Richard, there've been two Mrs Scroggs. No longer, so noise is not a problem (well, the people next door may object...!). I already have a Soundblaster Live 5.1 Platinum Plus card, and have enjoyed DTS and DD for some time in the computer room - and I have a mega 7.1 system in my living room (the joys of wifeless living!).
The guys from Bad Flash were very helpful, and even found a way of possibly ressurrecting the soldered-in BIOS's, but the cost wasn't worth it. You're not the only one to have recommended this ASUS board to me, so obviously fate was going that way. Shame it's cost me an extra XP2200+ as well for my Dad's computer (which works a treat - total cost about 150 quid!).
Cheers