[MarioImpemba]

I know this has been done to death, but I'm still reading conflicting info both on here and via google regarding whether certain soundcards truly pass bit-perfect or not (and also no recent discussion - maybe because of the current availability of USB DAC's?).
 
Additionally, sometimes I read about xxx brand having unreliable drivers or other issues.
 
What is the current easiest/cheapest way to get a bit-perfect co-ax out from a PC (provided the motherboard does not have SPDIF) soundcard, up to 192/24, to a DAC?
 
Which has best driver support and ease-of-use?
 
Which will truly be "bit perfect" without any resampling or alteration?
 
Really appreciate any help, as I've tried searching this for hours now on my own, lol.

 

[leeperry]

cheapest: http://code.google.com/p/cmediadrivers/

 

[Omega17TheTrue]

Easiest way is to use USB DAC with wasapi or asio.

 

[MarioImpemba]

Quote:

cheapest: http://code.google.com/p/cmediadrivers/

I tried looking through those and couldn't find anything still available to purchase, and that met the 24/192 coax criteria.
 

 
Quote:

Easiest way is to use USB DAC with wasapi or asio.

Lol, I'm looking for coax to go to a DAC, not usb, but you're probably right as far as ease-of-use.
 
 
I guess does anyone know if you can get reliable, bit-perfect 24/192 co-ax out of the various Asus, M-Audio, the EMU cards or the Juli@ with drivers on XP?
 
Maybe I'll just use USB DAC... lol.

 

[MarioImpemba]

I decided on the Juli@.
 
Lots of positive reviews about its ease of use and reliability, as well as available ASIO support.
 
Read too many mixed reviews about E-MU and M-Audio issues with drivers and otherwise.
 
Asus ST/STX not worth the considerable price premium when all I want is the coax digital out.
 
Doesn't appear to be any other 192/24 soundcard options out there - at least cheaper/easier.
 
Thanks.