Is there a demo, evaluation or trial version of this soundcard?
Only if you buy one from somewhere like Staples where they let you take it back for a refund within two weeks of purchase. I suppose you could buy one second hand then at least if you don't like it you can sell it again without losing too much.
But in my opinion you should just go ahead and get one as it is a remarkable card, and OEM versions can be got for as little as £30 (in the UK, at least).
ARU
if you go here http://www.pgmusic.com you can find an audio comparison of two versions of an SB Live (with native soundfonts and good quality soundfonts)compared to Yamaha and Roland softsynths.
The Live Centre at http://listen.to/sblive used to have a audio samples - try there - you will have to search the site.(I'm sorry).
There is lots of info about the Live at this site.
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Barry Graham
Top Brass Events Band
Melbourne, Australia