Is the X-Fi I/O panel worth it?

[Sniper82]

I am getting a set of HD555's and if I don't buy the panel for my X-Fi I am gonna have to buy a adapter to hook it and my speakers up at the same time. Or can one of the ports be switched between headphones,mic,ect like Santa Cruz does? I'd hate to give $50(off someone) for a panel if its not really needed and is only gonna be used for headphones.

I only have 4.1 Z560's if it matters. I think the adapter the headphones come with is to big for the control pod.

 

[Seekermeister]

It is cheaper to get an adapter to connect the headphones to the rear I/O panel of the sound card, and it will work fine. However, I prefer the drive bay, because it is easier to access and provides additional I/O slots, plus some volume controls and a remote control eye. If the headphones is the only thing that you will ever use in this vein, stick with the adapter.

 

[Sniper82]

Well I might use the remote some to switch/play songs when not at my PC.

 

[Fast Fingers]

Originally posted by: Sniper82
I am getting a set of HD555's and if I don't buy the panel for my X-Fi I am gonna have to buy a adapter to hook it and my speakers up at the same time. Or can one of the ports be switched between headphones,mic,ect like Santa Cruz does? I'd hate to give $50(off someone) for a panel if its not really needed and is only gonna be used for headphones.

I only have 4.1 Z560's if it matters. I think the adapter the headphones come with is to big for the control pod.

You can look into splitter/Y cables. Connect it to the Line Out (the green port) and that'll split the signal. Connect the headphones to one part, and the appropriate speaker cable to the other. All you have to do is turn off the speakers using the Z560's physical module when you want to listen via headphones.

 

[Sniper82]

would the panel actually sound better though then straight to the sound card? Does it act as a amp?

 

[Joony]

Not sure if it acts as an amp, but it does require one of those 3.5" floppy drive sized molex power connectors. So it might actually be amped.

It drove my Sony MDR-V6 to a decent volume.

The front panel is nice because it also accepts a native 1/4" sized headphone jack, so no need for adapters on your HD555.

I believe it also gives you the option to disable the rear outputs when a headphone is plugged into the front.

(I'm selling my X-Fi I/O Drive if anyone is interested, no need now that it's an HTPC, but can't ship it until the 16th, which is when I get back to school)

 

[Fast Fingers]

Well, the fact that you'll have a 1/4" connection isn't a big deal, since the headphone will come with an adapter. I don't think you should spend 1/2 the price of your cans in order to just connect them up front. Also, I'm sure the soundcard itself is able to drive your headphones...it's powered too. If you are concerned, try directly connecting your headphones to similar soundcards if you can.