Thread: M-Audio Transit versus X-fi

My knowledge is decent on car audio but pretty sketchy on using the computer as a source so I am asking those in the know to help me with this.

I have been thinking I would like to ditch my X-fi for something that will pass the 16/44.1 and 24/96kHz audio through to my Alpine H700 processor optically. I do want to preserve the ability to do Dobly Digital 5.1, it is part of my build. At this time, I believe I will continue to use CF3.1 however if Winamp is a must, I would embed it in CF if possible to use just for music playback.
I am using a laptop so USB really is my only option at this time.

I have been reading (hence thinking) that the M-Audio Transit would be a good option however I believe it is only USB1 - is that a big deal?
Are there better choices out there for < $100 in newer technology.
I think the Transit will do what I want - deliver an unmodified optical signal (if I use something other that CF 3.0?) and allow an optical input from my Satellite translator box (just to eliminate noise, I understand the sat audio signal is not great).

Thanks for all insight offered.