One of the BEST choice for pc sound card. (Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1)

Member Name: Gladiator007

Product:	Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1
Date:	03/03/09 (720 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: smaller size, usb connection support, 3D sound experience, very cheap, high SNR ratio.

Disadvantages: Does not support all OS, requires very powerful processor& ram,all features not works on XP

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

In present days computer configuration, considering both laptop and desktop, suppliers tend to supply a built in sound card integrated with motherboard. Yes, technically it allows the consumers to listen the multimedia and enjoy the games. But it does not give you the best output comparing to a sound card can provides. Sound card is an exclusively dedicated PC Hardware for maximum sound output and variation.

In present day's market, there are predominantly two types of sound card. One of them is internal, that you have to insert in system's motherboard socket, and another one is external which you can plug in via USB port. The second one is very helpful and dazzling concept for normal PC users, since there is no hassle for plugging in the sound card inside the system, because it's definitely not an easy process to do for normal PC users. But when you can use them as in external USB mode, then whole scenario gets much better.

INTRODUCTION OF THE PRODUCT

Creative Technology is one of the world's distinguished companies for manufacturing computer MULTIMEDIA products. They are mostly famous for their outstanding quality and cheaper priced sound cards and graphics cards for computers. They launched the creative sound blaster X-FI product in August 2005.

Later they have revised and remodeled this product for more adaptability towards different operating system(OS) and more boastful sound quality.

SPECIFICATION

The X-FI terms stands for extreme fidelity, for maximum sound output with various tunable options and add on external effects. Just because this product can plugged in with you system, via usb port, that's why it also depends on the data bus speed available for that usb port. In modern days, almost all the PC got USB port 2.0, which enable this sound card to provide the maximum output as in stereo/surround sound 24 bit/96kHz and also can go along with up to 5.1 speaker system, truly amazing isn't it?

But if the USB is 1.1 then the output sound quality drastically drops to 16 bit/kHz in case of surround sound.

Creative technology claimed to have SNR 100dB, SNR stands for signal to noise ratio, as the higher the ratio, the less obtrusive the background noise will be and also the clearer output sound will be. So virtually, there will be no noise effect for this sound card. But later it created some controversy, so they changed the product guideline as the SNR ratio is higher than 99db, just to stay on safer side, haha.

CONNECTIVITY

Microphone in (1/8" mini jack)

Stereo Line in (1/8" mini jack)

Headphone out (1/8" mini jack)

Left/Right Speaker out (2x RCA jacks)

Rear-Left/Rear-Right out (1/8" mini jack)

Center/Subwoofer out (1/8" mini jack)

Optical out (TOSLINK) 1

Here, the microphone input is standard mic jack, allow you to use any normal speaker with this system. Same description goes for the headphone jack as well. What is most impressive about this sound card is that, there's one dedicated port for subwoofer .Which is extremely helpful for avid musical fans and party-loving people. The optical out supports stereo SPDIF out, or in simple words it will pass through the multichannel DVD sound. Very impressive, I must say.

STANDARD FEATURES

The first thing about this sound card is creating high quality 3D surround sound. This is very helpful for certain games and music as well. Even using headphone you will also enjoy the same class of sound effect. One of the best features is positional sound navigation. While you playing any games, you can easily locate the enemies sound and their whereabouts, which is an excellent advantage for hardcore gamers.

It also supports advanced EAX Hd sound effect; permit you to enjoy your blu-ray movie with high class features of sound effect.

RETAIL BOX CONTAINS

Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 sound card
USB cable
Installation CD
Quick Start leaflet
Stereo RCA to 1/8" jack adapter
Remote Control
Package software included in installation CD.


ADVANTAGES

#Extensive connectivity options, almost covers all the input types.
#Very useful EAX (environmental audio filters), specifically helps the hardcore gamers to enjoy their games with higher quality sound effect.
# Very easy setup, almost "Plug and Play" concept.
# Very small in size, even can fits in pocket.
# Mobility and light weight.
# Very high SNR ratio, which provides better sound quality.
# Very cheap, you can easily get them under £35.
# NO external power required, as it uses the usb connection as power host.
# Extremely beautiful and classy outlook.
# It also comes with a remote control, the maximum user satisfaction.
# There is a button on top to control the sound level externally.

INCONVENIENCES

# Does not support MAC operating system, as it only supports windows vista and XP professional 64bit.
# Certain features only work with vista.
# It requires high specification PC to enjoy its full range features.
# Only works fine with USB 2.0 connection, it will also works with 1.1 usb, but with very minimal features.
# Only works with at least 512 mb ram and DUAL core processor, so in simpler words, much suitable for latest high spec PCs , because it will not work with previous models.

DECISION

Sound blaster X-Fi is an outstanding revolution in the arena of sound cards. It does not only satisfy consumers' multimedia requirements, but also help the gamers to enjoy the games with maximum sound output. This is a truly remarkable product comparing to its price. Very small, classy outlook and cheap price makes sound blaster X Fi the first choice for sound card.

Highly Recommended.

Cheers.

**Also posted on CIAO under the username Gladiator007**

Summary: Comparing the price and extensive features, this is the best option for pc sound card

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