Buying my first soundcard

[Sputnik10]

Im thinking of upgrading from my soundblater to a decent soundcard.
These cards are options... but I cannot decide what to go for.

Audiophile 2496 cheap, and a standard card that has many users
ESI Juli@ more expensive but I heard it has some good reviews

I will record mainly acoustic guitars and vocals and I want to have some nice quality. Also this will be my first card so I dont now if one of the cards is hard to use etc.

Please help me here

 

[manning1]

the only way is to test drive sound cards and see which fits your needs
if possible. what one person might deem great quality . another might not.
search under my name for lots oftips posted in the last year.
if you are willing to spend big money look at rme or lynx.
in the middle are products like delta and phase sound cards as examples of many.
peace.

 

[guitar-dave]

I would recommend the EMU 1212m because:

1: Has in built effects.
2: Great quality AD DA convertors.
3: Has option of add on breakout box if you ever need to record more tracks ie full kit.
4: PCI which means (supposably) more reliable than USB kit

Ive just got it, and it was so easy to install/get up and running. (£80 as new on Ebay)
Dave