all but the Airport & Transporter as I'd still have to use a laptop to view and navigate via it's larger display.
I prefer both the sound card approach into the preamp... and the USB/laptop into the DAC. Each has it's merits. The DAC in my case is the key however... IMO.
Though there are other considerations. File types. Lossless, or compressed. media players too can improve the sound. How the files are ripped and formated as well, contribute to the outcome.
Pick your own poison. Squeeze box... Airport... Transporter... they begin at about $300 & up. The Transporter is $2K. DACs are whatefver you want to pay...
At $2k I wanted more flexibility with other digital sources so I chose to look at a few DACs.. and stayed with the Bel Canto DAC3.
Where ever the conversion from digital to analog occurs is where your bottleneck as I call it, or your limitations reside. Concentrating on getting that area as best you can will pay big dividens... along with the other items I mentioned previously... player, error free ripping, lossless files etc.
A little trouble now, perhaps, but much ease very soon there after... with as good quality as you wish to or can, afford.