I think the point would be to audition the m-Audio cards. Once you've heard a pro card, you'll never want to go back to a Sound Blaster. Not only the specs, the quality of converters makes a huge difference. And there are about 200 threads on the difference between 24 and 16 bit. Go fish. The distillation: 24-bit makes more of a difference than the 96, so most have ended up using 24/44.1 or 24/48.
This is why you'll get CD players sold in the streets of China at $100, whereas qualkity players can cost 500, 1000 and even 5000 greenbacks. There are differences.
Now for your problem.
The low audio CD output means you aren't getting the right levels into the computer in the first place. Try recording at a level where you hit peaks of -3dB. That is the best tradeoff between the risk of distortion and low output levels. And of course if you are looking for a 'loud' CD, use limiters on the output. Don't overdo it, though.
