sound card choices

I have just upgraded my computer to Win 7/64 bit. I have been running WinXP for years, using version 1.2.6 of Audicity along with a Soundblaster Audigy 2 sound card to record streaming audio. I’ve had great success with this combination. I did notice when i was gathering new drivers before upgrading to Win7 that the Audigy 2 was listed as “End of Service Life” in Creative’s support section, although a Win 7 driver was available.
I have been considering upgrading my sound card with a newer model in the $50 price range. I’ve looked at the Creative X-FI extreme gamer and the ASUS Xonar 7.1. I believe that the Xonar is host-based, while the Creative has its own DSP. Is this anything to quibble over, and has anyone had any experience with either of these under Win 7?

These sound like basic questions, but that’s pretty much sums me up - a basic type of person who has a question or 2. Thanks for any help.

The Creative X-FI extreme gamer has a very good reputation as a gaming sound card, but a very poor reputation for music work (due mostly to buggy drivers).