Originally posted by: Auric
Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
Now someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think you can configure the flexi-jack (or whatever it's called) to output a digital coaxial signal without that I/O device.
I just get worried when I see someone wanting to hook up an X-Fi digitally since it basically negates every reason to spend that much on the card. You don't get the good analog output performance and don't get the EAX surround sound for games.
You're basically having the X-Fi do the same job a $30 Chaintech AV-710 could do just as well (and that one comes with optical output already)
Not so. That has a host based controller (low-end of the Envy24 series) which is incapable of producing the effects of an Audigy, let alone X-Fi. Moreover, those effects are not dependent upon more than 2ch output due to excellent HRTF and matrixed surround capability. Ergo, a modern game with with OpenAL, EAX5, 128 voices, etc. sounds worlds better in 2ch (PCM) on an X-Fi than with rudimentary effects in 4ch+ on anything else.
Creative cards have S/PDIF output on external jacks (coaxial) and internal pins. There is no particular advantage to using optical unless a ground loop makes electrical isolation desirable or the receiver has no free coaxial inputs (and they cannot be otherwise swapped with other devices). Indeed, coaxial cable is cheap, can be used in long runs without concern for sharp angles, is easily modified and may employ any number of adapters for different plug sizes or elbow connectors, etc.
A more flexible option than the SB I/O module is any ol' mobo audio bracket since it can be connected to the card's internal pins and therefore allow simulataneous use of the Mic input (Flexi-Jack). The coaxial-only variety are more common but those with both coaxial and optical can be found if you don't already have one. In any case it is a simple matter of matching up the wires.
