[fusedpro]

Here is the sound card in question -- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829271001. It is $75 so it definitely is a step above on-board audio, but I have no idea how it fairs as a DAC. I ask this because it is my current audio source and I am trying to decide if it is worth it to even buy a separate, dedicated DAC (already have an amp). 
 
That said, if I were to buy a dedicated DAC, how much needs to be spent to hear an improvement? Would a FiiO D3 suffice? Is an HRT Music Streamer II worth the price over the D3? Expanding on this even more, would Schiit's Bifrost be worth saving up for over the other two? I'm thinking the only thing I can say with some certainty is the fact that the Bifrost will more than likely pair well with my current amp as it is also a Schiit product, the Asgard.
 
Any input on my situation would be much appreciated. Thank you!

 

[leeperry]

it's using a mobo chipset actually, the craptastic CMI8768.
 
the only good point is that it'll work w/ those drivers, but it's still a waste of money: http://code.google.com/p/cmediadrivers/

 

[fusedpro]

So... I would benefit from a dedicated DAC?

 

[Head Injury]

You might be interested in the ASUS Xonar Essence cards, depending on which slots you have available.

 

[fusedpro]

I want to avoid another sound card solution considering mine works just fine for what it does. That and there's the whole adage about something that performs multiple tasks won't be as good as something that performs only one task. That's where the DAC comes into play if anyone has any input about my predicament.