Mini-ITX external sound solutions.

[JWAL710]

I recently built a gaming computer in an ultra small form factor using a Mini-ITX Z170i MOBO.  I find the the integrated sound card/drivers by Realtek, while able to process 24bit @ 192K it still leaves a LOT to be desired in terms of consistency and quality.  I've been researching the best solutions for external sound solutions and find that there are a number of solutions out there, active monitors (I have a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2) external amplifiers, 5.1 systems, USB type sound cards (designed mostly for laptops), and a plethora of other options. 

 

Tell me, what do you guys think is the absolute best external sound solution and the best budget friendly solutions. I want to know what you guys think?

 

-JWAL

 

PS: I am VERY new to forums and lurk more than I post so forgive me for improper etiquette.

 

If you guys want to see the video that inspired my ultra small but oh so powerful ITX gaming rig check it out here: 

 

[crysilis]

4 minutes ago, JWAL710 said:

I recently built a gaming computer in an ultra small form factor using a Mini-ITX Z170i MOBO.  I find the the integrated sound card/drivers by Realtek, while able to process 24bit @ 192K it still leaves a LOT to be desired in terms of consistency and quality.  I've been researching the best solutions for external sound solutions and find that there are a number of solutions out there, active monitors (I have a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2) external amplifiers, 5.1 systems, USB type sound cards (designed mostly for laptops), and a plethora of other options. 

 

Tell me, what do you guys think is the absolute best external sound solution and the best budget friendly solutions. I want to know what you guys think?

 

-JWAL

 

PS: I am VERY new to forums and lurk more than I post so forgive me for improper etiquette.

 

If you guys want to see the video that inspired my ultra small but oh so powerful ITX gaming rig check it out here: 

 

https://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Studio-Interface-Recording/dp/B00AW91CPG?ie=UTF8&creativeASIN=B00AW91CPG&linkCode=w01&linkId=HTB7UCNBIWU3IGPW&ref_=as_sl_pc_ss_til&tag=techs096-20

tech source uses this one

for $200 comes with mic and headphones

[manikyath]

20 minutes ago, JWAL710 said:

(I have a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2)

16 minutes ago, crysilis said:

https://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Studio-Interface-Recording/dp/B00AW91CPG?ie=UTF8&creativeASIN=B00AW91CPG&linkCode=w01&linkId=HTB7UCNBIWU3IGPW&ref_=as_sl_pc_ss_til&tag=techs096-20

tech source uses this one

for $200 comes with mic and headphones

i'm not sure if you realised you did this or not...

[crysilis]

3 hours ago, manikyath said:

i'm not sure if you realised you did this or not...

oh SHIT LOL

[Guest]

Remind me why you can't connect speakers and/or headphones to your Scarlet interface?

[JWAL710]

15 hours ago, SSL said:

Remind me why you can't connect speakers and/or headphones to your Scarlet interface?

I'm tying to find an option for Speakers.  Headphones work fine but I would like to have a good speaker setup too.  I have a PA system I use for events but other than that its a super crappy creative 5.1 system (Realtek drivers) and the PA is way too much power.  So perhaps the better question would be in addition to a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, what would be the best solution. Active monitors, amplification on bookshelf speakers....?

[Guest]

39 minutes ago, JWAL710 said:

I'm tying to find an option for Speakers.  Headphones work fine but I would like to have a good speaker setup too.  I have a PA system I use for events but other than that its a super crappy creative 5.1 system (Realtek drivers) and the PA is way too much power.  So perhaps the better question would be in addition to a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, what would be the best solution. Active monitors, amplification on bookshelf speakers....?

 

I haven't seen a budget yet.