Electronics : Creative Labs SoundBlaster Live! Player 1024

Rating: - Out of Date? - No!
I've had this soundcard for 6 years and I need nothing else! It does 2 channel sound and 4 channel sound (not 2.1 mind) and it outputs great bass through to my subwoofer, even without 2.1 support. I think it passes through an entire speaker channel, but if you like lots of bass in your games and music, then that's good enough.

I've never had to worry about support for drivers even if it's ancient, seeing as it uses the same drivers as the Audigy cards. I have had no trouble with this sound card and every time my PC has been upgraded, I take this card with me. I have always been a big fan of Creative products, and this one is certainly no exception! I have never really thought about getting a new one, and I'll hang onto it in hope that Creative will continue to support it in Win XP 64 and Win Vista.

I'd love to try this card in 4 speakers though, just to see what would happen. I imagine, if I can get bass through 2.1, I'll probably be able to get bass out of 5.1 too.

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Rating: - SB Live 1024 - Dated, but capable and compatible.
When this card first came out it was excellent, unfortunately the years have not been so great to it.
Having said that it is a SoundBlaster - anyone who wants a cheap way to get into gaming with the very best compatibility available wants this card. Driver support is great, and the software that comes along with it is mostly well thought out (there's a toolbar that the installation wants to add, but its better avoided).
The only problem now with this card is its lack of support for Dolby 5.1 surround. It does support downmixed 4.1 systems and LiveSurround. The internal ribbon connector means that if you want to buy the LiveDrive then this can make a central part of a home studio, with optical, SPDIF, line in, digital out, etc etc.

Overall a damn good card, the only reason for me to upgrade is for 5.1 support.

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Rating: - You won't need a new sound card again
I don't have words to explain all the qualities of this sound card. If you are a sound lover this is the sound card for you. I recommend this card to all those who don't settle for a mediocre sound card.