Does not look like the chip is intended to be used directly as a line out. There is no mention about short circuit protection and esd protection. They mention 25pF max load capacitance. This is very low because 1 foot audio cable will probably exceed this maximum. Not to mention all the other...

Just wanted to point you guys to a post of Stillhart in the G5 thread saying console virtual surround is comming to G5. http://www.head-fi.org/t/790796/creative-g5-discussion-and-reviews/90#post_12243887   If this is true i'll buy the G5 in a hartbeat to replace my mixamp.