Good quality...yet cheap

[Shelster]

Have started using my turbo trainer again and listening to music from the computer in that room while doing it. Up until now, was not that bothered about the audio in there, but if I am going to be using it more, need something better than the onboard Realtek HD that it has.

Not wanting to spend a ridiculous amount on it either.....have an Asus Essence STX in my main rig and not wanting to go anywhere near as mental priced as that, just want to get better than the onboard.

Any recommendations?

 

[Marsman]

A Xonar DG/DGX would be a good cheap option. Any more than that, and you might as well get a D1/DX or a Soundblaster Z OEM. If it's only for a set of stereo speakers, you could get a DAC. Maybe a FiiO D3. No need to worry about software and drivers then.

 

[IC3]

IMO external dac/amp would be a better option, e.g. HA InfoV2 or Maya u5 or AUDIOTRAK Prodigy CUBE, you can find these on popular auction site.