According to the Ubisoft Rocksmith forum sound latency FAQ the game does better with on board sound.  So what motherboard are you using that you are happy with the sound?  I am putting together a rig and trying to figure out which MB to get.  I typically play through headphones. Thanks. 

Uh, I wouldn't base my MoBo on it's audio ability. There are so many out there I wouldn't know where to begin. Rocksmith is just stereo,, so that opens the options wide open. I'm using an old Creative Fatality, and have no lag issues. My laptop is fine as well. What I mean by this is,, If you get a high quality MoBo to begin with the onboard audio will probably be MORE than enough. What they are referring to is Hot Boxes,, which don't work well with Rocksmith. I would base my MoBo selection around what I intend to do with it. CPU chipset,, will I overclock ?,,How many GPU's will I run ?,, RAM capacity and other features. I have always run Asus ROG series,, but it really comes down to budget and what are your goals.

I am definitely looking at other factors for picking the motherboard. 

Here is what I posted on the steam forum when asked what I will be using it for:

I will be playing Rocksmith, transcribing and editing recordings from my Tascam DR2D.  I currently use an Ipad and Anytune Pro for learning by ear.  The audio could be better.  I have a Yamaha THR10 and Zoom G3 I want to use with the PC to record as well (both are USB in).  So I won't be using the analog in but use headphones all the time.  The only other game I play is Team Fortress 2.  I have a bunch of Gopro footage I would like to edit too.  I don't care for overclocking and running a high speed processor requiring tons of cooling.  I would rather have a mATX form factor than a giant tower.  The Gigabyte gaming 5 looks good.  Thank you for your advice. 

The ASUS ROG looks good.  Which one have you used?  Thanks.

I have an old X-48 rampage formula. It going on 8 years old in July. Still works like a champ. Overclocked ram cpu and GPU's. It's really not a big deal as long as you don't go crazy. Smaller box will cause heat issues but it can be managed with good air flow. I would need to know what cpu you intend to run to offer advice on the MoBo, just understand that quality isn't cheap. But building your own ystem is WAY cheaper. Tell me your budget and I would have a better idea where to start. And if you don't plan on overclocking, you certainly don't need an ROG MoBo,, .

You can buy the more expensive Audio card, if you don't use quality speakers, you'll never have quality in the end.

Nowadays almost all the motherboards comes with quality on board sound & are satisfying (if you don't need specific usage).

 

- The best way to have quality output with a computer is to link your pc output to your hifi amplificator input.

with this kind of cable: 2-3$

http://image.darty.com/gps_autoradio_dvd_portable/dvd_portable/cable_audio/temium_rca_mini_jack_5m_m010223zd1192680a_1249456556916.jpg

 

or through good quality headphones like you.

- THX certified computer's speakers is a good alternative for:

2.1 around 150$

5.1 around 350$