Is this possible? PC Soundcard SPDIF Out (3.5mm with Optical Adapter) --> Speakers AUX Input

[lexer]

Hi,

I bough the Kanto Yu2 and would prefer to connect it to my Asus Xonar DX 7.1 soundcard directly, instead of using its internal USB DAC (easier to switch between headphone and speaker and it would also allow for simultaneous speaker/headphone playback).

I was just wondering if this was a possible pathway?

A 3.5mm with one Optical Adapter, connected to the soundcard's SPDIF out, and then the other end, attached to the speaker's AUX in.

Some pictures of the systems:

http/www.overclock3d.net/gfx/articles/2008/05/01180740571l.jpg

http/cdn.cultofandroid.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/kanto-yu2-004-640x426.jpg


Thanks for your help

 

[dudio]

I assume the 3.5mm connection is an analog one, so it's not compatible.
USB is the best you can do

YU2 : http/kantoliving.com/product/yu2/
Asus Xonar DX 7.1 : https/www.asus.com/ca-en/Essence_HiFi_Audio/Xonar_DX/

 

[lexer]

Thanks for your response.

If it is incompatible even with an 3.5mm/Optical Adapter, under what circumstances would i use an optical adapter?

I'm fairly new to audio equipment so I appreciate your help

 

[Alabalcho]

You use optical-out from your soundcard to plug into received for surround sound.
If you want to use optical connection, you would need something like this

 

[lexer]

You use optical-out from your soundcard to plug into received for surround sound.
If you want to use optical connection, you would need something like this

Thank you, that makes a lot of sense.

Would this pathway work?

Soundcard --> SPDIF adapter --> TOSLINK cable --> Digital to Analog Converter --> (Red/White) RCA to AUX cable --> Kanto YU2

Also, with the Digital to Analog converters, Is there a difference in sound quality between expensive ones and cheaper ones?

I'm looking at the ones available with Amazon Prime:

http/www.amazon.ca/s/ref=sr_nr_p_85_0?fst=as%3Aoff&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Aoptical+to+rca%2Cp_85%3A5690392011&keywords=optical+to+rca&ie=UTF8&qid=1437018888&rnid=5690384011

 

[americanaudiophile]

That pathway would work for the speakers but unless your headphones have optical input you would still have to switch audio devices.
There is a big difference between DACs. The ones you link to are pretty low priced so one is probably not any better than another.
A DAC headphone amp with preamp out for the speakers makes more sense. You would get better sound from the headphones too.
http/www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LP3AMC2/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=1944687582&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B008J26ZL4&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1G33CFMVNNWZQHNGGGBP
and it works with Amazon Prime too.