If you happen to have certain Macs like the MacBook Pro, it has a direct optical digital out (the headphone out is an auto-switchable optical digital out). Assuming your stereo has optical digital inputs, just connect it and you're done. I'm sure MacBook Pros aren't the only laptops with this option by any means.
Apple AirPlay will also stream wirelessly to an Airport Express or Apple TV connected to a stereo system. I believe that's only 16 bit, though, if such things bother you.
When I'm not using one of the other above options, I use my USBPre2 to connect optically to my stereo, but that's only because I happen to already own the thing for use as a preamp. It's not the economical choice for just this purpose, but if you're looking for a new pre anyway....