nV News has reviewed a HDA X-Plosion 7.1 Sound Card. X-Plosion is the world's first audio card to include DTS connect and Dolby Digital Live.

Features:

• C-Media CMI8770 PCI chipset (8CH audio single chip with DTS Connect and Dolby? Digital Live Real-Time Content Encoder)
• 8CH codec embedded PCI audio single chip
• Full-duplex 8CH 24bit/96kHz DAC / 2CH 16bit/48kHz ADC
• Integrated S/PDIF input/output supports 44.1kHz/48kHz/96kHz sample rate and 16/24bits resolution
• The world's first DTS Connect logo program certificated PCI audio board
• DTS Interactive: A real-time 5.1 encoder that takes any 2 or more channel and encodes it into DTS bit stream. DTS Interactive provides a single cable connection via S/PDIF digital audio output to a DTS enabled surround sound system by encoding all audio into a DTS compatible bit stream at 1.5Mbps
• DTS Neo:PC : An up mixing matrix technology that turns any 2 channel audio into 7.1 surround sound. DTS Neo:PC, based upon DTS Neo:6 matrix surround technology, transforms any stereo content such as MP3, WMA or CD audio, into a 7.1-channel surround sound experience
• Dolby Digital Live(DDL) Real-Time Content Encoder converts PC audio into a 5.1 channel Dolby? Digital bit stream
• Swappable dual DIP type OPAMP controlled preamp circuit (4pcs output control OPAMP IC with DIY socket, 2pcs MIC input control OPAMP IC with DIY socket)
• Max 2.8Vrms full swing analog output gain by unique preamp circuit / incredible powerful analog output, improve dynamic range / SNR
• Proper OPAMP control circuit (+8V, -8V dual power supply circuit) for high quality audio quality, prevent audio distortion at high volume level
• Package content: HDA X-PLOSION 7.1 DTS Connect Audio Card / MPC to MPC(2pin-2pin) CD S/PDIF audio cable / TOSLINK fiber optic digital cable / installation CD / warranty card / owner's manual

Overall, this card is an excellent alternative to the Creative Labs Audigy 2ZS that I was using. It was missing some features that made usability easier like a connector for the front ports, but the card makes up for that in versatility of the Dolby Digital Live and DTS Connect features. If you already have the Audigy 2 or better, and it is working fine for you with your current speaker setup, there may be no compelling reason to upgrade to this card. If you find yourself needing the features of the Dolby Digital Live or DTS Connect, then is your card of choice. Based on the multitude of features and the sound quality in my TV room, and despite front connector shortcomings, I give the HDA X-Plosion a Grand Slam! Thanks to Stephane Bae of Auzentech for the review sample.