Who knows, maybe a month or so down the road Clark releases a fully sound programmable card for $100 - $150 that provides exactly what you want in a single card, then the whole point of saving money by jumping too early on that combination would turn out that it wasn't a saving at all. There are still so many variables yet that haven't been fully confirmed or tested with these new cards, & it's going to take a little while for everyone to digest them & put them through their paces before we can get a real grasp in how great or how average the cards will be, & which types of tank hobbyists will benefit from using them the most. So I guess I'm just saying, if it isn't an urgent matter to update a tank as soon as possible, it might be beneficial to wait a few months & see just where Clark's boards end up going, or at least wait to see if Clark makes some absolutely clear statements about whether he is going to release a fully programmable card or not.

However, I do understand your desire, & like you, I am curious to see how that combination fairs as well, because the more options in the long run the better anyway, of course. But that combination is still going to be in about the $200-$225 price range for both cards assuming the Clark boards remain in the $60 range & the Benedini mini can be purchased for around $140. If someone needs a quick resolution, doesn't have time to wait to see what unfolds with the rest of Clark's plans for his other boards, & that combination works well, then it could be a good choice right now for a programmable solution.

~ Craig ~