Sound card for audio quality

[SecurityTheatre]

I am trying to rig an old PC as a media centre.

The problem is that I have an Asus system with an integrated audio card. There is a TON of noise on the line when doing 3d graphics or HD video and things. It sounds like digital noise from on the board somewhere.

In order to get decent quality, I've been looking into USB sound cards. I've been poking around on Amazon.ca (I'm in Canada) and have found so many.

I've been reading some google and it sounds like nobody agrees.

Does anyone have an awesome inexpensive option for me that might help with good audio quality? Sometimes I use my Sony amp and surround speakers, sometimes I use my Bose headphones. It's no audiophile setup, but the noise on the line is still damn annoying, as I like quiet and subtle type of music.

Anything you can offer is helpful! Thanks a ton!

 

[Kristijonas]

Why are you not considering a PCI or PCIe sound card like ASUS Xonar DG or ASUS Xonar DS ? (DGX or DSX for PCIe). Cheap and very good.

 

[SyndromeOCZ]

If you want ultra cheap then you can get a Turtle Beach Micro Advantage. It will do 3.5mm trs out put(stereo) or optical. If you only want stereo but want very high quality(for music) then I suggest getting an Focusrite Scarlett 2i2

 

[SecurityTheatre]

Why are you not considering a PCI or PCIe sound card like ASUS Xonar DG or ASUS Xonar DS ? (DGX or DSX for PCIe). Cheap and very good.

The system has no more free slots after the video card for gaming and a firewire card for some media stuff I do.

I however, have 12 USB ports.

 

[hans030390]

I had the Creative X-Fi HD USB external sound card before (SB1240), and I rather liked it. Very decent unit all around.

 

[alfa147x]

Just get a SPDIF DAC. No need for an entirely new sound card. You will always have some noise with analog outs on DACs that are located inside of your case (unless they are isolated = $$$) might as well just get a DAC that sits outside of your computer.

 

[dagamer34]

Is there a reason to use a sound card if you are using HDMI and have an AV receiver? I thought sound cards became pointless when the mobo pretty much handed whatever you threw at it.

 

[alfa147x]

Is there a reason to use a sound card if you are using HDMI and have an AV receiver? I thought sound cards became pointless when the mobo pretty much handed whatever you threw at it.

Some video cards depend on a soundcard to deliver audio

 

[tiger02]

Fiio E10 & E17 are well regarded, basic, and low cost. E17 can also function as portable headphone amp.