I currently record on my computer with the standard soundblaster card and it works well enough. However, I am upgrading and have been carefully looking at various cards and have to agree that there are much better cards out there than the Soundblaster stuff. I think CROZ's suggestion of looking into Echo's products is worthwhile. I am currently leaning toward a Darla 24 which can be had new for about $299.00 US.
If your current card is decent, you may also want to take a look at the Tascam US428 digital mixer & interface. It apparently has 24-bit conveters.
Anyway, here's a site you might want to check out. It compares many different cards.
http://www.pcavtech.com/soundcards/compare/index.htm
Good Luck!