Lexicon MC-8 as dac??? Using zone 2 for computer?

[Michaelhans]

Hey Guys, I have a Lexicon MC-8 in my Home theater setup one room away from my computer. The Lexicon MC-8 has a option for a second zone set up for 2 channel via XLR cables. I was thinking Optical into the Lexicon then the two XLR outs to my computer speakers.

 

This not a cheap Surround Pre/Pro, it handles music well. If it would take a lot of money for the same performance I rather just hook it up to the room next to this.

 

I did a test with my PS3 streaming through my network to the Lexicon and it made my shitty MP3s sound incredible, I was very surprised.

 

I was wondering the following.

 

1-What Dac would would comparable to the Lexicon MC-8?

 

2-How would I set up the Optical end as transport on my computer? Just a sound card?

 

[Audio_ELF]

I can't comment on the quality of the Lexicon's DACs but before you get too deep into this I would check that you can actually use a digital input through to zone 2: a lot of pre/pros don't allow this...

 

Eloise

 

[Michaelhans]

The second zone on this processor shares all the same connections as those found for the main zone. The second zone is merely an extra set of 2 XLR connections left and right instead of 8 outputs.

 

I can program a different set of settings for the second zone phase, crossover, ect.