Windows 7: Audiophile EAX 4/5 sound card for XP and 7 Pro x64

Hi,

I'm currently in the process of returning a Creative XtremeGamer card because of all the problems I've had installing it, and the crackles and pops in use. In the process I've become aware that Creative's drivers are generally slated, and have been investigating alternative devices. I was interested in the Prelude and the Bravura by Auzentech, but it seems that, whilst they seem to be fine, on the whole, on XP, the drivers for Win 7 are atrocious (there's even a thread entitled "Class Action" on the Auzentech forums).
So, here's why I'm asking for help: I'm looking for a high-quality sound card with:
1) usable and reliable drivers for both 32-bit XP Pro SP3 & Win 7 Pro x64.
2) EAX 4 or 5 support (whether in hardware or software, doesn't matter).
3) TOSLINK output.
4) availability in the UK.
It can use either the PCI or PCI-Express (x1) port standard.
I doesn't need any bells and whistles like 5.1 or 7.1, or DTS/DD (though I'm sure any card of a certain price is generally guaranteed to have one or both of the former).

So, any relevant suggestions? Price isn't initially an issue, though given the option I'll choose cheaper over more expensive, so long as it has what I require.

Many thanks,

S.



PS: my PC's spec is available in my profile.

SiRGadaBout, welcome to the forum.

Regardless of any and all other features you mentioned, if you want EAX 4/5 you have two choices and two choices only, Creative or any of the Auzentech cards that have a Creative chip on them. No other card has EAX 4/5 as Creative owns them and has only licensed it to Auzentech.

As far as problems installing your Xtreme gamer, was it a retail or retail OEM card, or did it come from Dell (based on your system specs)?

Hi, and thanks for the welcome.

And… Bugger. I've really had it up to here with Creative's drivers, and I hear Auzentech's drivers are little better (being only modified Creative drivers anyway). Well, I'll modify my question slightly then, and add another:

Which of the cards offering EAX 4/5 have the most stable and unproblematic drivers for both of my OSes?

Which card would people recommend if I removed the requirement for EAX 4/5?

S.