I'm using the onboard sound from my AB9-Pro motherboard. I don't know what it is for sure. Prolly reltek.
Testing with the direct 6 channel hookup made no difference. I still get amazing surround sound in DVD, none in gaming. Games do provide a acceptable lvl of surround sound if I enable prologic on my speaker set, or enable speaker fill in vista. But comparing it to the dolby surround sound from my ps3 through the same sound system, it's lacking considerably.
I'll be installing my audigy 2 zs, now that vista drivers are avaliable and it looks as if they are no longer charging for alchemy. I'll update when i've done that.
Oh one last note, for testing purposes I am comparing sound from call of duty 4 on the ps3 and call of duty 4 PC.