Help me on choosing a soundcard.

Right.
I will be shortly creating a computer based hi-fi. I will have 2 bookshelf speakers connected to an integrated amp. The amp will be connected to my computer soundcard. However, I am looking at the m-audio audiophile 2496 and the emu 0404. I can't make my mind up which to get. The price difference is the matter of £10. I will be using the card mostly for listening to music but I will likely in the coming year use it for recording my guitar as well.
Emu has had a lot of reviews and I've noticed people to report bugs with it. The emu processor is said to be a slight downside because its made by creative...i have a creative sb live and its not that bad and it uses some of emu technology, just my speakers suck.
I've also been told that if I carry out my wanted setup, the sound will be analog, not digital because the amp Ill be getting (nad c320bee) doesn't have a DAC.
Apparently emu are releasing some new drivers soon for free that will make the emu 24/192 as opposed to 24/96!
Can anyone help me on this and which card to get?
Thanks

 

Well, if you want to record music from guitar to your computer, I'd buy one of these:

http://www.audiotrak.net/maya44mk2.htm

or this one:

http://www.audiotrak.net/maya1010.htm

I have two sound cards in my computer. One is onboard sound, the other is an Audigy 2 ZS. Pure junk when recording directly from guitar, Bass, and mic (or else I need a better 1/4" to 1/8" adapter....)


Perhaps one of these years I'll buy a "real" sound card.