Looking for cheap sound card with good sound quality.

[endre]

I am really fed up with the bad, boring and noisy sound from the integrated sound-circuit on my Abit NF7-M mainboard. I use analog transfer from the soundcard to the amplifier (my Nikko NA-700II was produced before CD-players got affordable :p), and I am therefore looking for a cheap soundcard with a pretty good built-in DAC and overall good sound quality and sound picture.

The only cheap cards I have available is TerraTec SoundSystem Aureon 5.1 (http://productsen.terratec.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=222&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0), Sunsway/ST Lab 6 channel (C-Media 8738LX) (http://www.sunsway.com.hk/products/cmi8738-6.html) and Creative SoundBlaster Live! 24-bit (http://www.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=1&subcategory=206&product=10315).

Can anyone tell me which of these cards that has the best analog sound (high-quality DAC, and a sparkling/delicate sound picture)?
I do not care about gaming-performance, fancy 3D-sound-things or awesome standards since I do not play games at all. I am only looking for good sound for a stereo (Nikko NA-700II + B&W DM603 S2).
(It is not bad if the card is able to play 5.1, but it is not a requirement.)

I have also got an offer for a Creative SoundBlaster Audigy LS. Will that sound any better than any of the three above?

Is there anyone from Norway here who knows about better alternatives in Norway (100-200 NOK)?
List of cards available in Norway (http://prisguide.hardware.no/cat.php?cat_id=16)

[TimOBrien]

Standard advice: Stay away from Gamer cards for recording.

Get an Emu0404, an M-Audio Audiophile or Echo Mia as a starter recording card.

[martin armsby]

First choice there is Terratec - not onlyy good DACs but good drivers too.

(Apart from my pro cards Motu HD192 and Marian I also have a Terratec 6Fire which I wont be parting with for some time....)

Cheers

M

[endre]

Ok. I will go for the TerraTec then. I think it looks like a more "pro" card then the others.

TimOBrien: I do not record anything. Just listen to music. :p

Thank you guys!
All the other I have talked to has recommended the SB Live! just because it is a Creative SoundBlaster-card.

[dcwave]

YOu can have cheap, good or fast - pick any two :)

[J_G]

[QUOTE=TimOBrien]Standard advice: Stay away from Gamer cards for recording.



does that also mean stay away for playback.. I too want the best quality and presently own the SB Audigy 2ZS. What sound benefits would I have to get away from my gaming card. I also watch movies with this card but think i could get much better quality with another card.