Freebase Dali

It doesn't make any sense to me why a person would need to use two separate solutions in conjunction unless they were going for a particular effect, like recording to analog tape for a specific sound.
Modern DAWs are every bit as capable as a standalone recording system. Assuming a decent audio interface is used, there's no reason not to record in the box. I don't see the point of the extra steps and equipment that would be required to record separately then import into the computer for processing when you can just record into the computer with software that is specifically designed to do this (Pro-tools, Sonar, any recording software really) and eliminate the external solution.

The only requirements are that there is a decent audio interface with the amount of inputs and preamps that the person desires. These things are designed specifically for this purpose. We're not talking about a standard computer sound card. These are recording audio interfaces, and any studio in the world that records with a computer is using one.

Anyway, to the OP, if you want to scale up to your 150 limit, you can, however you should just be aware that there's only so much you're going to get out of the equipment and hardware itself in terms of end result. You can buy a 3,000 dollar Apollo 16 interface or a 100 dollar M-Audio interface, and either way you'll still be limited by your knowledge and experience in regard to recording and mixing, and also your other gear in the signal chain. The best preamps in the world won't matter if for instance you're recording with bad microphones, poor mic placement, and utilizing improper EQing and compression in the mixing stage.

So, my recommendation would be to first address the main issue, which is having a decent enough audio interface that will not stop you from obtaining good source material. You would not be able to work toward getting great recordings by using an onboard PC sound card. The Alesis interface will not hinder you, and it will allow you to utilize the rest of your budget for addressing other issues.
For instance, what will you be mixing on? If it's a bad pair of headphones instead of studio monitors, then you're likely not going to be making good recordings and mixes that actually translate well outside your own system, as you won't be hearing the recording as it truly is. If you're planning on other people listening to your recordings, then this is a pretty important consideration.
Another consideration is the quality and ability of your recording software. If you're using Audacity or Garageband, for instance, you might not be able to do some of the things other software allows you to do.
And so on...

Above all, you should remember that there is no magic bullet. Good recordings are a combination of gear, ability, technique and experience. It makes no sense to go out and buy the most complicated and expensive solutions and not address the other factors. So the best approach is to buy a reasonably priced solution that lets you effectively work on the other factors that go into making a good recording.
And if you ever get to the point where you become skilled and experienced enough that you can demonstrate that your gear is what's holding your efforts back, then that is when you upgrade. Not the other way around.

An apt analogy would be a person buying an expensive Les Paul to learn how to play guitar, thinking that the Les Paul is going to make him play better.
I know that you're just trying to rectify a bad recording due to a bad equipment situation, but I think it's important to look at it the right way so that you can be reasonable about your expectations.

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