Re: XLR cables in Japan, and DAC

["justinasia" justinasia]

>the inclusion of an optical digital output on my laptop saves me from >needing 
>a sound card or audio interface,

Hi Greg
So it sounds like using the optical output would be a big advantage then, over 
USB. I like to keep as few wires out of my laptop as possible to keep my desk 
tidy - just one USB to my USB hub is nice, then many machines off that. but if 
that will be worse sound, I can try the optical output. That rules out a lot of 
the cheaper DACs, many of which have only USB input. ALso not many of the 
cheaper DACs run at as high as 24bit 96kHz, which I would need to take 
advantage of the Fostex. I was hoping to not have to spend much more money, but 
it seems as though I may have to spend at least $200 to get anything that 
actually has 24bit 96kHz and optical input. If any of you have good 
recommendations I'd love to hear about it.

Justin