Upgrading from onboard Audio

[Destonomos]

I've had it, i've had way to many audio problems out of this motherboard to put up with it any longer. This is the last time I buy a motherboard with AC'97 audio on it. Its worthless crap. Anyways /endrant, I am upgrading to a soundblaster and I was wondering which would be the best to go with for me? I am spending somewhere within the 70 to 80 dollar range. I want it to sound nice and realize i've never used anything but onboard sound my entire life.

 

[Destonomos]

no help?

 

[GodsMadClown]

What speakers will you be using?

 

[SJetski71]

And what is your focus?

gaming,

music & movies,

or both equally?

 

[Destonomos]

Both equally. I listen to alot of music and I do a lot of gaming. I have gta:sa and I promised myself I wouldn't keep playing it until I got my new soundcard and I also play counterstrike and the like.

I have a set of midiland 5.1's in my room right now. 83 bucks off newegg.com

 

[GodsMadClown]

AAudigy 2 Value. Pricewatch for it. You should be able to find it around $40.

 

[skudmunky]

This should serve you well

 

[GodsMadClown]

That's a pretty good deal. They must be trying to move 'em out before the X-Fi comes out.

 

[Destonomos]

hmm, 90 dollars with a 15 dollar instant rebate? Hmmm thats tempting because on neweggs site that puts it's price range near the card below it then they tack on that additional 25 dollars off that is a MIR. I could try it and even if the MIR doesn't work then I got the card for the normal price no biggie. Thats probably what I will buy when my ebay auctions are over and I am paid.

 

[Destonomos]

http://www.ictcompany.com/store/productinf.asp?idsr=791&Item=SB0350

is that place any good? I found them off pricewatch and they are offering the card newegg is offering for 97 dollars - 15 dollars in instant rebates - 25 mail in rebate..... This place is 1 dollar more and no rebate crap at all, straight off the site. I think I may go with them.