Dedicated Sound Card

Hello everyone!

I built my computer a little over a year ago, but I still haven't completed it. The last thing I want to add to it is a sound card. I have a great speaker system and headphones and want to make the most out of them. What I want to know is do you guys suggest sound cards? Is the audio difference significant enough to justify the price? If I'm to get one I plan on getting one >$100, but I don't want something cheap and crappy either. All input is appreciated.

What headphones

If you can give more specific info on speakers and headphones you are using and exactly what you need the card for. i.e. music, movies, games or all the above. With more info we can give great suggestions. Thanks.

I currently have Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 speakers and sub system along with a SteelSeries Siberia V2 headphones. I plan on purchasing a pair of Audio Technica ATH-M50s at some point. The main purpose for the sound card would be for music and games.

The speakers can be found here: http://www.klipsch.com/promedia-2-1-computer-speakers

The headphones I plan on purchasing: http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/headphones/0edf909675b1be4d/

I'm not a major audio-phile, but I do appreciate good, solid,  and crisp sound quality.

I do music production so firstly I can say GET THOSE HEADPHONE in all caps. Seriously, they are outstandingly good. It's like hearing everything that's amazing all over again.

As for the card, It does depend on what you plan on using it for.

If latency is a concern, anything under 14ms will do you just fine. And don't bother with a Soundblaster.

Asus Xonar Essence STX; there should be no hesitation when purchasing or suggesting this sound card. Fantatsic, fantastic, fantastic; enough audio power to drive Sennheiser HD 650s, or even HD 800s, but great ES shielding, and general build quality that make it worth it.

I've only heard great things about the sound quality in them, and that is what makes me interested. So you would suggestion them, obviously; do you have anything about them that you don't like? What are your full thoughts on the product in your experience of using them?

The price seems a bit steep for what I'm wanting to spend. What about this card? 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829132006

It's a bit more in my price range. How do the specs look and do you think it would be a good buy for the money? I have no knowledge on what the numbers mean in sound card details so if you or someone else could give an explination on them it would be greatly appreciated.