This is very easy question.
1. Would you consider the Audigy 2Z a HiFi PCI soundcard?
2. Would this work excellent with a HiFi reciever/amp/speaker (theater) setup?

I am looking for a sampling of opinions. Please can this kept clean of flames. If you have an argument please present it in a civilize manner. However, I would prefer that we stick to the question?

(Remember everybody has their own opinion.)

Many Thanks.
- Mike

I think yes. I even consider my A2 Plat. EX as Hi-Fi It has very good specs even for professional hardware.

Yes, very much so. excellent sound quality. Have one myself. Overkill if you ask me for just outputting to a receiver, unless you really need it to play DVD-audio.

Only big complaint you are going to get in this thread is the 48khz resampling issue. From a listening point of view it's not an issue, i have yet to see ABXable results. Maybe for recording this would be an issue, but not playback. Plus, DVDs are 48khz native anyhow.

From what I've been reading, this is the only real problem with the card. And indeed, no-one says it's audible.

One other minor complaint could be the bulky drivers. But that has nothing to do with sound quality...

So, it's a good hifi offering at a competitive price.