Well, this is my first post on this forum, and it's about converting a coaxial S/PDIF signal to an optical signal. I am getting a PowerMac G5 (which has an S/PDIF optical in) and i have an Apogee Mini-me (which has coaxial S/PDIF, XLR AES/EBU, and usb outputs). I do not want to be limited to 24-bit 48khz from the Mini-me's usb output. I'm also wondering if, in general, there are benefits to S/PDIF and AES/EBU over usb?

In regards to the S/PDIF conversion, I have just looked on google and found M Audio has a product called a CO2, which does precisely want I want. Does anyone have experience with this product or something similar? Is there a possibility of degrading the signal in any way from converting coaxial to optical?

Thanks for your time, and I appreciate any responses.
Doug