[pcook80]

Hi, is it possible to play an audio CD on the CD-ROM drive in a PC or Laptop and output the digital stream via USB to an external DAC ?
Do you need specific player software or drivers on the PC ?
Any thoughts comments appreciated.

 

[GotNoRice]

Yes it's possible and should work easily. Every operating system in the last 20+ years has built-in software that can play a CD, but you can use whatever program you want.

 

[pcook80]

Yes it's possible and should work easily. Every operating system in the last 20+ years has built-in software that can play a CD, but you can use whatever program you want.

And will that output the digital stream to a DAC via USB though?

 

[GotNoRice]

Yes, when you hook up a DAC via USB, it basically becomes a USB soundcard. It will show up as an output device on your PC. As long as that output device is selected, the output will go to the DAC.

 

[pcook80]

Great, thanks..

 

[monadnock]

While it's possible, you would be better served finding a cheap used Oppo or similar.. the audio pathway, even in a nice PC is dirty and not focused on reproducing quality audio. it's like using a flower pot to keep your cookies. even if you get it really clean, there's still the hole at the bottom and the open top to contend with.