AEGO M and soundcard

[PanchoVilla]

Only use 2.1 setup and have had the old AEGO M version that are excellent.

Always used onboard sound from the PC and never thought of buying a soundcard.

What I want to know is, what are the benefits of having a soundcard installed?

Should I need to buy one on a 2.1 setup?

 

[PanchoVilla]

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=17928963

OK, I now know I need one. My shuttle PC PSU died on me and I didn't realise I was benefitting from the excellent onboard sound solution that was ... nvidia Soundstorm. Currently using a backup HP Core2Duo machine with onboard and having tried the same MP3's on here reveals without a shadow of doubt that "me needs a good sound card in me new build".


So, to refresh my question, what sound card should I go for. Are the expensive ones really worth the extra money?

 

[PanchoVilla]

...
The realtek HD onboard sound on my rigs is quite good but its not even close to the quality of the Creative X-Fi I have in them.

Thanks, that helps. Can you tell me which X-Fi cards you have, or would rate highly?

I ask this since X-Fi cards can be had from 30-120 pounds (i think).