I went with the 2496 (my old X-Fi was PCI so it was direct swap.) I build my own machines, so I usually find a mobo with ONE PCI slot available. If they go away in the next couple years, I'm out 85 bucks .... That's the computer biz ...

I am VERY pleased with the sound. The software is not pretty, but I finally got it to play directly into proggies like Audacity and SoundForge directly from BIAB and RealBand (to keep from having to render all the time.)

I went with a Coaxial cable (just got it today) to the back of my harman/kardon AVR-45. It's a bit of an old unit, but does the job. I am not used to hearing NO hum !! I never knew what quiet was !!

Thanks for all the recommendations !

Jan - 12 Core AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
32GB DDR4
Win 10 64-bit
Samsung m.2 SSD Boot drive,other SSD internal and USB drives.
MOTO 2
Ketron SD4,SD1000
Yamaha RX-v381amp
VB-Audio virtual cables