[dyli]

I want better sound quality than what my laptop audio out port provides. My primary purpose is listening to music and watching movies.

My budget is $200 and on amazon I find 3 different types of products

1) DAC - https://www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/electronics/3224445011/

2) Audio Interfaces/Preamps - https://www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/musical-instruments/11973691/ , https://www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/electronics/11974581/

3) External Sound Cards - https://www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/pc/3015427011

In DAC, I like the Audioengine D1, in Audio Interfaces I like the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and in External Sound Cards I like the Creative Sound BlasterX.

All of them seem to do the same thing with the Audio Interfaces providing additional recording capabilities. Which among these will provide the best sound quality to my external speakers? Also if possible it would be great to know the difference between them.

 

[PurpleAngel]

As you do not seem to have a need for the features offered by an Audio Interface or sound cards, it would seem a simple DAC/amp is the best choice.
Is this for just use with speakers or also for use with headphones?

Hifimediy DAC, $42-$70.
https://hifimediy.com/DACs/ready-made-dacs?sort=p.price&order=ASC

 

[User4567]

If you also need a headphone amp an audio interface is a good choice. I have the Behringer U-phoria UMC204HD and it sounds a lot better than my on-board motherboard audio. I have not heard other seperate DAC's/audio interfaces, but I still think it's good.