Which Soundcard?

[Toolsound]

Hey everyone, this is my first post on the boards here.

Currently I'm just recording guitar, but I plan on doing bass and maybe vocals sometime down the road. My setup right now is SM57 -> Audiobuddy -> Soundblaster Live -> Guitar Tracks software

I'm looking for the weakest link in my setup and I think it must be the soundcard. Would upgrading the soundcard do me any good? Which soundcard would you recommend? I've been looking at the Audiophile 2496 and 192, but I'm not really sure what I need.

Also, the input on the audiobuddy seems really sensitive. How can I crank my amp without overloading?

THANKS!!!

 

[mawtangent]

Hey Toolsound...I still have a Soundblaster Live also...the consensus on this board is that Soundblaster Live is a gaming card and not that great for recording audio...I have thought about getting another card in the future also...It seems the entry level contenders for adequate quality (at around $100) are these two cards:

http://www.homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=140624&highlight=emu

 

[Toolsound]

Stupid question:

How would the 2496 connect to the 1/4" outputs on my Audiobuddy?

Also, how can I keep my Audiobuddy from overloading so easily when recording at high volumes?