You are still going to use a soundcard, so get that anyway.
I didn't get back to this in time, but there were some questions about whether your sound card would play back audio from, say, YouTube. This is not a valid test. Even the cheapest chips will play back audio. The trick is recording it. You need a sound card with the ability to adjust the ASIO buffer. If I recall correctly, the lowest Scarlett units from Focusrite do not allow that, but if you spend just a bit more, you get a mixer and the ability to adjust the buffer. I use Focusrite Scarlett units, too - I have three, on various machines.
About the better MIDI sound, you are in luck! Someone else just asked about this a few days ago, and there is some solid info you will benefit from. Find that thread.
- I'll see if I can add a link to it.
EDIT: here it is: https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=588250#Post588250Take heart. This is going to look like a long topic, and in truth it is. We all strive to get better sound, and there is no one correct and easy answer. Read when I linked to, and then come back with your questions. We have all been there before.