As someone whom just had a X-Fi Xtrememusic practicaly on its last legs have to switch to realtek HD onboard audio & using a set of senheiser pc350's that are hero modded .... I can honestly say there IS a fairly substantial diffrent .... less amplifications, limited dynamic sound range to name a few.
Look into something like a Asus Xonar DX card at least if you buy one ..
