Until now the only affordable usb to s/pdif converter I knew about is the Behringer UCA202. This is really just a small USB soundcard (which has pretty decent analog outputs especially via the headphone jack) but also outputs Toslink. However, it is limited to 48KHz and I think 16bit.
I now found the Matrix USB 24/96. This is only £45 from Amazon but as the name suggests it will give a high-res output from USB, enabling any DAC to be used. Another nice factor is that it is basically an in-line plug similar in size to a AA battery so it would hardly be noticed.
Other than these two, I'm only aware of some rather pricey USB to SPDIF converters like the Hi-Face which IMO make it more sensible just to buy a new USB ready DAC.
I now found the Matrix USB 24/96. This is only £45 from Amazon but as the name suggests it will give a high-res output from USB, enabling any DAC to be used. Another nice factor is that it is basically an in-line plug similar in size to a AA battery so it would hardly be noticed.
Other than these two, I'm only aware of some rather pricey USB to SPDIF converters like the Hi-Face which IMO make it more sensible just to buy a new USB ready DAC.
