I'm getting a soundcard after much extensive research and debate with myself and this is what I come up with the ASUS Xonar Essence STX Soundcard, I am actually having trouble finding anything bad about it lol here if ya can be bothered please read some of the following reviews or opinions from many a respected source audio and computer industry wise -->
http://forums.overclockers.com.au/sh...d.php?t=766494
http://www.guru3d.com/article/asus-x...ce-stx-review/
http://www.overclockersclub.com/revi...r_essence_stx/
http://www.extremetech.com/article2/...2339333,00.asp
http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/mul...sence-stx.html
http://www.overclock3d.net/reviews/a...le_soundcard/8
http://www.maximumpc.com/article/rev...ar_essence_stx
http://www.stereophile.com/computera...tx_soundcards/
http://www.avforums.com/forums/sound...pressions.html
Apparently for my purpose (Playback using 2-Channel Audio + Analog out to my new high quality amp and speakers) it hands down beats the like of the Creative cards, themselves and the high end Creative cards by Auzentech, the M-Audio Audiophile 192 Card, ESI Juli@, any onboard by absolute miles, and at least on par if not better than some High-End music production cards from the likes of RME and LYNX.
Just a handful of reviews and opinions but yeah, I'm getting it for $240.72 AUD delivered and insured from PC Case Gear, what do you think?