Soundcard/DAC question

[e v o]

A while ago I began upgrading the sound system around my computer, buying a couple of nice bookshelf speakers (KEF IQ3s), a subwoofer (HSU STF-2), and receiver (HK 3490). These were my first real stereo system parts and I have been very happy with them. I currently connect them via the flexijack (coaxial via monoplug) on my Xtrememusic.

I then started to upgrade my headphone system, beginning with an amp (M^3) and a cable for my HD600s (APS v3). I came to a problem, which may not be a problem at all, and I hope you all can help me with it. I currently connect the amp to my Pico's DAC which is of course USB. I've been looking at upgrading my DAC and wouldn't mind moving away from USB for the DAC.

My issue is that the coaxial jack is used by my speakers. Would it make sense to try to find a card with two digital outputs (Auzentech X-Plosion has optical & coaxial) or to just stick with USB? So how do you guys get around this if you use speakers & a DAC connected digitally?

Thanks for any input and advice to a beginner.

[moonboy403]

That's a real nice system. The Pico DAC is supposedly very very good, so if you're going to really upgrade your DAC, I don't think soundcard is the way to go.

What aren't you satisfied with your current DAC?

[e v o]

I actually have the AMP/DAC version of the Pico, which does work very well with the M^3. I have been thinking of replacing that with just the DAC version as I don't use its portability, but want to also look into other DACs connected via optical/coaxial. I was questioning my sound card because of outputs. I would like (in a perfect world) to have both my speakers and DAC connected digitally. Basically I'm wondering if using a digital connection for a DAC (more DACs to choose from) is worth an upgrade soundcard wise, or if it's easier/more logical to just stick with USB. Thanks for the reply!

[moonboy403]

What you should concern with is the quality of the DAC itself first and foremost instead of the input you're gonna be using.

Moreover, I believe the Pico DAC is the same size as the one you're using, so I would just stick with what you have unless you REALLY feel that you have the need to upgrade. Get yourself some other cans to enjoy.

[WesMiaw]

You can use your HK 3490 video loop back.

Run your DAC -> pre-amp via the video in RCA jacks, and then the video out RCA jacks to your headphone pre-amp.