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I can only tell you my experience. The leap from onboard sound to outboard sound with an M-Audio sound card was extraordinary. I have great hearing, and consider myself an audiophile, but the difference was monumental.
The most important thing is the quality of your speakers, and how critically you listen. I run an original set of Klipsch ProMedia 2.1's. I later added an M-Audio Revo 7.1 dedicated sound card. I could notice a big difference b/c it's S/N ratio was so much greater than the on-board sound. I...
Looks like they went from a discrete power amp with separate output transistors, and power supplies, to a chip amp. How does the new set sound? I wouldn't expect as good.
I think you're missing the point. Great s/c, no s/c, these speakers sound fantastic. That's all that matters. I have a kick ass s/c as well, but if I wanted to buy a great set of speakers, bypassing my s/c wouldn't make a difference.
If you want to spring an extra $50, and bass isn't your most important consideration, you may want to review these:
http://www.maximumpc.com/article/reviews/bowers_wilkins_mm1_computer_speakers_review
Prices here...