I don't use cheap speakers with my setups. Even when my PCs are connected at my desktop, I'm using a ($240 in 1993) RCA all-in-one stereo (2.1 surround) that has a built-in sub and Dolby NR. I decided to do a little test this evening, using a Sony headset (compared very well with my brother's studio headset he used in sound production) a CD played directly from the stereo and then from my 2009 HP media center PC. I paused the music, cranked up the volume and listened for any hiss or hum sounds; It was clean of any system interference. The music quality was about the same, be it from the PC CD player, the RCA stereo (when RCA used to be good) or a Pansonic MP3/CD player. The high range was crisp, the mid-range was clear and the bass wasn't distorted.
I ask you this. Do you think the soundchips in the Xbox 360 and PS3 are garbage?
I believe it's pretty telling, when MaximumPC lists the best of the best, and they don't even bother to mention sound cards.
http://www.maximumpc.com/best-of-the-best
And their media PC uses onboard sound as well.
http://www.maximumpc.com/article/fea...pc_living_room