Sound cards?

i am currently looking into moving up to a better sound for my computer. i use it for music listening and gaming equally. i'm also going to be buying a set of M-AUDIO Studiophile AV 30 2.0 speakers. my question is on the soundcard-my considerations are the M-AUDIO Audio Audiophile 249($99),the HT OMEGA STRIKER 7.1($79) and the HT OMEGA CLARO 7.1($159). I've read good things about all three,inparticular the HT OMEGA CLARO's use of the C-Media CMI8788 chipset.Aside from the price differences i have'nt been able to really get anybodies oppinions for comparrisons.I'm not looking to spend any more than i have to of coarse but just wonder if the exta investment is justified.Any experieced opinion would really be great. thanks ...
by the way,i have a great set of flat panel monsoons that i really loved but one of the satalite connection ports on the sub went and the co. no longer exists. i know others who had them feel the same as i do. they are terrific.