For those on the edge, here is my more specific take on this card after the earlier gushing. The analog outputs simply need to be heard to be believed. With my setup, 5 channel analog out (no subwoofer) to a mid-fi Yahama Reciever being used merely as a power amp out to 2 Full sized a/d/s mains and Polk center channel and bookshelf surrounds, the quality really is an order of magnitude better than what I got using my Philips Acoustic Edge analog outputs OR using the Reciever itself with standalone cd player. In fact, the analog outs are so good, they actually sound better than running S/PDIF digital out to the reciever and letting it do the decoding of audio. Plus by using the analog output, I have more versitility as I can use Circle Surround II for TV programs, divx movies with 2 channel soundtracks, or normal stereo music. While I do like the CSII effects for some music (its pretty much equivalent to Dolby Pro-Logic II, although soem reviewers often prefer the CSII over the dolby) the clarity and stereo seperation when just using 2 channel outputs is simply stunning. This is apparent even with crappy downloaded 128 bitrate mp3's although using a better source like my collection of alt-preset standard MP3s or the original CDs is much better. Contrary to what was said earlier, the quality is not worse in games. The problem in games is that the Sensaura 3d audio that is on the card in done in software, not hardware acceleration. Therefore this card will use more CPU for multichannel gaming than an Audigy for example which will cause some FPS loss. So if you are a hardcore gamer with a crappy video card and a slower CPU, this could be a problem. If you're already getting umteen million FPS in your favorite game, will losing 15 really matter? And the game WILL sound great. The only downside to this card is that the sound is so clear, if you have decent speakers you really will start to notice how shitty low bitrate badly encoded MP3s sound, as their sonic deficiencies are much more apparent.
BTW, for those who want a great price but without the hassle of dealing with rebates
Digital Connection has lowered the price on this card to $79. Cliff at Digital connection is one of the people responsible for the design of this card working with m-audio. This is a very reputable store selling all sorts of goodies for Home theater and HTPCs. He can be found providing support for this card all the time in the Home Theater Computers section of the
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