Hey all...I'm currently using a Velocity Micro ProMagix E2240, with an Asus ASUS P5N-E SLI Mobo (with Realtek ALC883 sound) and a SB X-Fi XtremeMusic. Because of the layout of the case there's only one usable PCI slot aside from the video setup, and I'd like to add a TV tuner instead. I use the sound card for gaming and everyday stuff with fairly crappy speakers (the Creative $60 2.0 ones), and then to output via coax SPDIF to a 5.1 home theater setup anchored by an Onkyo TX-SR605 (which I only really turn on for music and movies). I'm wondering if I'd really notice much of a difference in sound quality if it's just doing a digital transport of the sound data to the receiver, which does better than the X-Fi anyway.

So, I activated the onboard (so I could compare) and I can't tell much of a difference between the two. I'm going to take the X-fi out - and as a perk I get my mic back!

Problem solved, Congratulations!