You can get cheap 16 bit cards all day long. At one time, I had 3 installed at once - they were 15 bucks a piece (with SPDIF digital ins). You can get an Emagic Audiowerk 2 card (18 bit digital) at GC for $30. 24 bit, you're looking at a Delta. If you're used to a VS1880, then 16 bit would be a dissapointment. I'd look on Ebay.