We currently have an audio system consisting of Nvidia nForce onboard sound card -> 3.5 mm plug -> ~4m cable -> RCA plug -> Yamaha Amplifier/Receiver.
Problem is, the quality is somewhat bad because of the long cable and the sound card isn't that good in the first place. I'm looking for a way to improve it. The only cheap (think under 100 USD) way to improve it as I see it is getting an USB sound card and connecting the yamaha to it with a shorter cable. The sound card also has coax SPDIF output btw.
So, what would be the best way of improving the sound and what hardware would be needed (as specific as possible please).
Problem is, the quality is somewhat bad because of the long cable and the sound card isn't that good in the first place. I'm looking for a way to improve it. The only cheap (think under 100 USD) way to improve it as I see it is getting an USB sound card and connecting the yamaha to it with a shorter cable. The sound card also has coax SPDIF output btw.
So, what would be the best way of improving the sound and what hardware would be needed (as specific as possible please).