So, I’ve been going back and forth with this, I have 2 usb creative audio cards with Toslink optical cables. So I can record from 1 PC to another, In doing some research it seems these audio cards / devices do not work. is there a list of known hardware that I can use for optical recording? I looked to see about this topic but could not find an existing one. If someone can suggest a less expensive setup that is working for them? Thank you everyone for your time.
Those connectors can be for either ADAT (8 channels) or TOSlink (2 channel) or both.
10-20 years ago, there was a lot of audio gear that supported ADAT. These days, not so much. Plenty of used gear out there that can do it though. In the 2000s I used to use RME Hammerfall cards (ADAT) connected to dedicated ADAT DAC/ADC units (I forget the manufacturer). Today, I have a Yamaha 0196v console that has a single ADAT port in each direction - I use it to connect to my Focusrite i18i20 audio interface (connected to the computer via USB).
If it is only TOSlink (the 2 channel version), then it’s probably not worth bothering at this point.
Optical interface is less common these days.
The Focusrite Scarlett interfaces are well regarded, but you have to move up to the 16i16 before an optical interface is available.
What are you trying to accomplish? Why 2 PCs, and why must it be an optical digital audio connection? Perhaps there is another way to achieve the end result you want.
Audio over ethernet could work
You cannot connect ethernet cables to the connectors used for ADAT/TOSlink.
Ah, obviously not, but things like netjack2 or various pipewire modules are capable to send audio over a network. Which would eliminate the need for two soundcards and the limits of adat.
Ah, OK, now I see what you mean.
I don’t think it is actually what the OP is wanting to do/accomplish … They’re also on Windows.
I bet there are solutions for windows. Well technically jack2 is available on windows, so there’s that 
just wanted to mention that audio over networks could be a cheaper solution than two interfaces with adat
Thanks for all of that, I have alot going on with my PC is why 2 pcs… one can stream while the other records… is there any Windows / PC vendors that are known to work, Obviously current Creative doesn’t but maybe turtle beach or other legacy cards? would really just need the one for the recording PC…
What exactly does not work? Maybe the receiving interface blocks spdif/adat inputs if not clocked to it?
so its really weird. I can see the audio coming through when set to MME, because I can select the input and output device to the Digital in (Sound Blaster Z) and out to Digital out to Stereo Receiver, but was told that won’t work. I could not get it to record. online said it must be ASIO which causes the audio input and output to change to Creative SBZ Series ASIO which doesn’t work… very confusing. I’m trying to lose using Adobe Audition, and everything says the remastering music was best with Ardour… I’m pretty technical. but I just can’t get it to work…
That sounds relevant? I have neither a soundblaster nor a windows system to test stuff… But it should work with the soundblaster, I’d say
When asio is running, you should be able to run ardour with asio as backend? How many inputs can you see in ardours “Rec” page?
How many channels? You mentioned stereo receiver, so if using only two channels you don’t have to use ASIO. Either MME or WASAPI should work. I found WASAPI to have lower latency for the few times I wanted to use a software synthesizer and had to use a Windows laptop, but I doubt it matters if you aren’t doing something latency sensitive like software instruments.
Thanks everyone, I’ll try all of that tomorrow and let you know… I just installed it today so still trying to get the GUI under control… Audio is coming in as Stereo 2 channel … I am trying to convert a large amount of music to 5.1
I have never seen a stereo receiver with an 8-channel ADAT interface. Does that imply you are using software Dolby encoding of some kind and will be transmitting e.g. AC3 or DTS encoded audio to the receiver?
I’m trying to get there. working on some unique software… 