[ILUG] External sound output box?

[Jeroen Massar]

Mikhail Ramendik wrote:
[..]
> Questions are:
> 
> - Are any SPDIF-to-analog converters available in Ireland at all?

It's called an Amplifier ;) Some of the cheaper Yamaha models are not
too expensive while still providing good audio quality.

> - Of the USB sound boxes available here, which can be used under Linux, i.e. 
> have appropriate ALSA drivers?

Terratec Aureon II works, tested by myself after looking at:
http://www.qbik.ch/usb/devices/ and then buying it ;)
I use it for my audio setup with http://unfix.org/projects/empcd/ to
control it.

The Terratec:
http://sounden.terratec.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=230
http://www.qbik.ch/usb/devices/showdev.php?id=3102

What I do wonder is, you worry about 'low quality' in your computer, but
don't have/wanttoget an amplifier with SPDIF in ? Next to that note that
 most of the audio sources coming from your computer will be 'crap'
anyway. In my case hooking up my yamaha+missions to it was actually
quite over the top ;) But I have to admit, the sound is as good as it
can get then (especially when playing 160kbit mp3's [converted from cd's
I bought in the shop mind you, before some weird authority jumps in] ;)

Greets,
 Jeroen