Packaging:
The package for the ASUS Xonar D2X is covered in so much information that they had to create additional surfaces in order to display it all. The below right image shows that the front has a flap that lifts up to display more data, as well as providing a look at the card itself.
 
Inside the box a series of nesting plastic trays separate the various components in order to keep things organized and adequately protected.
The Basics:
The Xonar D2X 7.1 Channel PCI Express sound card is shown in the next set of images, and the appearance is definitely unique. What might look like the heatsink / fan combo from a high end graphics card is actually an EMI shield. The aluminum box covers the bulk of the card, and the circular area with the golden ring around it is actually an LED illuminated plastic disk.
 
From left to right the connections on the golden back panel are labeled; Mic In, Line In, Front, Side, Ctr/Sbw, Rear, SPDIF In, and SPDIF Out. For those with analog speakers that connect via 1/8" stereo plugs, the Xonar D2X can provide 7.1 channel sound without having to share jacks with a microphone or line in connection.
The below left image shows the top edge of the card where the ASUS logo and a set of three line-level analog inputs can be found. These connections are required with some TV tuners and optical drives, and is also the way the MIDI expansion bracket (which we will look at later) is connected. The back side of the card is shown in the below right image, and while it is void of any significant features, you will find the "Dolby Digital Live" and "DTS Connect" logos, advertising the certifications right there for all to see.
 
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