Sound Card Replacement

[StealthArsenal]

Hello all, 

 

I am looking for a recommendation for a replacement sound card.  Let me first start off by stating why I am looking for a replacement and please understand I am aware that I can use my onboard sound card, more on that later.  I was in need of a new headset and came across a deal for Astro A50's for $80 bucks.  Obviously I can and am using the A50's with a simple USB cable, but I cannot adequately use the virtualized surround sound nor adjust the equalizer and such.  I am currently using an Asus Xonar DSX that I was under the impression had the Toslink (Opitical Audio) port onboard, but it turns out I was wrong.  I purchased the card originally so I could get better sound quality and control my Logitech Z5500's more effectively and efficiently.  I also use the modified Uni Xonar Drivers which I have used for as long as I can remember with my Xonar sound cards.  Now, the reason I haven't or have been reluctant to use the onboard Crystal Sound 2 was largely due to the fact that I was never quite able to get the sound out of my Z5500's to be crisp, have good treble, bass, highs and lows.  It seemed (and this could just be me) the sound was dull.  As an aside I used to have a Z170 Gigabyte Gaming 7 board that had excellent onboard sound, so in my opinion each manufacturer is doing something different with sound.  With that in mind, I have just stuck with what has worked for me in the past. 

 

What would you guys suggest.  Maybe I will venture into playing around with onboard sound again, but I would like to get some options for add on cards.

 

Thank you