DARKONE (
) - It's a version 2 card...Personally I have no experience with the Xonar but with the success I've had with the FX, I'd be surprised if it was anything other than excellent. Make sure you read a few decent reviews (which it sounds like you may hav already) and if they're saying good things, I certainly wouldn't hesitate to get another ASUS card...Absolutely no issues with mine whatsoever and it sounds great in direct 5.1 mode...