How to connect a PC to an MDA1000?

[woodlander]

I am interested in connecting my Laptop to my MDA1000 and I would like to hear any input as to whether it is possible and, if yes, the best way to do it.

I don't do much listening in this manner, so I am looking for a quick and easy approach. My PC has analog output, but I can't find any digital connection. I am open to buying a sound card if that is what I need. I would presume that I wouldn't need a very good one since the MDA would be doing the hard part (the D/A conversion).

Thanks, in advance, for any suggestions.

[-E-]

Get a nice external USB or IEEE1394 soundcard that can upconvert to 24/96.

Run a Toslink or S/PDIF feed to the MDA.

Very, very easy to do.

I have heard good things about M-Audio's external stuff (and reasonably priced). They have very small footprints where you can run a 15ft USB cable and hide the soundcard completely.

You WANT something with a full size RCA or Toslink connector.

Very, very few soundcards will come with an AES/EBU connector; unless you want to spend a 4 figures for a soundcard (and still only get a 24/96 upsample, not 24/192).

[-E-]

Oh, and sound card makes a huge difference, even though the MDA will be doing the number crunching.

Think of the soundcard as a transport.

[woodlander]

Thank you for the ideas. I guess I need to do some shopping for a good sound card. I appreciate the input.