Audigy is just so bland. It's the norm, meaning I want something else! W/ my new computer, I had the choice of an Audigy DE for 50 bucks or a X-Gamer for 80 bucks. With a computer manufacturer, that didn't seem like such a good deal, especially when the DE was an OEM. I LIKE extras. That's why I'm looking at these:
1. Philips Acoustic Edge-cheap, but not as many I/O options
2. TB Santa Cruz-cheaper than below, but for a few more dollars, could have same actual card w/ more feateurs.
3. My favorite, the Hercules Game Theater XP 6.1. For 99.99 at compusa (retail much more), I could get a breakout box w/ comparable performance to the Audigy. Granted, it's not as high quality (or high price)as the Audigy Platinum eX...but...
1. Philips Acoustic Edge-cheap, but not as many I/O options
2. TB Santa Cruz-cheaper than below, but for a few more dollars, could have same actual card w/ more feateurs.
3. My favorite, the Hercules Game Theater XP 6.1. For 99.99 at compusa (retail much more), I could get a breakout box w/ comparable performance to the Audigy. Granted, it's not as high quality (or high price)as the Audigy Platinum eX...but...