I've been loyal to S.B. since the very first card rolled off the assembly line but things change. My SB Live 5.1 that I have been using in my Projector computer started popping and didn't have S/PDIF. So I started looking for a replacement. I went to Google and typed "HTPC sound card" to see what the recommendations are. One card was continually recommended with praise over and over by many different reviews, this one.

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Digital X-Mystique 7.1 Gold


I just have finished installing it and popped in T2 Extreme Edition and .......... I've gata go gansta for this one.................. DAAAAUUUMMMMMM!

The separation is phenomenal using the S/PDIF connection to the Onkyo receiver and the Dolby Digital Live Real-Time Contents Encoder is awe inspiring in games. Let's just say I'm going to buy a second to replace the S.B. Live in my gaming rig. Here is a link to the manufactures web site.

HiTeC Digital Audio

I have been following this one when it started as the Blue Gears. Then Blue Gears sold it to AuzenTech?
Ok I ABHORE Creative they have caused me grief since the SB LIVE! would not work in my via motherboard.
I went with the Turtle Beach Santa Cruz and still use it 5 years later!
The Santa Cruz is now long in tooth Im going for the AuzenTech Xplosion with 2 times the bandwidth of the X-Mystique.

I read somewhere that Bluegears changed their name to AuzenTech. You will not regret buying either of these cards!

Great cards! I have an X-mystique myself, its hooked up to my HT surround with the DTS live. The only downfall is that they dont have the newest proprietary software that most newest games use for surround sound. I cant remember the name, but i havent found a game that it doesnt work with.

Creative have gotten cheap and lazy. Their cards are noisy, their drivers are badly written and their support, through a little known quantum mechanical effect, manages to suck and blow at the same time.

Thanks for the heads up. I shall get one forthwith.

I have to agree with you on that one RHH. Creative has been resting on their legacy reviews for a long time. Despite the numerous payouts and generous "free samples" to the game industry, they still dont address basic concerns their customers bring to light. Remember how long it took to get HQL certified drivers for the Audigy? The thing that really gets me is that they already have the technology and the fabs to do it, but it effects their bottom line.
Creative needs to get back into the game before they become the "Trident" of Sound Cards...