[linux-audio-user] Recommendations for SPDIF/AESEBU

Hello all,

I'm setting up a hi-end stereo system fed from flacs on a linux based PC.
I want to be able to experiment with upsampling algorithms on the hard
drive
and then feed the digital data stream to a Lavry DA10 at 24/96. I'm
currently
running an M-Audio 2496 at 16/44.1 but am having bad problems with
hesitations
and popping and crackling (worst when running a DVB TV card at the same
time
  (obviously)). The problems will get worse as I raise the bit rate.

I'm looking for a route forward so has anyone got better suggestions than
the
following:

1) Get a Squeezebox - this will buffer the sound, play at 24/96 but lose PC
        audio e.g. the TV audio.
2) Get a better soundcard - I've read that the M-Audio 2496 is prone to the
        problem I'm having, but which one? RMEs are 200-300 UKP. Are any other
        alsa based cards suitable to deliver SPDIF/AESEBU at the higher bit rates?
3) Retune the PC, an Athlon 2700, by patching linux (Suse 10.1). I'm not
current
        running jackd just alsa and flac123. Which patches are best applied to
the 2.6
        kernel? The FAQs seem a bit out of date being dated 2000-2002.

Advice much appreciated
Bill

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