Best relatively inexpensive way to go from Balanced Stereo to S/PDIF (TOSLINK or COAX/RCA)

[SharpEars]

Hi, I am looking for a device that can take a balanced stereo input (or worst case unbalanced) and convert it to S/PDIF. This would involve Analog to Digital Conversion, of course.

Currently, I am considering using a Behringer DEQ2496, which I already own, using its built-in ADC and balanced inputs, for better or worse, since its ADC is not exactly the best.

Are there any other sub say $1,500 devices that have a top notch ADC and S/PDIF out?

I only need capability up to 48 kHz, 16-bit, on the S/PDIF digital side.

Thanks for any advice!

 

[Blumlein 88]

The best is probably the RME ADI Pro FS, but it is around $2k. An RME Babyface Pro FS which is just under $1k probably doesn't give up too much on the AD side. It has optical SPDIF output capability. Is this alright for your purposes or do you need coax SPDIF?

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...yface-pro-fs-portable-interface-review.12313/

BTW, not all interfaces can output SPDIF on optical. Some only do ADAT which isn't compatible with SPDIF. The Babyface can switch and do either format optically on input and output.