under $200, what is the the best sound card (or do i even need the best) for just listening to high quality music?

There'sa lot of great cards under $200, but most that cost over 150 are overpriced. A lot of hype went into what is call xram. It's useless so avoid paying any extra for it. And the reason it's usless is the software has to be programmed to utilize it. And since no company is gonna waste their time programming the software to use this xram, that 95% of ppl don't have, it's useless.

I recommend the Creative sb x-fi xtreme gamer, which is the one i use, it's the same as creative flagship card minus the useless xram. This card goes for about $90

I find the sound is excellent whether it's gaming or music.

Also i've had no driver issues with it and vista 64bit.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6829102018

That one is a decent midrange card. You just missed a $50 MIR

...don't forget the Asus Xonar sound cards!!!!

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] &name=ASUS

...and PCI Express to boot.

i would like to recommend AudioTrak Prodigy HD2 if you're a audiophile.This card is worth the money you pay for.

but the audiotrak is only for 2 channels audio.
maybe I'm wrong but thats what I read.
you can get a multichannel audio only but connecting to the optical output.

What kind of speakers are you using? If it's typical PC speakers like z5500s i wouldn't waste $200 on a sound card, you're better off spending <$100. If you have a seperates stereo system and want a decent soundcard for your system i'd recommend looking at the Auzentech ones rather than the creative ones.

For music - HT OMEGA CLARO Plus+ http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6829271003

For music and games - Auzentech Prelude http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 829156005/

..You can find either card on ebay for like 70 bucks.