Hi. I would like to connect my Sony sound bar HT-CT80 to my audio system and a laptop. The sound bar is equipped only in an optical socket. At the moment I use M-Audio M-Track with Mic, Guitar, Line In and MIDI sockets but it lacks an optical sockets. Could you recommend any cheap and reliable audio interface supporting an optical standard? I aim at the second-hand stuff. By the way, the optical system is called TOSLINK, doesn’t it? Thanks

 

Prices are no longer stable because of CV19 but you can look at the BEHRINGER U-PHORIA UMC1820.

 

Audient ID22 can often be found 2nd hand on eBay, Its a great desktop interface with optical in/out

 

Check the E-MU 0404. The USB variant is still a well-featured interface with TOSLINK.
Drivers are not great for Win10 (a bit crashy depending on system) but workable.
https://www.musicradar.com/reviews/tech/e-mu-0404-usb-2-0-22755

 

Tascam US- 366 has optical IN and OUT , cheap and still working with windows 10 ...

 

just use a adapter from optical to whatever you current interface has. will be cheaper in most cases. I use a optical to RCA converter myself.

 

YES, There is analog input. I have just found this hidden little “bitch”. THANK YOU.

Are there adapters like optical2analog? I haven’t checked it. Thanks

As for audio interfaces, how about Edirol UA25? Although people write that they can’t monitor digital sound while recording. There is a switch Rec/Play.

 

Last edited: Jan 7, 2021

old RME Babyface sometimes appears for a decent price, totally worth it