I guess I would consider myself an audiophile though it has a different meaning to each individual. The equipment I use is a motu 828 mkII audio interface connected to Event TR8 studio monitors via Monster performer 500 cables.
This is my audio interface, basically a pro-level soundcard with multiple input/outputs.
http://www.motu.com/products/motuaudio/828/body.html/en
These are my reference studio monitors. Much better than any pair of logitech's...
http://www.americanmusical.com...EVE-TR8--brand-91.html
Cables. So expensive but they reduce EMI and hum.
http://www.monstercable.com/pr...ctPagePro.asp?pin=2427
I work mainly on music from home as a hobby. Play guitar, drums, bass, programming synth/beats. Regular job as an IT supervisor ughh... Here's a sample of a work in progress.
http://www.tr1kstanc3.com/mp3s/
As for your original question, I actually use the chaintech a710 card as my computer soundcard for gaming. I have it running into my toslink (optical) input on the 828mkII. When I listen to mp3s and watch movies I actually switch over to the 828 because it has a much warmer sound and not the typical flat signal that consumer cards put out. The maudio cards are decent. I used to own the delta 410 card and it put out a decent signal but I would agree the emu 1212m is better albeit buggy. The real question is how much money you are trying to invest. When I compare the chaintech to the motu you should know I am talking about a $25 card versus a $700 rackmount interface. If I had to make a recommendation for a basic 2 channel stereo I would go with ...
http://www.m-audio.com/product...udiophile192-main.html
They pretty much run the market for entry-level pro-audio cards.