Quote:
Don't plan on getting speakers, I've just seen uncle erik say that if he needed a relatively cheap amp he'd grab an old receiver so I thought it might be a viable option, although maybe not the best option. My mobo is EVGA X58 FTW3. I'm not entirely sure how to tell if it comes with S/PDIF input, I know for sure there are just the regular audio inputs on the back panel, but on the mobo itself there is a header labeled SPDIF (i think its called a header), but I'm not sure what exactly connects to it.
Only really care about sound quality for music, all else is secondary.
Your motherboard does come with S/PDIF, both optical & coaxial built into the motherboard
But does not come with the adapter/bracket that would connect the motherboard's S/PDIF from the motherboard to an external connection point.
The part is
Gigabyte 12CR1-1SPINO-11R
Amazon will sell you that part for $30
On eBay, there is a seller (e-speedy, in Australia) that will ship you one for $16.04
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gigabyte-Motherboard-RCA-S-PDIF-12CR1-1SPINO-11R-cable-/230491634631#vi-content.
If you decided to just use the USB output for audio, then you would not need the bracket.
If you did USB to receiver, you would want to get a USB DAC ($52).
I'm thinking the best setup for you would be an external USB DAC and headphone amplifier setup.
you can buy a separate DAC and a separate headphone amplifier, or buy all in one USB-DAC-amp.
Right now I think the Hifimediy Sabre USB DAC for $52 is a great value.
You can get a no name "Made in China" single tube headphone amplifier for $50-$95
Fiio E09 ($95) or E09K ($109) solid state head amp.
O2 (Objective 2) headphone amplifier for $155, solid state
Little Dot MKIII tube headphone amp. for around $240
A combo (USB-DAC-Amp) like the NFB-12.1 for around $250, dual DAC chips, solid state.
You also might find something good (and used) on the Head-Fi "Amplifier for Sale" thread.