how good are the X-fi USB soundcard adapters?

faxon

Platinum Member
May 23, 2008
2,109
1
81
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

Lifer
Feb 8, 2004
12,604
15
81
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

Diamond Member
Jun 11, 2007
3,559
1
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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

Senior member
Sep 9, 2005
442
0
0
^
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 ;)