This is more of a heads up than anything.
I wanted to record directly to computer using software emulation amps and effects.
I have a Audigy 2 Platinum with a front panel "Live Drive" but needed a signal boost/preamp for use with the line-in socket (not happy with mic-in).
So while looking around, i found this gizmo: Shadow SH ECP 2 preamp cable. I couldn't find a review but it was so cheap i bought it without a second thought.
Reduced to £20GBP freepost on ebay uk, these are 105 euros at the Shadow Electronics site.