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Conclusion
 That's a lot of technical mumbo-jumbo, so what's it all come down to in English?
Well, that's a good question. Sound Blaster Live! Platinum 5.1 is a full-fledged sound card that includes almost everything you need to set up a professional level sound studio on your computer, and have better than theatre sound quality. If you have a set of Dolby Digital speakers or a home theatre, this card is perfect for connecting your computer to the speaker system of your choice. So if you have the cash, have the time and patience to install it, and want sound close to perfection, this card is for you!
[Ed: A reader has indicated to me of the problems that all SoundBlaster Live! sound cards have with some VIA-based motherboards--more specifically, and not including, cracking and popping sounds. The reviewer did not use a VIA-based motherboard, so he did not experience such problems. If you do have a VIA-based motherboard, just be careful and do your research before you purchase a SoundBlaster Live! sound card. --April 29, 2001]
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Perfect for sound editing, home theatre or just about any other application
- Hardware EAX support for popular games like Half-Life
- EMU10K1 DSP provides for loads of raw power
- Live!Drive IR provides for easy access to common audio jacks and built-in infrared port + remote control adds value
- Live!Ware ensures that you'll always have the newest sound technologies by Creative
Cons
- Can make your wallet quite a bit lighter
- Tons of features might confuse some people
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