Tech-Report have an article online comparing a selection of 7 audio solutions currently available including: VIA's VT8235/Realtek ALC650, Hercules' Muse LT, Hercules' Muse 5.1 DVD, Hercules' Gamesurround Fortissimo III 7.1, Hercules' Digifire 7.1, Creative's Audigy and Terratec's DMX 6fire 24/96.
Have a look here if one of your favourites is in the bundle.
Conclusion snippet:
"... I'm going to let Terratec's DMX 6fire 24/96 and Hercules Gamesurround Fortissimo III 7.1 share the limelight as my Editors Choices. The DMX 6fire 24/96 is unquestionably the best PC audio card I've ever heard, and it's around the same price as a GeForce4 Ti 4600. In my experience, audio cards survive more upgrade cycles, so it's probably a better deal over time. If the DMX 6fire 24/96's price is out of your league, then Hercules' Gamesurround Fortissimo III 7.1 is a hell of a deal at under $45. With future-proof support for 7.1 audio, a good performance in our listening tests, and an S/PDIF output, the Fortissimo III is my affordable pick of today's litter."
I purchased a DMX 6 Fire. Itwas in my estemation the best card. However after months of attempting to get Tech support to help with the installation. I am giving up. Tech support in the USA for this sound card is non existant. Without the tech support this item is worthless.
Randy
Posted by: Randell Paisley on March 24, 2003 02:48 AM