Recommendations for sub $500 sound set-up

[Ronin13]

I'm currently on a system with an X-Fi Xtreme Gamer and the Boston Acoustics 2.1 MicroMedia System. While I'm pretty satisfied with this setup, I wouldn't mind an audio upgrade as well as getting rid of some clutter, so I'm thinking of getting some small'ish 2.0 speakers instead.

I'm also planning a new build using Win 7 and I'm not sure if the Xtreme gamer will work there? (Due to drivers, unsupported EAX, PCI interface - with a new MB will a PCIe card be better?)

The MB I'm planning on is the ASUS Z97-AR, which comes with Realtek ALC892 audio. Upgrading that, I'm looking at either my old X-Fi Xtreme Gamer, Sound Blaster Z, ASUS Xonar DSX or some other sub $100 sound card (might be worth to mention that I don't use head phones).

This would be paired with my current speakers or a new sub $400 set 2.0 speakers.

Alternatively I'm considering a set of USB speakers with internal DAC, like the B&W MM-1 (ADAU1761 DAC) or the Audioengine 2+ (TI Burr Brown PCM2704 DAC).

Considering the intended use is casual gaming and music listening, what would you guys recommend?

 

[coolpurplefan]

Although I have the AsRock Fatal1ty H87 Performance motherboard with the Realtek ALC1150 audio, there's a cheaper alternative, the GIGABYTE GA-H97-D3H. That motherboard was not available when I bought mine, otherwise, I might have bought it. (Actually I'm satisfied with my AsRock but just talking about the cost.)

Anyway, I've been researching 2.0 speakers (my own personal preference because I find a lot of bass impacts voice quality) and up to now have found good comments on the Emotiva Airmotiv 3b.

ALC1150 > ALC892

 

[i7Baby]

Similarly, I'd rather get the ALC1150 on a better mootherbopard than 'clutter up' with a sound card.

For $400 there's lots of good choices for speakers eg http://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/best-computer-speakers/