Does connecting your dac to pc using Optical>AUX converter defeat the purpose?

[UltraBrite]

I just bought a dac, but being the idiot i am, i didn t realize my computer doesn t have the optical port. And being the poor collage kid that i am, getting (even a cheao 40€ one) would be an annoying investment i would rather avoid. I found out a store near me sells Optical to 3.5 mm adapters for 3€

Obviously that would be the easiest way, but would it be the best? Does it completely defeat the purpose of the dac if i convert it to aux?

 

[bfcallan]

It doesn't defeat the purpose. Optical sends a raw digital signal where as 3.5mm sends a decoded analog signal. You will still get great sound quality, although optical is better.

 

[burgessanthony]

Although some quality eoll depend on how good the analogue/digital converter works and how much if any latency it introduces.