I purchased the Creative Labs SoundBlaster Live Platinum Package ($200) when I built my new computer in Dec. 99. I looked at all three versions of the Live family of soundcards because I wanted the guaranteed SoundBlaster compatibility with all of my programs. Basically, I came to a conclusion that the extra $100 for the Platinum was worth it because it has the Live Drive which fits in a 5 1/4" drive bay giving you a digital input and output for sound as well as MIDI input and output which can be used if you have a keyboard and want to interface it with the computer (for this, buy some more advanced software like Cakewalk Pro Audio). I use the Cambridge Soundworks DTS2500 speakers ($300) that have the Dolby Digital receiver and can utilize the digital output featured on the Live Drive. The platinum version also comes with all of the software that is bundled in the other two version of the card. Most of the third party software that comes with the card is special or limited editions and you can buy upgrades. If you have a slower computer, BEWARE of any of the live cards, because they have a lot of programs running in the background that can slow down the computer. I have a PIII 500 with 128MB RAM. It runs great on my system. When playing an audio CD in the computer and turning the volume all the way, there is no distortion is the sound quality whatsoever.

BOTTOM LINE - If you want the best sound, buy the Live Platinum package, and get speakers that can utilize the Dolby digital output. If you want to interface a music keyboard with the computer, also get this card because of the easy hookup on the Live Drive in the front of your computer. If don't need the Dolby digital inputs and outputs, don't need to frequently hook up a keyboard, and don't care about the bundled software, go with one of the $100 Live versions.

The BEST thing about CREATIVE LABS is the company's support. I called up at 2:00 in the afternoon on a Tuesday and I didn't even wait a minute to speak to a technician. I had a question on where one of the CD-ROM audio cables went with two CD-ROM drives installed and a DVD decoder card.
Even though it is a long distance number, I didn't have to wait a half hour to an hour like many support places.



Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 199.99