How can I get better sound from my PC?

Mario doesn't like the sound of his Windows PC, particularly when watching TV programmes online. What can he do to improve it?

What are the best, reasonably inexpensive hardware and/or software solutions to improve a PC's crappy sound? We find the audio of TV programmes hard on our ears, bass too loud, and the high notes are several db lower than normal due to our age. We use our PCs to listen to classical music as well.

Our operating system is Microsoft Windows 7, default device: Realtek speakers. Our speakers are cheap Creative MF 0055 2.0 Series. Are the standard sound boards that come with most PCs suitable or is a better one required? (We live in Canada and subscribe to the Guardian.) Mario

A PC is a poor source for hi-fi, but that probably doesn't matter if you mainly want to change the sound to suit your ears. In the long term, I expect you will have to buy better speakers. However, you can start by experimenting with Windows' settings and, perhaps, some audio utilities.