I received an M-Audio Firewire Audiophile for Christmas, and these are my initial thoughts. (I couldn't wait until I used it:)

First, this unit is very sturdy. It is all metal. The entire casing is metal, including the front panel. The only pieces of plastic are the two knobs and the two buttons. This thing is built like some of my synths (the metal isn't quite as thick, but it is very sturdy. In fact, I would say that the metal is as thick or thicker than one of those old-time Belkin A-B switch boxes. I know, as I use one to switch my MIDI outputs:).

It comes bundled with Reason 2.5 Adapted (some features are missing), and a version of Ableton Live (labeled as Live Delta). My other Audiophile 2496 PCI card only came with demos.

Regarding I/O, check it out

• 4 outputs (setup as 2 stereo)
• 2 inputs (setup as 1 stereo)
• S/PDIF in and out (2 RCA Coax)
• MIDI in and out (2 5-pin DIN)
• Firewire in and out (2 connectors to allow pass-through)

The Audiophile 2496 only has 2 outputs instead of 4. I will play around with it in the next week to get an idea of performance.