I tried Creatives last driver for the SB Live Value card over the stock 2k drivers and it dropped the audio output down 10-15db.

Anyone else notice this? I also didn't notice any real difference between the audio quality. This is with a external amp and bookself speakers (not those 'plastic' computer speakers).

The new drivers might have reset a few volume controls. Have you looked through all of them? Which audio file type(s) are quieter?

No, that isn't what I mean. I have to crank up both outputs; the source itself and the master to make up the difference!!

Just roll back to the old drivers if the new ones are causing volume problems, and they do not improve the audio quality.