Quote Originally Posted by Feanor View Post
Thank you! BoJonJovi!

Just so we're clear, do you intend to use the analog outputs from the soundcard, or S/PDIF to an external DAC?

I haven't heard either, but the Asus Xonar Essence enjoys the the big reputation at the moment. If I were intending to use the analog outputs, I'd just go for the Essence; (ST for PCI or STX for PCI Express). The Essence ST/STX claim to have excellent noise rejection and also have socketed opamps so you can swap.



If I were going to use only the S/PDIF digital output, I might be tempted to go for the cheaper M-Audio Audiophile 192. Right now I use an older model M-Audio, the Revolution 7.1, using just the S/PDIF coax output; it works very well feeding my external DAC.
It will be going into the Grant Audio DAC. I can go either way RCA or S/PDIF or digital. It will be traveling the Grant Audio/Class-D 254/Magnepan route. The Grant Audio has S/pdif, Digital Toslink, RCA, and USB. I just want sound connection/card that will maximize the sound without being a weak link.