Unfortunately, newer MBs have fewer PCI slots to allow for Express slots. Of course, there are no Express cards. So here is my question.

I am short a slot for my sound card. Would I benefit from a Creative Labs Live USB sound setup or will the Realtek ALC850 8 channel be near to my old Turtle Beach Santa Cruz 5.1? I am tempted to wait and hope that eventually someone makes something for Express but who knows when that might happen. I have a tin ear so I really can't tell what I am missing.

Thanks

Newer MBs have fewer PCI slots, but most of them (if not all) have also integrated audio with 7.1 channels, so there is no need of an audio card.

I'm not an expert, and I can't hear fine differences, so for me an integrated audio is a good solution.

Sorry if I misunderstood your post

I've found some reviews of my onboard audio and I think it will suffice. Thanks for the input.

You're welcome

Maybe a good set of speaker can make sound better also a "not-best" audio card

Even though you admit to having a tin ear you don't say if you're using serious audio applications. If you just want to play games or watch/listen to dvd with theatre sound, as Geno888 says a decent set of active speakers'd get you some cred. For ages now, all the major hardware has gone firewire vis. Protools,MOTU or usb vis. yamaha, edirol. Thus you wouldn't be second besting, you'd be making an advancement. regards P.S

Well my main use for sound is gaming as most of my music is on old MacIntosh Stereo. My PC speakers are 4 Cambride Soundworks, back when they were still good, so I am OK there. I was hoping that the newer on board was better or equal to my old sound card so it looks as though I will come out ahead.

Still waiting for any PCI Express cards but who knows how long that will take.

I keep my Audigy2 NX close to the stereo, without (analog) extension cables, but use an USB extension cable. Not a gamer though, just for music.