[cujobob]

I have a small pair of monitors I want to pair with a cheap T-Amp in my girlfriend's computer setup, but her computer only has USB out as an option.  The whole setup is pretty inexpensive and I'm looking to pick up something cheap to get from point A to point B 

Didn't know if I was better off posting this in another subforum or here...



Thanks!


-Dave

[eclein]

Dave-whats the budget?? The HRT streamers are probably ideal for what you thinking about, but your budget ballpark would be great.
 

[gray49]

You might want to look into the Fubar...
I had one and it did a fine job...

http://www.audiophileproducts.com/fubar2

[PSB Guy]

Dave-whats the budget?? The HRT streamers are probably ideal for what you thinking about, but your budget ballpark would be great.
 

+1, 99 bucks at Musicdirect. http://www.musicdirect.com/product/85434

[bunnyma357]

I have been quite happy with these ADS Techs for cheap USB DACs - and they also are ADC's and convert USB to Toslink. (44.1/16 Only)

http://www.amazon.com/ADS-Technologies-RDX-150-EF-Instant-Music/dp/B00067TMGA/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1277151779&sr=1-8

I've got three of them, and they work great for me on a Mac - though looking at some reviews on Amazon people seem to be having software issues with them - may take some work to configure on the PC side.

Jim C

[Sparky14]

Dave, check out the Nuforce uDac...very nice for $99.

[cujobob]

Thanks for all of the recommendations, I'd like to stay under $100 which these all seem to be....the cheaper the better, to be honest.  The HRT option I've heard great things about...that would probably be my choice if I decide to go with the upper end of the budget for this system.  The uDac was actually my original idea.  This is more for an audiophile in training than someone who may actually care about SQ currently 

I'd like to find something for around $50 used...if possible.  If not, will probably go with the HRT.

[srb]

Behringer U-CONTROL UCA202 USB-Audio Interface
 
http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/UCA202.aspx
 
~ $30
 
Steve

[bixby]

Cheapest route is to use the headphone out for now.  Buy a headphone out (usually 1/8 inch mini phone plug) to rca cable and connect to the amp.  Run itunes at full volume and control with amp volume control if it has one.  you may have to play around with the system volume control to ensure lowest distortion.

Nearly all computers will have a headphone out.

then save up for something like the hrt.  Most low end USB solutions might be a bit better than the onboard dac, but not that much better.

[cujobob]

Thanks, I didn't really think of using the headphone out.  Most cheap USB options are not going to be much of an upgrade, I understand that...and it's the single biggest reason I'm hesitant to buy any of them.  I might go with the Behringer anyways...just to have it up and running.