..I hope you don't mind a thread jack of sorts but I'd rather not start another thread on a similar subject.
Everyone here seems to recommend the Audigy series (whether is Value, ZS..etc). Occasionally I see a recommendation for the X-Fi series.
For the past 5 years I've used a good ol' Turtle Beach Santa Cruz. I know its been discontinued but its always worked great. I intend on upgrading my entire pc by March and thought about my sound options. Any particular reason why I should jettison my Santa Cruz in favor of a Audigy2/X-Fi card??
Again, I apologize for the thread-jack but I figure the OP won't mind.