Question USB to Optical adapter recommendations

[Witterings]

I'm trying to find a USB to Optical Adapter that 1/2 decent and will be an upgrade to using the onboard soundcard on my computer using the headphone socket out to RCA.
It'll also give me a lot more options of connectivity and mean I can lose a device / dac from my desktop .... albeit have something else behind the computer instead.
Most of the ones I've seen on goole seraches the reviews seem pretty meeeh
The ones I have found that seem the bet out of them are the 2 linked below

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Behringer-UCA222-U-Control-Ultra-Low-Interface/dp/B0023BYDHK?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&th=1

https://www.amazon.co.uk/DSD-TECH-SH-AU01A-TOSLINK-Coaxial/dp/B0BNMRYMCT/ref=sxin_15_pa_sp_search_thematic_sspa?adgrpid=54211490078&content-id=amzn1.sym.6906c541-6eee-4c10-bc19-17299b9d5015%3Aamzn1.sym.6906c541-6eee-4c10-bc19-17299b9d5015&cv_ct_cx=usb+to+optical+adapter&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.rbRtFibPyrwH2WzYnPh6YnDibwxzx-P66ACWy8MchxWw2sPlQHFFGwlAkp0COPCp.Hmwn74oAkY6ooSQImWH5WVAZ0y1xjwTb5PB5SzibThQ&dib_tag=se&hvadid=259056925320&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9191103&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=15090483294398188474&hvtargid=kwd-302456016688&hydadcr=28178_1821120&keywords=usb+to+optical+adapter&nsdOptOutParam=true&pd_rd_i=B0BNMRYMCT&pd_rd_r=1c08db69-46cb-4c75-8951-3af8f856b1d4&pd_rd_w=XlJuT&pd_rd_wg=6lEAd&pf_rd_p=6906c541-6eee-4c10-bc19-17299b9d5015&pf_rd_r=7E06YEATATYD2KB7WY18&qid=1732973477&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sr=1-2-ad3222ed-9545-4dc8-8dd8-6b2cb5278509-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9zZWFyY2hfdGhlbWF0aWM&psc=1

If anyone has any experience with either of these and can comment on what they're like or can suggest anything better would be appreciated.

 

[abacus]

I would go for the Berringer, as it is a dedicated audio interface for a computer (As used in pro circles) and also comes with software you may find useful.
If you want to go higher end, look at Steinberg, Focusrite and Motu. (There are many others, so look to pro music stores for others)

Bill

 

[Vincent Kars]

Try

PHIREE U2S 2019 & Douk Audio U2 Review and Measurements (Digital USB to S/PDIF Interfaces)

PHIREE U2S 2019 & Douk Audio U2 Review and Measurements (Digital USB to S/PDIF Interfaces) Update March 2022: Added comparison with the Douk Audio U2. Here is a quick review of the PHIREE U2S 2019 digital interface. This is basically some USB to S/PDIF converter that allows you to get USB...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[jjbomber]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Behringer-UCA222-U-Control-Ultra-Low-Interface/dp/B0023BYDHK?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&th=1

If anyone has any experience with either of these and can comment on what they're like or can suggest anything better would be appreciated.

Got a couple of these. My weapon of choice. Can't go wrong at that price!

 

[Witterings]

If you want to go higher end, look at Steinberg, Focusrite

Firstly .... thanks to everyone for their replies, I think I'm probably gooing to try the Behringer.

In response to quoted .... my only reason or changing is I've been using a Focusrite Sapphire 40 which was a left over from my band / drumming days but the drivers aren't updated to play with Windows 10 / 11 and having found a hack that's lasted for a while they must have done another update and it won't stay connected.

 

[Witterings]

Got a couple of these. My weapon of choice. Can't go wrong at that price!

It arrived yesterday and was a simple plug and play ... only thing that's marginally annoying I used to control the volume and sometimes mute the sound from my PC quite a lot but can no longer do so.

Have you experienced the same and found any workaround for it?

 

[abacus]

It arrived yesterday and was a simple plug and play ... only thing that's marginally annoying I used to control the volume and sometimes mute the sound from my PC quite a lot but can no longer do so.

Have you experienced the same and found any workaround for it?

Have a look at the software that came with it (Assuming you went with the Berringer) as there should be something suitable in there. (A DAW will probably be the best option)

Bill

 

[Witterings]

Have a look at the software that came with it (Assuming you went with the Berringer) as there should be something suitable in there. (A DAW will probably be the best option)

Bill

It said software on the CD .... but there wasn't one .... not sure if that means I've a fake or something but it was from a reputable store.
I'll have a look on their website and see what I can find although I'm wondering if it may not be able to control it as it's literally just sending a data set I guess and doesn't have the same integration as say USB to USB on the amp which is what I was using before and worked.

 

[jjbomber]

It arrived yesterday and was a simple plug and play ... only thing that's marginally annoying I used to control the volume and sometimes mute the sound from my PC quite a lot but can no longer do so.

Have you experienced the same and found any workaround for it?

I use the sound control on the PC to regulate it, though that is in analogue mode. I only use the digital output for recording. To mute the sound you could just press pause.

 

[ToppingSMSL]

SMSL PO100

S.M.S.L PO100, PO100 PRO & PO100 AK - Measurements (Digital Interfaces & DAC)

S.M.S.L PO100, PO100 PRO & PO100 AK Measurements Hey folks, It is time for my very last review of the year. A very special one, as there are three products to be measured today ! S.M.S.L released earlier this year the PO100, a tiny and fairly cheap USB to S/PDIF interface. Later in 2022...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[Witterings]

SMSL PO100

S.M.S.L PO100, PO100 PRO & PO100 AK - Measurements (Digital Interfaces & DAC)

S.M.S.L PO100, PO100 PRO & PO100 AK Measurements Hey folks, It is time for my very last review of the year. A very special one, as there are three products to be measured today ! S.M.S.L released earlier this year the PO100, a tiny and fairly cheap USB to S/PDIF interface. Later in 2022...

www.audiosciencereview.com

That's a useful link .... do you know if you can control the volume though using the sound settings on the PC .... I'm guessing probably not?

 

[ToppingSMSL]

That's a useful link .... do you know if you can control the volume though using the sound settings on the PC .... I'm guessing probably not?

I don't see why not.