How to choose DAC for soundcard?

[PietPara]

Hi,
I am interested in trying a DAC connected to my PC but I am a total noob at this. Thinking of the HongKong Gigawork DAC, for instance, to start playing.
I imagine that I connect the DAC to a soundcard and I have een many methods being discussed here (COAX, I2S, HiFace, USB etc). I have no idea what the implications of these choices are. Also I don't know what to look out for in choosing the right DAC with the outputs of my soundcard (Xonar Essence ST). Obviously I want a versatile setup, so that I can play with XXHE's options and learn, learn and learn.

Can anyone help me with understanding what's right and what's not?

thanks a lot!
PietPara

[boleary]

Well, to use double or quad arc prediction of XX your sound card has to be able to output a sample rate of 88.2 (double redbook of 44.1) or 176.4 (quad of redbook). Since your card has an S/PDIF coax output you need to find out if it can handle thoses output sample rates. If so, then I would think that's what you would want to try first and, of course, purchase a dac that accepts those sample rates as well.