Pros: I bought this card May 05 to listen to music and movie audio. My audio set up is a Sony model STR-DE895 receiver driving a pair of Dual DJL-103E 10" DJ-style speakers. With this card I use its optical output and included cable to connect to one of the digital inputs of my receiver. For a driver, I went to the Via Arena web site then set the Via Audio Deck control panel to "High sample rate-2 speakers." Running my equipment in this configuration results in outstanding audio,the best I have ever produced with consumer-level components. True, this card has limited functionality, but for listening to recorded music from a simple stereo speaker setup, its performance is superb. What is more, you can purchase one at an incredible bargain price.

Cons: None in the context of my specific use.

Overall Review: I play HL2 and Doom 3 using this sound card without any issues.