Auzentech X-Fi HomeTheater HD sound card @ APH Networks * Description: For the longest time, Creative has been the standard in manufacturing sound cards. From entry level products to flagship high performance units that encompass both the casual user and gaming enthusiast market alike, the company has it all covered. Realistically, before acceptable integrated sound came with every motherboard available on the market, the only way to obtain good audio on your computer was to purchase a Creative sound card. I still remember my very first Creative sound card back when I was in elementary school -- the Creative Sound Blaster PCI 16 -- which offered, well, three 3.5mm analog audio jacks for stereo output, line in, and microphone. Nowadays, it is quite safe to say that any modern motherboard's integrated sound has significantly more features, and delivers significantly higher performance than the aforementioned product. As today's relatively high performing integrated audio pretty much renders all budget sound cards obsolete, dedicated audio has recessed to more of a niche market for users looking only for the best of the best.



Link: APH Networks