Suggestions for new soundcard/audio interface

I've been struggling with an old Soundblaster PCI card, no ASIO drivers, using ASIO4ALL and I guess I've finally had enough.
 
Time for an upgrade. Not sure which direction to go - another soundcard or a USB audio interface?
 
My budget is limited, maybe $200.
 
Anybody have any suggestions for me? I'm running SONAR X3 on a Windows 7 machine with the i-7 sandy bridge processor.

Read this, you can jump to the section on shopping for an interface using the hot link.  I cover the spectrum of using a DAW on this page. 
 
 http://www.cactusmusic.ca/Recording.htm
 
And PCI type cards are rare these days so not common. 
Pretty much every interface is USB. 
 
Everyone will recommend the interface they have chosen, that doesn't mean it is the right one for you.
 
 

this is crazy, but I'm not using it for recording. Recording is done on another machine, loaded with a really good old soundcard, the M-Audio Delta 1010LT. 
 
that card did not work properly in my newer Windows 7 machine, crackly sounding... so  i dont record on it. I do all the raw recording on my old machine and then transfer the files to the Windows 7 machine for mix. Its a more powerful machine and can handle any amount of VST plug ins running for mix... the old machine cannot, but records tracks well, 8 simultaneous live inputs if needed, great for live recordings in my studio.
 
Point of all this... I dont record with the machine I am needing a new audio interface/soundcard, only playback and mix.
 
Does this change any opinions?

Audio Interface is common these Days
I use Roland Quadcapture, it's in the pricerange and is really plug'n play. Midi Interface is included, too. If you only playback and mix, will make no difference. Altough,  recording works fine, Quadcap has Auto-Sense to adjust the input signal. Easy to use. When I bought it, it came with Sonar LE :) :) 
 
Cheers :)
 

If you can find a good deal for 'used' around your price range - the Tascam UH7000 would be my number 1 choice for what you described. Excellent interface that hits way above its' price point. There was one on reverb last week that sold below $250. I almost snagged it and I don't need one right now. The headphone amp is almost worth the price. It's the best I've used.

Wrongnoterod
...Point of all this... I dont record with the machine I am needing a new audio interface/soundcard, only playback and mix.
 
Does this change any opinions?

Yes, if you need an interface to mix only, then a basic USB unit like the Focusrite 2i2 or Steinberg UR12 for monitoring would be enough.  (Personally I would get the UR12 as it's $50 less than the 2i2, plus IMO the drivers are more stable, but bottom line, it's subjective, and they're both good budget units).
 
First, how are you handling the mixing now with only a soundblaster card?  Do you have adapter cables or a mixer feeding into monitors/ headphones?

mikelgom
Got a Focusrite Solo because of the price, So far, it works fine. Nice interface and easy to use.

Good call.  I forgot all about that model in my previous post.  Either the Solo or the UR12 is a great choice for a simple $100 unit.

I got the 2i2 today, it was basically download the driver, setup sounds in control panel, and play...sounds great !!!