Need sound card buying advice

[TheNamelessOne]

So I'm considering getting a sound card for the new rig I am making. My choices are:
1. SB Audigy Mp3+ around 70 dollars from Fry's with MIR
2. Turtle Beach Santa Cruz from Newegg. I think its 60 something.
3. Stay with onboard sound on my asus P4PE
Based on what I've read I'm leaning toward the santa cruz. How much of a difference will I hear switching from onboard sound to the santa cruz? And another question on a related note, what would be a better investment in getting good sound quality, good sound card or good speakers? This may be a stupid question but I'm a sound noob ;) I plan on getting good speakers too, was just curious to the answer to this.

[Johnny Knoxville]

go for 2, the santa cruz has better sound quality than the audigy. If you use the digital out, you will notice a very big difference over the onboard sound.

[mordy]

2 .
option 3 is second choise

[TheNamelessOne]

Ok, option 2 it is. Can anyone recommend good speakers to go along with it. Something in the same price range as the card.

[Penguin4x4]

Logitech 2100's, very nice IMHO(In store demo about a month or so back, :D:D):)

[seamadan000]

I will buck the trend and say Audigy, IMO it is better sounding from the digital outs, and is more stable (from what I've heard, I could be wrong).

Either way, I would go for some Logitech 2.1 channel speakers, I forget the model number.

[TheNamelessOne]

Sorry semadan, santa cruz it is! Circuit City has it for $29.99 with $50 MIR. The low price and almost everyone recommending it pretty much sealed the deal. I will look into those speakers. How much are they from newegg?

[seamadan000]

:) you won't hurt my feelings going with the SC, it will serve you well

Here is a link to the speakers Z340 (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?submit=manufactory&catalog=60&manufactory=1080&DEPA=1&sortby=14&order=1) but they are out of stock right now. Anyway, they are only $36, a killer deal for speakers that good, you can probably find them elsewhere for a similar price

[RattlerGUNS]

try these altec lansing 251 speakers

http://www.altecmm.com/product_details.asp?pID=251&sID=1

newegg has them at 68$

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?DEPA=0&submit=manufactory&catalog=60&manufactory=1063&description=251&Order=price

[emericanchaos]

i choose 4 terratec 128pci. 24/96 for less than $70

[TheNamelessOne]

I am considering the Z340 speakers. Thanx for the help.

[Eugenius]

I would go with the Z340's, there cheap, and get the job done. Especially for a person like me who doesnt have room for 5 speakers.

[Eugenius]

BTW I agree with your choice, Turtle Beach Santa Cruz is a very good choice.