I don't know why anybody else hasn't made a big deal of this. It's the first time the Prodigy 7.1 has become easily available in the UK (I've only seen it to buy from the official site http://www.audiotrak.co.uk/). I've read reviews saying that it has better sound quality than professional sound cards. I'll tell you more when it arrives.

Still didnt get it?

Also, How does the Prodigy 7.1 compare with the Prodigy 7.1 LT -- I read a fantastic review about the plain 7.1 but looking at the specs, the LT lacks an coaxial in, but gains an optical out and ability to play from digital coaxial and optical at the same time. It also has some muting circuit but no NSP or SNR. The LT also lacks an analog connetion to the cdrom and finally moves the headphone out to channel 4-5 instead of front. Anything I've missed and could any of this possible affect headphone sound quality?

You see I have really expensive headphones and I would hate to lose quality for getting a slightly smaller and cheaper card.

Hmm? Better than professional sound cards? I have the Prodigy 7.1, its quite good, but I doubt it is THAT good. And Digit-Life, if I recall correctly said that it comes close to the Lynx something, which they use as reference card, but close is not better as.

I believe that if you want really good sound quality and don't need the 7.1, get the EMU 0404. Cheap and good.