[Neet]

My friend is buying some 2.1 speakers (maybe Audioengine A2) and building a new PC. Which is the best bang for the buck soundcard/DAC with $150 to play with?

I was thinking the Prelude for a soundcard.

 

[mrarroyo]

If the speakers are self powered he may get more milage from a DAC that can be fed via USB. There are many examples, due a search. I am partial to iBasso portable amp/dac's like the D4 "Mamba" but there are others like the Zero. Good luck.

 

[lxxl]

Ever consider Musiland Monitor 02 US USB DAC? it's at your price range.

 

[Mampus]

Gamma1 from AMB Labs maybe?

The γ1 Modular Miniature DAC

 

[Mampus]

-double post-

 

[Zeroblade]

How about the Zero DAC? A little bit over your budget if you decide to get the version with USB in, but I've heard nothing but praise about it, especially at its price point.

Edit: Forgot to mention - the speakers are going to have to be self-powered since the Zero cannot amplify speakers. It's got a headphone amp though.

 

[germanium]

Xonar D2/PM, very nice sounding card. Very spacious sound even without any processing

 

[az2123]

Putting the $150 into your existing $200 speaker budget will yield you $350 speakers that are a lot better than the A2s, which, IMO, is a greater improvement than getting a DAC.

 

[GWorlDofSPACE]

A Y1 is a good choice. But you need to build it. There are also other options.