[GetsugaSSJ]

I've recently decided to jump onboard the audio ship, and have spent some money buying my DAC, amp and headphones, the issue is, (incredibly STUPIDLY) I neglected to see if my motherboard (EVGA P67 FTW) had a SPDIF connection, it doesn't. My question is, if I buy some cheap soundcard with a SPDIF connector, and connect the DAC through that, will it bypass the soundcard and go straight to the DAC? Using the SPDIF purely as a transfer source? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[PurpleAngel]

Asus Xonar DG has a S/PDIF digital optical output, you can find them for under $30.
Should solve your problem.

 

[MikeW]

yes. though it will be a pretty ho-hum SPDIF source. I'd look into a USB-SPDIF converter. The V-link is a good deal at 99$ if you can still find one. Yes, it's worth the few extra $$ over soundcard. 
 
edit: http://www.amazon.com/Musical-Fidelity-MFVLINK-V-Link/dp/B004PH03GU

 

[GetsugaSSJ]

Thank you both! I'll probably go the V-link route but currently USB-only will have to serve till I get paid, haha.