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USB vs optical S/pdif DAC

Yenko
By Yenko
in Audio
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Posted

Hey im looking for a external DAC, to connect my pc to my analog stereo amplifier. I have a Z77 Mpower mobo with optical audio out, but what is best a usb DAC or a DAC with optical input. From the DAC to amp im going to use RCA/phono cables.

System : I7-6700K EK-Supremacy. . Gigabyte Z170X-UD5 TH . 16GB Kingston HyperX predator ddr4. Evga Supernova 750 G2. Samsung 850 250gb. Samsung 840 250gb.

Evga GTX780 Classified EK-780 Classy . NZXT H440 White. Alphacool ST30 240. HW Labs SR-1 360. Alphacool D5 vario. aquacomputer D5 pump/res combo  . logi G502. CM Quick fire blue.  Dell U2515H.

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They're both digital, it essentially doesn't matter. Read the FAQ.

Laptop Lenovo Thinkpad X220 - CPU: i5 2420m - RAM: 8gb - SSD: Samsung 830 - IPS screen Peripherals Monitor: Dell U2713HM - KB: Ducky shine w/PBT (MX Blue) - Mouse: Corsair M60

Audio Beyerdynamic DT990pro headphones - Audioengine D1 DAC/AMP - Swan D1080-IV speakers

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They're both digital, it essentially doesn't matter. Read the FAQ.

 

That info is actually not in the FAQ....  :ph34r:

 

Simply put, OP, USB has more bandwidth, but optical will have zero chance of any interference being sent over. Usually USB is best (and cheapest), but occasionally optical can help break ground loops or other phenomena. 

PC Build in LTT Gallery - JBL J88 - Fostex T50RP (Modded) - Pioneer SE-A1000 vs audio-technica ATH-AD500X - Skullcandy Aviator  
audio-technica ATH-T400 - CHC Silverado and Laredo - Clip-On Headphone Roundup - Sony LinkBuds

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That info is actually not in the FAQ.... :ph34r:

Simply put, OP, USB has more bandwidth, but optical will have zero chance of any interference being sent over. Usually USB is best (and cheapest), but occasionally optical can help break ground loops or other phenomena.

It used to be :o

Laptop Lenovo Thinkpad X220 - CPU: i5 2420m - RAM: 8gb - SSD: Samsung 830 - IPS screen Peripherals Monitor: Dell U2713HM - KB: Ducky shine w/PBT (MX Blue) - Mouse: Corsair M60

Audio Beyerdynamic DT990pro headphones - Audioengine D1 DAC/AMP - Swan D1080-IV speakers

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https://linustechtips.com/topic/97860-usb-vs-optical-spdif-dac/#findComment-1310152
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It used to be :o

 

I might be wrong, but I also don't feel like digging around for it. 

PC Build in LTT Gallery - JBL J88 - Fostex T50RP (Modded) - Pioneer SE-A1000 vs audio-technica ATH-AD500X - Skullcandy Aviator  
audio-technica ATH-T400 - CHC Silverado and Laredo - Clip-On Headphone Roundup - Sony LinkBuds

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