how good are the X-fi USB soundcard adapters?

[faxon]

http://www.tribalwar.com/forums/showthread.php?t=561951


^^^ the above thread was posted on tribalwar a few hours ago, and since im one of the only guys from there who comes here also i figured i would see what you all think of the USB X-fi sound processors. they are basically an X-Fi in a plastic case which hooks up via USB, and they have one for PC only and another for mac and PC which i dont know how good it is, because they didnt list the specs on newegg.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16829102020
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16829102009


just a warning for anyone who actually goes to that link, sometimes tribalwar forums can be a bit on the rough side. not nearly as bad as 4chan or something awful but still, no rules other than no child porn or warez

 

[Maximilian]

They seem to be alright... i cant really go into any depth because the creative external line IMO is fooked and makes no sense. As i asked about here but noone has answered yet

That particular x-fi card seems to be the successor to the audigy 2 nx which i used to own, i had a few annoying issues with it and vista x64 so i ditched it and bought this Asus Xonar U1 instead, its pricey but i know it will work and i know what its capabilties are. The creative surround 5.1 seems alright but it has problems in vista according to some user reviews, it sucks up a ton of CPU/USB power and has difficulties in hibernation.

Pros:

- Runs off the USB power, unlike its predecessor

- Beats onboard laptop sound

- Various inputs/outputs

- Cheap


Cons:

- Could encounter problems in vista, CPU/USB usage and hibernation related


As for the Xmod, from what i can tell its a fancy volume control coupled with the crystalizer and CMSS3D functions of an x-fi card, but it isnt really a proper x-fi as that is the only features it has. It is plug and play in that ir requires no drivers to run but really the x-fi 5.1 surround has more features (which include the crystalizer and CMSS3D from the xmod) for a better price so... its a no brainer really between the xmod and x-fi surround, unless im missing something.

 

[mpilchfamily]

I have an older one of Creatives USB sound devices and it works great. If the laptop has a bad sound card or speakers its a good option to get sound back on the system. Its a lousy option for the PC but perfect for laptops.

 

[Ghouler]

^
second that

Originally posted by: Maximilian
They seem to be alright... i cant really go into any depth because the creative external line IMO is fooked and makes no sense. As i asked about here but noone has answered yet

As for Xonar U1 as an alternative I would not swear by this product. Good it works for you but look what's going on on Asus forums - many people report problems with Xonar U1 and they are given no replies whatsoever...

http://vip.asus.com/forum/view...page=1&SLanguage=en-us
http://vip.asus.com/forum/view...page=1&SLanguage=en-us
http://vip.asus.com/forum/view...page=1&SLanguage=en-us
http://vip.asus.com/forum/view...page=1&SLanguage=en-us

btw. I tried to think of some replies to your questions in the other thread, check it out Max