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How to add SPDIF and Toslink connections to my computer

My motherboard lacks SPDIF and Toslink connections.  I don’t want a sound card, or at least I don’t want to USE a sound card.  I want to buy an external DAC.  I can use the computer’s USB connections with my as yet chosen DAC, but most have a micro USB, particularly the ones I’m interested in, and I read they are less desirable for audio quality.  Is there something I can add to my computer, besides a sound card, in the way of a card or adapter to get those connection.

This is for my husband’s computer.  His old computer went down and the problem could not be easily diagnosed so he bought a used Dell.  A pathetic substitute for his previous Intel motherboard, but it is what it is for the price.  Next to it sits a Meridian 551 integrated amp and a pair of Spendor S3/5 speakers and we got decent audio from the old sound card, an ASUS Essence STX, but not great and  I want better if I can get it.  So moving from a sound card to an external DAC seems like a good idea.

I’ve been looking at USB DACs like Schiit Modius, Allo Revolution, SMSL Sanskrit.  Basically DACs under $500.
ideas welcome.
128x128echolane
gdnrbob
4,422 posts
 
I just did a quick Google, and I think the easiest way is to buy a sound card. Sorry.
Though, you might want to check out John Darko's videos about the Raspberry Pi. You can build a pretty nice unit for under $300.
As for DAC's, I would buy a used Schiit Bifrost rather than a Modius.

Bob
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,512 posts
 
https://hifiheaven.net/shop/M2TECH/M2TECH-HiFace-Two-R-USB-Hi-End-SPDIF-Output-Interface
But you'll get better sound with a RasPi 4 instead of a PC. I wouldn't put any money into it.
echolane's avatar
echolane OP
91 posts
 
I like the idea of buying an el cheapo sound card just so I could use the connections, but how would a sound card coexist with a DAC when I want the sound of my DAC and not the sound of the sound card?

But that idea would be immaterial if I could find a used Bifrost because it has a proprietary USB that is supposed to be good.  Yes, I read up in the Bifrost.  I almost wish I hadn’t because it sounds so darn good, but the price is a problem.  Used sounds like the way I’ll have to go.  Thanks for a great tip.  
I checked out John Darko and Raspberry Pi.  Unless I’m missing something, it seems to be all about streaming and I am already set up to stream.  I’m using Roon and my husband’s computer is one of four Roon endpoints in the house.
echolane's avatar
echolane OP
91 posts
 
Fuzztone said: “But you'll get better sound with a RasPi 4 instead of a PC. I wouldn't put any money into it.”

Not to worry.  I have the Meridian integrated amplifier and Spendor S3/5 speakers to make wonderful sound.  I just need the DAC to interface between the computer and the Meridian and Speakers.


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