Solved! How to enable use of my Intel Motherboard’s S/PDIF port for my external DAC

[echolane]

How do I enable my Intel motherboard’s S/PDIF Port? I’ve bought a USB DAC, an Audio Alchemy DDP-1, aka an external sound card. This is an audiophile quality unit suitable for use in high res streaming. I am told the SPDIF connection is musically far superior to its USB connection. Besides no driver is needed! But.... I can’t seem to find any way to tell Windows 7 it is the sound device. How do I do that?

Intel board is DZ87KLT-75K. OS is Windows 7 64 Professional.

 

[SkyNetRising]

Did you connect motherboard to DAC with toslink cable?
After that open Playback Device settings and choose Digital Audio SPDIF as default playback device.

 

[echolane]

Yes, I do have them connected via Toslink.

Now what? I’ve been to Control Panel but can’t find reference to S/PDIF anywhere.

 

[SkyNetRising]

Can you show a screenshot from Sound/Playback Devices ?

 

[echolane]

Can you show a screenshot from Sound/Playback Devices ?

I have three screen shots that might be relevant to your question but nothing that looks like S/PDIF. But I’m technically challenged here because I can’t find a way to post them. I press all the little icons and can find ways to post URLs but not photos or snips or screenshots.

 

[SkyNetRising]

Upload your screenshot to imgur.com and post link.

 

[echolane]

Upload your screenshot to imgur.com and post link.

Let’s see if this works....
here are three images of attempts to find a way to enable thr S/pdif port for my new Audio DAC


http/tinypic.com/r/2ih8i88/9

http/tinypic.com/r/25sa3jo/9

http/tinypic.com/r/14biy6q/9

 

[Alabalcho]

... I am told the SPDIF connection is musically far superior to its USB connection. Besides no driver is needed!

Both sentences are wrong:
- SPDIF is digital interface. USB is a digital interface too.
- In both cases you need drives (either for the audio controller built on the motherboard, or for the USB device plugged)

If you already have USB DAC, you don't need SPDIF.

 

[echolane]

... I am told the SPDIF connection is musically far superior to its USB connection. Besides no driver is needed!

Both sentences are wrong:
- SPDIF is digital interface. USB is a digital interface too.
- In both cases you need drives (either for the audio controller built on the motherboard, or for the USB device plugged)

If you already have USB DAC, you don't need SPDIF.

 

[echolane]

Most computers are such a terrible source of electrical noise that the optical output is better because the fiber cable is plastic and does not conduct electrical signals to the DAC.

As to the driver. I am not prepared to argue one way or the other. All I can say is someone told me that using the S/pdif has a second advantage that no driver was needed.

It’s clear I am over my head on this installation

 

[Alabalcho]

I suppose you've installed latest BIOS and drivers from Intel support site, and that your on-board audio (where SPDI/F interface is connected) is not disabled in BIOS.

 

[SkyNetRising]

here are three images of attempts to find a way to enable thr S/pdif port for my new Audio DAC

Your integrated audio device is not listed there.
1. You have to enable integrated audio in BIOS.
2. You have to install audio driver
https://downloadcenter.intel.com/product/70898/Intel-Desktop-Board-DZ87KLT-75K

 

[echolane]

I suppose you've installed latest BIOS and drivers from Intel support site, and that your on-board audio (where SPDI/F interface is connected) is not disabled in BIOS.

Definitely needs looking into! Thanks for the tip to look in the BIOS!

 

[echolane]

here are three images of attempts to find a way to enable thr S/pdif port for my new Audio DAC

Your integrated audio device is not listed there.
1. You have to enable integrated audio in BIOS.
2. You have to install audio driver
https://downloadcenter.intel.com/product/70898/Intel-Desktop-Board-DZ87KLT-75K

That was indeed part of the problem, the device was nowhere to be seen.
I will definitely check the BIOS and look for a driver from Intel.
The link to the Intel board was useful, thanks.