I should also add that current thinking is that computers are bad places to do DA conversions. Lots of noise--audiofiles call it digital hash. Some say that's why computer sound cards sound so bad. That's why it's good to digitize in unit designed for audio like a DAC or a pre-amp. I use an external USB DAC and avlis uses a Xitel USB out to Toslink optical. Airport has made it easy by providing an optical out. I'd recommend using it if you can.