Upgrading my HTPC Music source - please advice

[Galgo]

Greetings,
My ASUS m2NPV-VM mother board just passed away
I intend to upgrade with low-power hardware - preferably compatible to the AM2 Athlon 4450e I have or an ATOM combo.

I previously used the HTPC on board sound codec (ADI1986 SOUNMAX) to output 5.1 analog signals to my DIY amplifier.
It was good enough in movies - but pretty low quality when hearing music etc.

I'd like to include a better audio abilities with the new upgrade and wondered what integrated solution you'll recommend?
Alternatively - I can go with a low profile/low power PCIE card or an external solution.
I know I can also go for a stand alone DAC - but it'll be above the allocated budget.
I intend to invest around 200-250$ for the whole upgrade = mother board/ ATOM combo / 2GB RAM and the added audio solution.

Can yo recommend one?
(especially an AM2 compatible MB with integrated IGP ).
Gal

 

[stratus46]

Greetings,
My ASUS m2NPV-VM mother board just passed away
I intend to upgrade with low-power hardware - preferably compatible to the AM2 Athlon 4450e I have or an ATOM combo.

I previously used the HTPC on board sound codec (ADI1986 SOUNMAX) to output 5.1 analog signals to my DIY amplifier.
It was good enough in movies - but pretty low quality when hearing music etc.

I'd like to include a better audio abilities with the new upgrade and wondered what integrated solution you'll recommend?
Alternatively - I can go with a low profile/low power PCIE card or an external solution.
I know I can also go for a stand alone DAC - but it'll be above the allocated budget.
I intend to invest around 200-250$ for the whole upgrade = mother board/ ATOM combo / 2GB RAM and the added audio solution.

Can yo recommend one?
(especially an AM2 compatible MB with integrated IGP ).
Gal

I have 3 nearly identical Gigabyte motherboards AM2+ with built in graphics and 7.1 audio available as analog or SPDIF. Video can be VGA, HDMI or DVI digital up to 1920 x1200. The boards were around $85 US last year and bundled with a new Phenom processor was $200-$250 before RAM. Much to choose from out there.

Personally I'd go with Gigabyte, Asus or Tyan. I'd rather not have Biostar or MSI but that's just me.

G²

 

[awpagan]

Atom based with ION graphics would do but they are not cheap.
Plus you'll need to find one that will fit your memory.
And you'll only have one PCI or PCI-E slot.

Any onboard sound chipset is limited for music, better off getting a dedicated sound card, even for spdif out.

might be best to just get another AM2+ based board.
Use the same processor and ram.
decent sound card later.

I prefer a Gigabyte motherboard for this application... just reliable.

 

[awpagan]

Atom based with ION graphics would do but they are not cheap.
Plus you'll need to find one that will fit your memory.
And you'll only have one PCI or PCI-E slot.

Any onboard sound chipset is limited for music, better off getting a dedicated sound card, even for spdif out.

might be best to just get another AM2+ based board.
Use the same processor and ram.
decent sound card later.

I prefer a Gigabyte motherboard for this application... just reliable.

something like this
Socket AM2+ - AMD 785G - GA-MA785GM-US2H

if you can still find them

 

[Galgo]

Thank you guys
Any specific recommendation regarding the sound card - should fit the budget and have 5.1 analog out and decent DAC (I won't use streaming through HDMI due to my DIY amplifier).
I'd like to avoid using a dedicated external DAC/decoder.
Gal