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[thane108]

I'm looking at using a laptop for JRiver to replace my aging desktop.

I don't seem to be finding a reasonably priced laptop that has spdif out so I'm thinking about purchasing an external sound card.  I would come out of the laptop via usb - into the external sound card - then on to the receiver via spdif.

Example:  StarTech ICUSBAUDIO7D 7.1 Channels 16-bit 48KHz USB Interface Audio Adapter External Sound Card

Under that scenario, is the external sound card getting analog and converting to digital?  Does it reduce sample rate, etc.?

A little deep water for me - I would appreciate a little schoolin - and any advice.

[astromo]

Wouldn't you want a USB-S/PDIF converter?

Check the relevant heading noted below for some options:
https://www.computeraudiophile.com/ca/bits-and-bytes/computer-audiophile-suggested-hardware-list/

The conversion lies in the digital domain, so bit perfect conversion should not be an issue. Bit depth and sampling rate will be equipment specific. One for you to research what suits your sources and hardware.

The converter would then allow your receiver to use its onboard DAC.

[thane108]

Thanks - that looks promising.

I noticed a wide range in costs -  huge.  The low end usb to spdif seem to get positive review and might just be adequate for my needs as I have a mid-range receiver/speaker config.

What do you think of this one?
Signstek HIFI USB to Coaxial S/PDIF Converter Decoder Convert Digital to Analogue Signal Mini USB DAC PCM 2704

  https://www.amazon.com/Signstek-Coaxial-Converter-Decoder-Analogue/dp/B00FEDHHKE/ref=s9u_simh_gw_i1?_encoding=UTF8&fpl=fresh&pd_rd_i=B00FEDHHKE&pd_rd_r=37Q68NTNX9B54TXKPDP1&pd_rd_w=iQROi&pd_rd_wg=JC9tf&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=&pf_rd_r=2KVFW0AGC9PCX62Z1MF0&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=781f4767-b4d4-466b-8c26-2639359664eb&pf_rd_i=desktop

[astromo]

Just me but I'm a "whatever works" kind of guy. I reckon for the money that option is worth a punt - never hurts when you see consistently good reviews as well.

If your ears are happy then go no further. At the very least it offers a cheap proof of concept and then you can take your time scoping out better alternatives.

[thane108]

Thanks again - that suggestion really got me to what looks like a good solution.