(snip)

Am I right in thinking that any add on card is better than onboard due to
the lack of a sound processor? I've had some crashes in a few apps due to
creative cards but have usually been able to work around them. So I'm not
opposed to creative but would have to be blown away by that audigy 2 to
spend $85.

I've got a decent set of 5.1 speakers.

Upgrading from on-board sound to an add-on sound card is a must, for most
mainboards. But . . .

The difference in performance of add-on sound cards is sound quality. A
Turtle Beach Riviera would be a nice upgrade from a SB Live! Value for about
half the price of an Audigy 2. It would also bring those 5.1 speakers to
life and make them sound brand new again. However, you should do nothing if
you are satisfied with the sound quality of the SB Live! Value. -Dave