ibgavin Posted July 7, 2020 Share Posted July 7, 2020 Hey all I'm looking to run audio from my PC to my NAD C 368 integrated amp. My PC only has USB out (for now) and I'm not sure what the best method to get audio out is. Ideally I'm thinking I can probably just buy a very cheap sound card for my PC with optical out, as my NAD already has a good quality DAC? I'm not sure if the sound card makes a difference here - am I better served buying a dedicated DAC that can handle USB input? If there is not going to be a great deal of difference I'd like to stick to the cheapest reasonable option, as I don't imagine whatever I purchase will be kept for the long term. Cheers Gavin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jventer Posted July 7, 2020 Share Posted July 7, 2020 Looks like a soundcard is your cheapest option. A dac will most likely cost more than a soundcard, but if you buy used and sell later you may not lose much in the end. Topping Dac's are very popular at the moment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
muon* Posted July 7, 2020 Share Posted July 7, 2020 (edited) Stereo 3.5 from PC motherboard to 2x RCA lead. https://www.jaycar.com.au/3-5mm-stereo-plug-to-2-x-rca-plugs-audio-cable-3m/p/WA7015 Edit: As you haven't specified it is a laptop, I assume a desktop PC, it will have onboard audio connectors at the back and one will be a 3.5mm analogue stereo out. Edited July 7, 2020 by muon* Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ibgavin Posted July 7, 2020 Author Share Posted July 7, 2020 Yes it's a desktop PC. I am guessing the onboard DAC will be pretty crappy so I'm happy to throw out a bit of cash to get a sound card with optical out or a DAC to get that step up - that's no biggie - I just don't want to splash out as if it's a long term purchase. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gabehcuod Posted July 7, 2020 Share Posted July 7, 2020 Maybe one of those USB to spidif reclocker things. M2Tech make one, Schiit used to make one too, i'm sure there's others too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ibgavin Posted July 7, 2020 Author Share Posted July 7, 2020 9 minutes ago, Gabehcuod said: Maybe one of those USB to spidif reclocker things. M2Tech make one, Schiit used to make one too, i'm sure there's others too. Checked out the M2tech one but it's more than $300 - much cheaper and I assume better to buy a sound card then. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batty Posted July 7, 2020 Share Posted July 7, 2020 (edited) Try the Topping D10 USB DAC at around $130, USB input only and also powered by the same USB connector, small footprint and very good spec and SQ. Can also output digital as well as analogue. Up to 32 bit 386KHz. I bought one for my Desktop PC, great bit of kit. Edited July 7, 2020 by Batty Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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