[jagstyle]

My soundcard is old (Sound Blaster Live! 5.1) and I am wondering if my ears would benefit from an upgrade to a newer model. I play lossless audio files through iTunes and really only care about making that process sound the best. Other soundcard features for gaming or audio creation do not interest me and I can already play DVDs in 5.1 with my existing setup. I am currently considering the X-Fi XtremeMusic Sound Card but I would also need to purchase a Digital I/O Module for the "Flexijack" (http://pics.computerbase.de/news/13020/3.jpg). Are there other cards that come with optical or coax outputs on the back of the card? Is upgrading my sound card a worthwhile investment or should I simply invest in an external DAC and headphone amp setup (Fubar and Cute)? Otherwise I'll just spend my money on a headphile Grado Woody/Cable mod...

Current setup:

Sound Blaster Live! 5.1 Pic

Hoontech SB Live Digital I/O III (provides optical and coax spdif) Pic

generic coax cable that came bundled with video card Pic

Logitech Z-680 headphone jack Pic

generic 1/4" to 1/8" adapter Pic

stock Grado SR325i