Toslink or USB DAC converter?

[admin_exported]

I currently use regular headphone jack from my computer for music output but realize that using a USB DAC or optical cable would be much better in terms of sound quality. Unfortunately, my laptop does not have a Toslink output…

I am curious as to whether I'd get the same results with a USB to Toslink converter (for £33) that I can use to output digital signal directly into my Onkyo 725 or whether I should invest in a DAC converter (£75+) that will output analog.

If USB DAC converter, then which one?

EDIT: Also, if I am using mp3 files (not lossless) will DAC improve the sound any?

I can output Firewire or USB out of my laptop and my amplifier has a Toslink input.

 

[fatboyslimfast]

In that case a USB soundcard with digital out will do the job fine...and save you some cash!

 

[Anonymous]

Correct me if I am wrong, but I don't think I can swap out my sound card on the laptop (its a Lenovo R60).

 

[fatboyslimfast]

Nonono - a USB soundcard is external - you plug it into a USB socket, and then just plug a toslink from it to your reciever.

Make sure you get one with optical out though, as the cheaper ones don't tend to have it...

 

[Anonymous]

Well, that's I meant initially.... Whether USB DAC would be better than a USB/Toslink soundcard (i called it a converter - but same thing)...

Here is one:

http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/UCA202.aspx

 

[fatboyslimfast]

That could work, but to allow for future-proofing, try this, which is capable of 24bit 96Khz decoding for ultra-high quality downloads from Linn etc...

http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/Transit.html

 

[up the music]

If you already have an optical in on your Onkyo then one of these for £18 and an optical cable should work fine.

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=34128