How to use laptop as a music player/streamer?

[dilliaudiophile]

I have an old laptop lying around which I want to repurpose as a cloud music player (one I can control from other devices like Spotify connect). How do I go about achieving this?

I have a Marantz PM6007 integrated amp which already has a DAC built-in, but does not have a USB input. So how do I connect my laptop to this DAC in the cheapest way? Is there any USB to optical converter kind of thing that's available?

Additional query: If I buy the cheapest possible DAC with an optical out, couldn't I connect it to my amp and use the DAC of the amp and bypass the external DAC sound? I'm really not looking forward to spending 10-15 grand if a DAC is the only option.

 

[mbhangui]

You can put linux and install few applications to make it a streamer. But it is rare to get a USB dac with optical out. But you will easily get DAC (even low priced that you are looking for) with analog audio out. You can connect the analog audio out to any of your AMP's analog input.

here is one such dac

DA-03 USB-C DAC Audio Converter 192kHz 24bit Toslink India | Ubuy

Upgrade your audio experience with Reiyin DA-03 USB-C DAC Audio Converter. Enhance sound quality and connect to various devices. Shop now on Ubuy India.

www.ubuy.co.in

26.99US $ 10% OFF|Reiyin DAC USB C to Toslink Optical 3.5mm Headset 192kHz 24bit Audio Adapter PC Sound Card|Digital-to-Analog Converter| - AliExpress

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

www.aliexpress.com

EDIT: I did find one. The behringer UCA222 dac

https://www.amazon.in/Behringer-UCA222-U-Control-Ultra-Low-Interface/dp/B0023BYDHK/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1TWST0LQSQLU5&keywords=Behringer+UCA202+Audio+Interface&qid=1655986240&s=musical-instruments&sprefix=behringer+uca202+audio+interface%2Cmi%2C175&sr=1-4

See also this

Budget DAC Review and Measurements: Behringer UCA222

UCA222 is an extremely low cost DAC/ADC targeted at home recording consumers. For this review I measure its DAC and headphone output performance. This is an ultra low cost device retailing at just $30 with shipping included! As such, it is an "Amazon Choice" product...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Here is a good quality one that supports DSD too. The optical out can be connected to your amp

https://www.amazon.in/Douk-Audio-Converter-Interface-PCM192Khz/dp/B085XPRSGM/ref=pb_allspark_purchase_sims_desktop_sccl_3_12/262-8297847-2740023?pd_rd_w=gwQGg&content-id=amzn1.sym.a4543507-b579-4aa3-8a29-824b6607c4d8&pf_rd_p=a4543507-b579-4aa3-8a29-824b6607c4d8&pf_rd_r=7GMGQA512MR3NKVQ2C8Z&pd_rd_wg=Xk8ws&pd_rd_r=2d109967-14fa-43f0-b59f-b8af6daec62f&pd_rd_i=B085XPRSGM&psc=1

 

[dilliaudiophile]

Thank you so much, these are awesome suggestions!

 

[argho]

I use a Topping D10 to get Optical output form my PC.

TOPPING - D10 Balanced

Buy TOPPING D10 Balanced Desktop USB DAC: Shop for DACs at the best prices in India. Choose from Chord Electronics, iFi Audio, Aune Audio Amp & DACs at Headphone Zone.

www.headphonezone.in

I bought from a fellow FM, pre-owned.
Works perfectly.

 

[20kHz]

There are external sound cards from Creative which do have optical out.
Check this out
https://en.creative.com/p/sound-blaster/sound-blasterx-g5
They also have cheaper products which get the job done but do not have optical out.

 

[doors666]

you get converters like this -

https://www.amazon.in/Douk-Audio-Converter-Interface-PCM192Khz/dp/B085XPRSGM