What are the best entry level, intermediate, and pro sound cards?

[Toki987]

It would be cool if somebody could set up a vote for the 3 of the best of each catagory with fixed parameters for each like:

Entry level : under $100
Intermediate : $100 to $300
Pro : $300 and up

and have like 3 top entries for each catagory

I don`t know how to do this here, but somebody surely might know.

It might steer some new folks away from throwing money away on stuff that is commonly known not to qualify well for midi/audio recording at these levels of expertise.

 

[ambi]

hmm

correct me if im wrong, but, entry level would be like
100-400
like an audiophile, or delta 44/66

intermediate would be maybe 400-1300
roughly i guess, motu, delta 1010, umm, what are those other ones... damn its been too long i can't remember anything. but those other ones in that range, like arvarks etc..

and pro, i guess would be like pro tools setups, radar, etc.. with external clocks and the likes, 2000-the sky?
i dunno, pricey as hell.

i didn't include any of the sound blaster lines, cause they're gaming cards, and shouldn't really be considered for recording purposes unless you have no choice, or your just messing around for fun.

 

[alonso]

I have to agreee with Ambi, your categories are a bit on the cheap side, a good intermediate card would be the Delta 1010, which you can get for $525 if you know how to shop around, in fact if you want one, I can tell you where to get one for that price....

 

[Toki987]

Your answer is a good one and the $ range might need increasing a bit. However when I say entry level, I`m not talking about a person that intends specifically to build a recording studio in their home. I`m talking about a person that may desire to be able to record their own music with minor and economical additions, whether for scratchpad or to learn the recording principles ( think of a musician that has basic knowledge of a pc and not a lot of cash).
The intermediate level would be those that are experienced with using a PC based workstation for midi and audio production and desire to do their own complete productions, just not competetively market capable.
Pro level would be those that are experienced at providing production for themselves and others at the commercial level.