X-Fi or the HDA Digital X ?

[underclocker]

Ok as usual my list of requirements out weighs my finances so really need some advice.
Im currently using the onboard audio on my MSI K8N Neo Plat from looking at the other posts here it would appear that by adding a sound card I should notice improvements in game play as the CPU (AMD 64 3700) no longer sorts out the audio.

When I can finally afford a total upgrade to a Conro rig I want to use the sound card in my HTPC, what card would you recommend for connecting to an external surround sound hi fi amp?

Im looking at the OEM X-Fi XtremeMusic or the HDA Digital X Mystique 7.1 gold
Which are similar priced I like the idea of the OPTICAL Toslink for high quality Digital Output and COAXIAL RCA output connector on the HAD but unless I spend the extra and get the X-Fi Fatal1ty FPS the X-Fi has no out puts.

Is the X-Fi a different type of card than the HAD or should I save up for the X-Fi Fatal1ty?

Cheers

 

[underclocker]

Excelent, I did not realise you could get the drive bay seperately.

I think that its most important for me to have the conectivity to the amp as in the future I want to watch DVDs and movies stored on my pC with surround sound.
Thanks

 

[underclocker]

Thanks for the advice I think I will go for the HDA Xplosion because of the digital connection.