Creative X-Fi

[wallrunnerm15]

i currently own an audigy 2 zs platinum. however i was considering buying in the future the new X-Fi for my games, movies, mp3 playing, etc. the 5.25 box looks strikingly similar to the audigy 2 box. can i just buy the mp3 X-Fi one and connect it to me zs box?

 

[us3rnotfound]

have you ever encountered the term "planned obsoleteness"?

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

I don't think that will work for connecting one to the other.

If you're looking to increase your audio performance an already have a nice soundcard, I think spending more on the speakers / headphones could be a better idea unless you have really nice stuff already.

 

[alcoholbob]

us3rnotfound - I love the way you think : )

 

[Kyanzes]

I have to agree with YOyoYOhowsDAjello: a nice headphone, speaker-set, amplifier would increase your audio experience much better than the X-Fi unless you are on unlimited budget in which case sure buy it and while you are out purchasing why not pick up a Sennheiser Orpheus. Saw it on discount for $10.000. Seriously though a Sennheiser 580,600 or 650 would surely help a tad more than this new X-Fi thing that has an incredible amount of marketing feeling about it. I have even removed my Audigy2 and currently using my onboard Sound Blaster Live 24 with my HD-580. Can't hear a difference. With cheap headphones however even my friend's EMU card sounded crappy. Even if you are into positional audio you would still be better off with a new amiplifier and set of speakers.

 

[numbest]

When it gets released to the public?Many people is waiting for.

 

[sxr7171]

Originally posted by: Kyanzes
I have to agree with YOyoYOhowsDAjello: a nice headphone, speaker-set, amplifier would increase your audio experience much better than the X-Fi unless you are on unlimited budget in which case sure buy it and while you are out purchasing why not pick up a Sennheiser Orpheus. Saw it on discount for $10.000. Seriously though a Sennheiser 580,600 or 650 would surely help a tad more than this new X-Fi thing that has an incredible amount of marketing feeling about it. I have even removed my Audigy2 and currently using my onboard Sound Blaster Live 24 with my HD-580. Can't hear a difference. With cheap headphones however even my friend's EMU card sounded crappy. Even if you are into positional audio you would still be better off with a new amiplifier and set of speakers.

Best thing right now for really cheap is to get a cheap USB DAC like the $25 Turtle Beach Audio Advantage Micro and a cheap headphone amp (optional). Or if you want to drop some money there's always the Grace Design M902, Wavelength Audio Brick or Cosecant, The Apogee Mini Dac, The Headroom Micro DAC, or the Porta Corda Headamp with USB option among others.

But really the $25 Turtle Beach option is the best value for money in computer audio right now. USB DACs essentially have no jitter and perform better than more expensive DACs using conventional coaxial or optical connections.

 

[The J]

According to this thread on Creative's forums, the 5.25" bay for the Audigy 2 will work with the X-Fi. Just note that it's not officially supported.