So, I have gone through 4 sound cards over the past month trying to find one that outputs TRUE UNFILTERED 7.1 surround sound through the optical SPDIF output. I would accept 5.1 if that's the only option? Most card advertise as 7.1 and 5.1 but when you install them the output is only Stereo through the SPDIF optical port. Apparently this has something to do with the quality of the port they use. I can't find the answer by reading product descriptions because apparently false advertising is legal now. I mean I am having to buy cards, install them, and test them just to find out they don't do what they say in their description, then return them... So I am looking to the experts for any help. If you don't have hands on experience dont bother replying because you can't go by what the companies say in the description. It's hard for me to believe that theres aren't any cards made that can do this, I was using a motherboard until recently that was 14 years old that had no problems doing 5.1... Thanks for the help and sorry for the aggravation.