Would the sound quality change at all? I like the sound from this HT Omega Claro sound card. Driving my HD600's it does just fine. I'm planning on building a micro atx computer and am looking through mobo's and came across this one with opamps. I'm wondering if I'd get the same quality as I do now from my soundcard, if I switch the op amps into the mobo. Would EMI be an issue using a smaller form factor? I don't notice any weird sounds currently on a full atx board.
No, the Claro does not have socketed opamps, the Claro's amps are SMD (surface mount device) so they are soldered down and would not be usable on your motherboard
Yes. I don't see why you would though, the Z97MX comes with a BB OPA2134 which is better than what the stock Claro Halo comes with - the JRC4580D.
I recommend getting LT1364's if you want to try other opamps. I have a Claro Halo XT and I use LT1364's on it.