I'm setting up a beginner's rig and have decided on the MXL 990/991 and Audio Buddy combo from Guitar Center, so now I need a sound card that goes with the Audio Buddy well, but won't be totally obsolete in case I want to upgrade to a real at some point.

So far I'm looking at the Audiophile 2496 and E-MU 1212M. The Audiophile 2496 is a good low budget solution but there isn't much for I/O. If anyone has any advice about either of these sound cards or just how to pick out a soundcard in general, it's much appreciated.