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Shows what I know.

There's also the E-MU 0404 USB. It has a list of $300, but can be found for around $185. That's still cheaper than a receiver. Though the features of the 0404 can seem a little intimidating.

Martin, welcome. My own music listening is almost entirely classical and while I'm at the computer I'm usually listening to some classical station stream. At the moment I'm listening to an interesting Spanish and Latin American concert on BBC Radio 3 from Tuesday using their 7-day listen on demand feature. I suppose that you're aware of the excellent listing of classical streaming stations found here ? My favorites are probably BBC Radio 3 and KUSC, Los Angeles.

To get out of the noisy computer environment while still in digital form I've used the Xitel HiFi Link( now called their MP3 Streamer )plugged into the USB port and then receiver analog inputs for about eight years now.

Another device with a similar purpose which uses instead a(separately purchased)optical cable to the receiver is this Turtlebeach item .

Since the DAC thing was brought up, I just received this review in my inbox.

Thanks for your insights:Chris,Dan, Grover, Jason and Tom.
I gather that chipsets have closed the gap with internal cards which still have an edge. My 6 month old laptop which runs i5 mps.came with Realtek which I don't like. I will look at external sound cards as an alternative though I know the old saying."a system is no better than it's weakest link". I owe that to my AudioBytes.

Yes John, we are kindred spirits. I'm on my computers about
12 hours a day Mon-Fri. While I work, I listen to both classical
music and talk radio. Having grown up with radio. I'm the original mutitasker. My favourite station is WBJC {Baltimore}
which I support. Unlike other stations they play complete works, not movements and occasionally works of composers even I haven't known. Denver, Cleveland and Raleigh-Durham have good stations.
In Europe my best is Radio Suisse.