Optical Out on Sound Card

[diallo]

I'm looking for a good sound card that supports optical outs. I'm not looking to do anything fancy just run an optical cord from my PC to my Onkyo 6.1 Surround Sound Receiver. I was curious if anyone knows of a card that can do this AND is not overly expensive. Thank you.

[MrM]

Optical will only be stereo, not surround (6.1), is that OK for you?

[diallo]

Yea stereo was what I expected. I just wanted it for better sound when listening to mp3s. Right now I have my sound card playing through a Y-Adapter cable, I'm assuming that optical will give me much better sound quality than analog. Is that correct? Anyway do you have any cards in mind? Thank you.

[thegodfather]

I have the same setup, except going to my sony receiver. I recently got an audigy 2 platinum with the front face plate and I am using optical. It sounds great for music and is much better than the y adaptor. I also used to use a y adaptor but I would get a low hum through the sub due to noise interfearance. Since the optical cable uses light I now have no problem with noise. Also, if you want to save money the new Creative E-mu 0404 I believe has optical on the back, and for $100, that is a good deal.

[MrM]

I second that.

[diallo]

I looked at the emu but it got some REALLY crappy reviews. And the Audigy 2 is like $160. I guess the hunt continues for me. If you guys happen to come across anything else please share. Thank you.

[MrM]

M-Audio ; Delta Dio or any card with SPDIF that you convert with a M-Audio CO2 into an optical I/O.

[itsplayed]

Originally posted by diallo
I looked at the emu but it got some REALLY crappy reviews. And the Audigy 2 is like $160. I guess the hunt continues for me. If you guys happen to come across anything else please share. Thank you.

Really, where did you see those "Really Crappy Reviews"?
All the reviews I've read had nothing but good things to say about it taking in account it's price range.