DAC...USB vs. Coax/Optical

[poppachubby]

Hello Everybody. I have been on the market for a DAC for a couple of weeks now. Maybe it's just me, but I'm having a hell of a time deciding. It just seems like there's alot to weigh out between alot of different products. Perhaps it's the fact that its my first, because I can make quick decisions in every other dept.

Right now a friend of mine is trying to sell me his Firestone Spitfire. I have it hooked up and its a great unit. The thing that's throwing me off is this; my card has optical and digital out. I have been going about my search by looking for DACs that will connect from these. Should I be overlooking USB DACs? I feel like I should be using the outputs my card has but am I selling myself short? Will a USB cable provide the same results as coax or optical for this application?

There are some great looking, USB only DACs out there....what do you think??