I have an onboard soundcard but I read that PCI soundcards are better quality. I have new altec lansing three piece speakers. Soundblaster seems to be the most recommended. Which soundcard should I purchase? Seems to be so many soundblaster types.

Better be in CoOp forum.

Well from what I have read the most popular in terms of price/performance ration would be the Sound Blaster Audigy. Toms Hardware (http://www.tomshardware.com/video/index.html/) is a good source for comparisons..

Smiffy

Some of the onboard sound chipsets aren't that bad.The new MBs with the ac97 and latest drivers are quite good.As for a sound card,Turttle Beach or Creative are the best consumer grade cards.I have an Audigy Platinum as well as a TB Santa Cruz.If it weren't for the extra connections on the AP,I would say the better choice would be the TB !

ebuyer now have the soundblaster live platnium 5.1 with front drive connecter thing and remote for around 60 quid

Actually my mobo has AC97 (chipset?) and the newest via drivers but states also soundblaster or soundblaster pro compatable. I'll leave things be i guess. Altec Lansings sound incredible as is.