Question 1

Is this really meant to work as an amplifier for speakers like bookshelf speakers? I can't find any info regarding wattage output from the line out.

Accepted Answer

i have this unit use it all the time ...i have it hooked to my polk audio 4 foot towers...also pushes my old style grado headphone....only con was getting drivers installed...took a coupl of times ....enjoy...i do

Question 2

Will the PCI e  2.0  work on an older mb with a PCIe 1.0  slot?

Accepted Answer

Any PCIe 2.0 card should work in any PCIe 1. x motherboard. Again the link speed will be limited by the slower part, and will have to clock down to the slower PCIe 1. x speed. 
from google

Question 3

will this fit on a standard mb? Or does the gen2 require a new board?

Accepted Answer

As long as you have an open PCI Express slot on your motherboard, Yes. it will require a sata power connector from your power supply to work. PCI Express x16 will accommodate a PCI Express x4 or a PCI Express x1 card.

Question 4

would one of these be a good upgrade for someone using hyperx cloud 2 headset on the usb external sound card that comes with the headset? would the hyperx cloud 2 work with this card without having to get a cable adapter?

Accepted Answer

I will answer this the best I can for you. While yes they would "work" and the adapter is included. You would be going from 7.1 surround down to 5.1 with this card.

Question 5

Will this be useful for audio production?

Accepted Answer

Hello,

Thank you for contacting us in regards to your question.

From what EVGA is claiming, it seems that this will be a notch above most standalone audio card for PCs. For your case use, please check with online reviews  or video reviews to get in depth information regarding audio production.

Thank you, 
Newegg Support

Questions & Answers