Clive Backham wrote:

Is the AP2496 a low-end semipro card (in which case the input is too
sensitive), or is it a high-end consumer card (in which case the input
is not sensitive enough)? Have M-Audio achieved the dubious
distinction of failing to satisfy *anyone* in this respect?

We use Audiophile 2496 cards here and we're pretty happy with them.
They're reliable, have fine specs and sound good. The only thing they
lack is 24/192 KS/s output -- we use the very low cost Revolution 7.1 card
for that.

--
Len Moskowitz PDAudio, Binaural Mics, Cables, DPA, M-Audio
Core Sound http://www.stealthmicrophones.com
Teaneck, New Jersey USA http://www.core-sound.com
Tel: 201-801-0812, FAX: 201-801-0912