Auzentech X-Meridian sound card review

After reviewing two sound cards in as many weeks here at Elite Bastards, I could make the inevitable 'sound cards are like buses' joke.  But I won't.  Even though I could probably wriggle a PCI or PCI Express gag into the bus comment as well.

Still, joking aside, it's about time users were given some quality alternatives to Creative Labs' dominance of the discrete sound market - Last week, we took a look at Bluegears b-Enspirer, and were suitably impressed, and today we examine a part aimed even more squarely at the audiophile market, courtesy of Auzentech's latest X-Meridian 7.1 offering.

Given that this is basically the same company that brought the impressive X-Mystique and X-Plosion parts to market, it's only natural that hopes are high for the X-Meridian to continue and build upon this legacy.  Can it do just that?  Read on as we investigate.