I am looking to get clean sound from my carPC (for playing MP3's, and XMPCR output). I know about ground loop problems, but PC's tend to make noise when doing things like playing CD's, processing, etc. At least this is what I get on my home PC using an internal sound card hooked up to a stereo using line out.
Initially I had hoped to eliminate all of this by using a USB sound card with optical out (optics providing the electrical isolation). But after a couple weeks of checking, I am not able to find a car head unit that accepts optical input. Only DSP's. Which I could use, but is a bit of expense since I am not interested in 5.1 or other surround (only want 2 channel).
I also know that I could use a DAC (Digital to Analog converter) just before the head unit combined with an optical out USB sound card. But I would want to use a decent one for good audio conversion, and I dont think the cost would justify it.
So I am pretty sure I am going to use a USB soundcard with analog out and hope for the best unless someone else can suggest:
- a head unit with a digital input
- a better way to isolate the audio
- confirmation that my head is up my a** about the PC background noise, and to take a listen before jumping into anything
If you think the analog audio is the way to go, what sound card should I use? I will most likely have a VIA Epia M10000 w/ onboard audio, but as mentioned b4 I am thinking it would be best to use an external USB sound card.
BTW I want to thank everyone here for everything they have suggested to me and others on this board. The wealth of knowledge here has caused me to go back to the drawing board on how I am building this project probably 5 - 10 times or more, but always for the better.