What's the best sound card for $100?

[alphacoyle]

I'm building a computer that will be used for general internet browsing and watching movies (mainly streaming.)

 

[gamerk316]

There is currently a gap between about $70 [ASUS Xonar DX] and $120 [ASUS Xonar D2(X) and Auzentech Meridian 2G], though you can sometimes find an ASUS Xonar D2(X) for about $100 or so. For most people, the DX is more then sufficient to meet your soundcard needs.

Note though, if using [or plan to use] high impedance headphones [<150 Ohms], the ASUS Xonar DG may be a better bet.

 

[alphacoyle]

what speakers will you be using?

I don't know yet. Guess I should ask that as well. Any suggestions; what if I went with that ASUS Xonar DX? What speakers would go with it?

 

[gamerk316]

There are SOME good options in that range; as long as they aren't $10 pieces of junk, the DX should offer some quality increase.

 

[alphacoyle]

There are SOME good options in that range; as long as they aren't $10 pieces of junk, the DX should offer some quality increase.

I was thinking of getting something like Logitech Speaker System Z523. Do you think I don't need to buy a sound card then?