Question 1

A friend of mine has an iMac with a faulty audio-out port. I am under the impression that likely means motherboard replacement (which in this case makes less sense than getting a new iMac).Would this X7 device allow the iMac to play audio to a pair of speakers (RCA) bypassing the iMac's audio-out jack?

Accepted Answer

Short answer, yes.

Long answer, This device would connect to your imac with USB 2.0 (make sure it has a 2.0 port or you will get snap, crackle, pops if it's a 3.0 port) and will convert/process the digital audio to analog RCA (effectively bypassing the on-board audio chip that's apparently faulty). Also be sure to download the proper mac drivers and software and it'll work great.

Personal opinion time: Be absolutely sure that the problem you are having is faulty hardware. If all you want to do is get the audio working I think you should consider cheaper options. This device is marketed as an entry level audio enthusiast sound processor which is reflected by the price and performance (night and day difference from integrated audio in my experience). This device is also an amplifier which would go unused if you are only connecting RCA. There are cheaper USB DACs(RCA compatible) out there if all you are looking for is working audio and you aren't a picky "audiophile".

Question 2

Does anyone know if this will work with Linux?

Accepted Answer

There are no Linux drivers for the X7 on the Creative  web site.

Question 3

Does this device support Creative EAX in games via ALchemy?

Accepted Answer

i dont know but its the most awsome sound card ive ever seen. my steem games have no problem with it.

Questions & Answers