My Review of the Creative SB X-Fi

[imaheadcase]

I was not HIjacking your thread, since you put "My Review" and was positive about the card so much, it would encourage others to buy the card based on just what you found. I was pointing out the negative side of the card so people don't base your review as set in stone.

 

[Pariah]

The X-Fi Xtreme Music sound card does not have TOSLINK. It does not have standard SPDIF out either. Standard SPDIF would involve the use of a RCA connector.

The Xtreme Music does not have a TOS Link connector, but it does have standard SPDIF out, in fact it has multiple outs. There is no standard SPDIF out connector. SPDIF is a digital transmission standard, not a cable standard.

You have to buy an adapter for the X-Fi.

No, you don't. All you need is a cable. Something really exotic like this one which you can pick up at any local Radio Shack or electronics store at all:

RCA to Mini 6ft - $4.00

It is FULLY possible that the auzentech does movies audio better. However, it is NOT due to the encoding ability of the card.

No, it isn't if you are comparing digital out to digital out to the same external decoder. Every transport no matter how expensive or cheap will sound the same. To say they sound any different would be to say that a JPEG sent through a wireless network looks better than the same JPEG sent through a wired network to the same computer. You're sending the same data and having it decoded and converted to analog by the same device, beyond data corruption, there is no way one will be better than the other.

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: ChiPCGuy

Originally posted by: PurdueRy

Originally posted by: ChiPCGuy

Originally posted by: Pariah

Let me ask you this: Have YOU ever had the opportunity to compare the two yourself? Further, have you bothered to write up a balanced review giving your experiences between two soundcards that are both very good in their own respective realms?

You folks need to turn down the fanboism. I am keeping the X-Fi because for me I believe it to be the better card, given my usage pattern. If all I watched was DVD movies on my PC then the X-Fi would not have a spot in my system.

We don't have to use either card to know if they are not doing the decoding of the DD stream and simply passing the stream to another decoder then the cards should sound exactly the same. That's why everyone is crying foul, because what you claim doesn't make any sense. Either you have configuration discrepancies between the 2 cards, or you're hearing differences that aren't there.

That is exactly my point. They do NOT sound exactly the same. The reason why is the Auzentech card is capable of HARDWARE ENCODING DOLBY DIGITAL signals USING AN ONBOARD PROCESSOR. The X-Fi DOES NOT possess this capability. You are probably right if I used a direct digital signal over SPDIF to the external decoder using TOSLINK on both cards then they would probably sound the same. But THEY DON'T because the X-Fi does NOT HAVE THE CAPABILITY TO ENCODE IN HARDWARE.

FURTHER, the X-Fi does NOT HAVE TOSLINK OUTPUT.

Let me restate myself: When using DD Live! 5.1 hardware encoding out of the Auzentech card via TOSLINK to an external decoder in MOVIES, the Auzentech card stops, thrashes, trashes, burns, and generally mutilates the X-Fi in brightness and immersiveness of sound. In movies. Over TOSLINK. When using hardware encoded DD Live signaling to an external decoder. I am NOT THE FIRST ONE TO POINT THIS FACT OUT. READ SOME OTHER GODDAMN REVIEWS AND SEE WHAT I MEAN.

Just how much more clear do I have to make myself?

You are awfully defensive. Just cool it, we're not "flaming" you or trying to insult you. We are just pointing out an error in your review.

Movie audio is already ENCODED in DD or DTS. Therefore the Auzentech card does not use its DD encoding abilities. You cannot REENCODE an encoded signal...at least not in this case.

It is FULLY possible that the auzentech does movies audio better. However, it is NOT due to the encoding ability of the card.

I am defensive because basically I am being told that I am hearing things that are not there (not by you) or that somehow I am wrong about what I am hearing.

I do thank you for taking the moment to acknowledge that the Auzentech card may do movies better, and not necessarily because of the DD Live encoding capability. As I replied earlier, there might be other factors in play here besides DACs as well. I cannot say exactly WHY the Auzentech sounds better in movies, I can only point out that it does. And the difference is not subtle. It is major.

Well in a passthrough mode the DACs would not be used as the original signal is digital and the outgoing signal is also digital. In passthrough mode, no effects are applied to this signal so the conversion is not necessary. I don't discredit your opinion though because their new card the Auzentech X-Plosion has quite a following for its movie audio quality over on AVSforum. I appreciate your opinion.

Just outta curiousity, try turning off DDex encoding when watching a movie and see if the sound quality differs. While it shouldn't be encoding an already encoded signal, I wonder if something is being done when that option is on. Thanks for checking this out(I anticipate it should sound the same).

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: Pariah

The X-Fi Xtreme Music sound card does not have TOSLINK. It does not have standard SPDIF out either. Standard SPDIF would involve the use of a RCA connector.

The Xtreme Music does not have a TOS Link connector, but it does have standard SPDIF out, in fact it has multiple outs. There is no standard SPDIF out connector. SPDIF is a digital transmission standard, not a cable standard.

You have to buy an adapter for the X-Fi.

No, you don't. All you need is a cable. Something really exotic like this one which you can pick up at any local Radio Shack or electronics store at all:

RCA to Mini 6ft - $4.00

correct

 

[ChiPCGuy]

Originally posted by: Pariah

The X-Fi Xtreme Music sound card does not have TOSLINK. It does not have standard SPDIF out either. Standard SPDIF would involve the use of a RCA connector.

The Xtreme Music does not have a TOS Link connector, but it does have standard SPDIF out, in fact it has multiple outs. There is no standard SPDIF out connector. SPDIF is a digital transmission standard, not a cable standard.

You have to buy an adapter for the X-Fi.

No, you don't. All you need is a cable. Something really exotic like this one which you can pick up at any local Radio Shack or electronics store at all:

RCA to Mini 6ft - $4.00

Yup, you are correct in that SPDIF is a digital transmission standard.

However, the defacto hardware standard for connectors on any motherboard or card these days is to use either a TOSLINK or a RCA connector.

Creative has neither on the Xtreme Music. They decided to make you convert from mini to RCA via an adapter or the cable you are pointing out that has RCA at one end and a mini connector at the other that won't be of any real use to anyone except with the Creative card. Annoying that you have to think about anything other than a standard RCA to RCA cable at all. That was my point. I am not getting what you are not understanding.

 

[ChiPCGuy]

Originally posted by: PurdueRy

Originally posted by: ChiPCGuy

Originally posted by: PurdueRy

Originally posted by: ChiPCGuy

Originally posted by: Pariah

Let me ask you this: Have YOU ever had the opportunity to compare the two yourself? Further, have you bothered to write up a balanced review giving your experiences between two soundcards that are both very good in their own respective realms?

You folks need to turn down the fanboism. I am keeping the X-Fi because for me I believe it to be the better card, given my usage pattern. If all I watched was DVD movies on my PC then the X-Fi would not have a spot in my system.

We don't have to use either card to know if they are not doing the decoding of the DD stream and simply passing the stream to another decoder then the cards should sound exactly the same. That's why everyone is crying foul, because what you claim doesn't make any sense. Either you have configuration discrepancies between the 2 cards, or you're hearing differences that aren't there.

That is exactly my point. They do NOT sound exactly the same. The reason why is the Auzentech card is capable of HARDWARE ENCODING DOLBY DIGITAL signals USING AN ONBOARD PROCESSOR. The X-Fi DOES NOT possess this capability. You are probably right if I used a direct digital signal over SPDIF to the external decoder using TOSLINK on both cards then they would probably sound the same. But THEY DON'T because the X-Fi does NOT HAVE THE CAPABILITY TO ENCODE IN HARDWARE.

FURTHER, the X-Fi does NOT HAVE TOSLINK OUTPUT.

Let me restate myself: When using DD Live! 5.1 hardware encoding out of the Auzentech card via TOSLINK to an external decoder in MOVIES, the Auzentech card stops, thrashes, trashes, burns, and generally mutilates the X-Fi in brightness and immersiveness of sound. In movies. Over TOSLINK. When using hardware encoded DD Live signaling to an external decoder. I am NOT THE FIRST ONE TO POINT THIS FACT OUT. READ SOME OTHER GODDAMN REVIEWS AND SEE WHAT I MEAN.

Just how much more clear do I have to make myself?

You are awfully defensive. Just cool it, we're not "flaming" you or trying to insult you. We are just pointing out an error in your review.

Movie audio is already ENCODED in DD or DTS. Therefore the Auzentech card does not use its DD encoding abilities. You cannot REENCODE an encoded signal...at least not in this case.

It is FULLY possible that the auzentech does movies audio better. However, it is NOT due to the encoding ability of the card.

I am defensive because basically I am being told that I am hearing things that are not there (not by you) or that somehow I am wrong about what I am hearing.

I do thank you for taking the moment to acknowledge that the Auzentech card may do movies better, and not necessarily because of the DD Live encoding capability. As I replied earlier, there might be other factors in play here besides DACs as well. I cannot say exactly WHY the Auzentech sounds better in movies, I can only point out that it does. And the difference is not subtle. It is major.

Well in a passthrough mode the DACs would not be used as the original signal is digital and the outgoing signal is also digital. In passthrough mode, no effects are applied to this signal so the conversion is not necessary. I don't discredit your opinion though because their new card the Auzentech X-Plosion has quite a following for its movie audio quality over on AVSforum. I appreciate your opinion.

Just outta curiousity, try turning off DDex encoding when watching a movie and see if the sound quality differs. While it shouldn't be encoding an already encoded signal, I wonder if something is being done when that option is on. Thanks for checking this out(I anticipate it should sound the same).

I am going to yank the X-Fi and try just that. The X-Fi and X-Mystique are likely to seriously conflict with each other installed in the same system.

I noticed the X-Plosion getting a huge following as well. It apparently does movies even better than the X-Mystique which, if my opinion is more than mere opinion and fact means that the X-Plosion is near pro-audio quality when it comes to HTPC applications, which is what it was designed for.

When I use the DD Live! encoding option for the X-Mystique, I have to literally select it in the drivers and it will mute all analog output. The external decoder will indicate a Dolby Digital signal automatically. When the card gets put into "encoder mode" (for lack of a better term) it is definitely doing something that makes movies sound better than a freakin' theater and I am not joking.

 

[ChiPCGuy]

Originally posted by: imaheadcase
I was not HIjacking your thread, since you put "My Review" and was positive about the card so much, it would encourage others to buy the card based on just what you found. I was pointing out the negative side of the card so people don't base your review as set in stone.

You just confirmed you are a troll by your own words.

You want to head off anyone from buying the card and forming an opionion of their own based on my review plus what they can read in other threads.

Find another thread, please. Move along.

 

[Pariah]

Having owned cards from Turtle Beach, Philips, Hercules, and Ensoniq as well as Creative, they all used 1/8" mini digital outs for the obvious reason that they use less space on the plate. Creative is not even in the minority with this decision, let alone the only company doing this as you blindly claim.

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: ChiPCGuy

Originally posted by: PurdueRy

Originally posted by: ChiPCGuy

Originally posted by: PurdueRy

Originally posted by: ChiPCGuy

Originally posted by: Pariah

Let me ask you this: Have YOU ever had the opportunity to compare the two yourself? Further, have you bothered to write up a balanced review giving your experiences between two soundcards that are both very good in their own respective realms?

You folks need to turn down the fanboism. I am keeping the X-Fi because for me I believe it to be the better card, given my usage pattern. If all I watched was DVD movies on my PC then the X-Fi would not have a spot in my system.

We don't have to use either card to know if they are not doing the decoding of the DD stream and simply passing the stream to another decoder then the cards should sound exactly the same. That's why everyone is crying foul, because what you claim doesn't make any sense. Either you have configuration discrepancies between the 2 cards, or you're hearing differences that aren't there.

That is exactly my point. They do NOT sound exactly the same. The reason why is the Auzentech card is capable of HARDWARE ENCODING DOLBY DIGITAL signals USING AN ONBOARD PROCESSOR. The X-Fi DOES NOT possess this capability. You are probably right if I used a direct digital signal over SPDIF to the external decoder using TOSLINK on both cards then they would probably sound the same. But THEY DON'T because the X-Fi does NOT HAVE THE CAPABILITY TO ENCODE IN HARDWARE.

FURTHER, the X-Fi does NOT HAVE TOSLINK OUTPUT.

Let me restate myself: When using DD Live! 5.1 hardware encoding out of the Auzentech card via TOSLINK to an external decoder in MOVIES, the Auzentech card stops, thrashes, trashes, burns, and generally mutilates the X-Fi in brightness and immersiveness of sound. In movies. Over TOSLINK. When using hardware encoded DD Live signaling to an external decoder. I am NOT THE FIRST ONE TO POINT THIS FACT OUT. READ SOME OTHER GODDAMN REVIEWS AND SEE WHAT I MEAN.

Just how much more clear do I have to make myself?

You are awfully defensive. Just cool it, we're not "flaming" you or trying to insult you. We are just pointing out an error in your review.

Movie audio is already ENCODED in DD or DTS. Therefore the Auzentech card does not use its DD encoding abilities. You cannot REENCODE an encoded signal...at least not in this case.

It is FULLY possible that the auzentech does movies audio better. However, it is NOT due to the encoding ability of the card.

I am defensive because basically I am being told that I am hearing things that are not there (not by you) or that somehow I am wrong about what I am hearing.

I do thank you for taking the moment to acknowledge that the Auzentech card may do movies better, and not necessarily because of the DD Live encoding capability. As I replied earlier, there might be other factors in play here besides DACs as well. I cannot say exactly WHY the Auzentech sounds better in movies, I can only point out that it does. And the difference is not subtle. It is major.

Well in a passthrough mode the DACs would not be used as the original signal is digital and the outgoing signal is also digital. In passthrough mode, no effects are applied to this signal so the conversion is not necessary. I don't discredit your opinion though because their new card the Auzentech X-Plosion has quite a following for its movie audio quality over on AVSforum. I appreciate your opinion.

Just outta curiousity, try turning off DDex encoding when watching a movie and see if the sound quality differs. While it shouldn't be encoding an already encoded signal, I wonder if something is being done when that option is on. Thanks for checking this out(I anticipate it should sound the same).

I am going to yank the X-Fi and try just that. The X-Fi and X-Mystique are likely to seriously conflict with each other installed in the same system.

I noticed the X-Plosion getting a huge following as well. It apparently does movies even better than the X-Mystique which, if my opinion is more than mere opinion and fact means that the X-Plosion is near pro-audio quality when it comes to HTPC applications, which is what it was designed for.

When I use the DD Live! encoding option for the X-Mystique, I have to literally select it in the drivers and it will mute all analog output. The external decoder will indicate a Dolby Digital signal automatically. When the card gets put into "encoder mode" (for lack of a better term) it is definitely doing something that makes movies sound better than a freakin' theater and I am not joking.

Even with DD encoding off you should be able to send a digital signal I believe. Anything encoded in DD should still show up as that on your receiver. I am interested in your results, can't wait to hear them!

 

[ChiPCGuy]

Originally posted by: Pariah
Having owned cards from Turtle Beach, Philips, Hercules, and Ensoniq as well as Creative, they all used 1/8" mini digital outs for the obvious reason that they use less space on the plate. Creative is not even in the minority with this decision, let alone the only company doing this as you blindly claim.

Good try, but not good enough. I owned most of those cards as well. Why don't you name a recent production card (not one more than five years old, thank you) that you can buy right now that uses a mini jack besides the Creative? Oh, you can't.

 

[ChiPCGuy]

Originally posted by: PurdueRy

Originally posted by: ChiPCGuy

Originally posted by: PurdueRy

Originally posted by: ChiPCGuy

Originally posted by: PurdueRy

Originally posted by: ChiPCGuy

Originally posted by: Pariah

Let me ask you this: Have YOU ever had the opportunity to compare the two yourself? Further, have you bothered to write up a balanced review giving your experiences between two soundcards that are both very good in their own respective realms?

You folks need to turn down the fanboism. I am keeping the X-Fi because for me I believe it to be the better card, given my usage pattern. If all I watched was DVD movies on my PC then the X-Fi would not have a spot in my system.

We don't have to use either card to know if they are not doing the decoding of the DD stream and simply passing the stream to another decoder then the cards should sound exactly the same. That's why everyone is crying foul, because what you claim doesn't make any sense. Either you have configuration discrepancies between the 2 cards, or you're hearing differences that aren't there.

That is exactly my point. They do NOT sound exactly the same. The reason why is the Auzentech card is capable of HARDWARE ENCODING DOLBY DIGITAL signals USING AN ONBOARD PROCESSOR. The X-Fi DOES NOT possess this capability. You are probably right if I used a direct digital signal over SPDIF to the external decoder using TOSLINK on both cards then they would probably sound the same. But THEY DON'T because the X-Fi does NOT HAVE THE CAPABILITY TO ENCODE IN HARDWARE.

FURTHER, the X-Fi does NOT HAVE TOSLINK OUTPUT.

Let me restate myself: When using DD Live! 5.1 hardware encoding out of the Auzentech card via TOSLINK to an external decoder in MOVIES, the Auzentech card stops, thrashes, trashes, burns, and generally mutilates the X-Fi in brightness and immersiveness of sound. In movies. Over TOSLINK. When using hardware encoded DD Live signaling to an external decoder. I am NOT THE FIRST ONE TO POINT THIS FACT OUT. READ SOME OTHER GODDAMN REVIEWS AND SEE WHAT I MEAN.

Just how much more clear do I have to make myself?

You are awfully defensive. Just cool it, we're not "flaming" you or trying to insult you. We are just pointing out an error in your review.

Movie audio is already ENCODED in DD or DTS. Therefore the Auzentech card does not use its DD encoding abilities. You cannot REENCODE an encoded signal...at least not in this case.

It is FULLY possible that the auzentech does movies audio better. However, it is NOT due to the encoding ability of the card.

I am defensive because basically I am being told that I am hearing things that are not there (not by you) or that somehow I am wrong about what I am hearing.

I do thank you for taking the moment to acknowledge that the Auzentech card may do movies better, and not necessarily because of the DD Live encoding capability. As I replied earlier, there might be other factors in play here besides DACs as well. I cannot say exactly WHY the Auzentech sounds better in movies, I can only point out that it does. And the difference is not subtle. It is major.

Well in a passthrough mode the DACs would not be used as the original signal is digital and the outgoing signal is also digital. In passthrough mode, no effects are applied to this signal so the conversion is not necessary. I don't discredit your opinion though because their new card the Auzentech X-Plosion has quite a following for its movie audio quality over on AVSforum. I appreciate your opinion.

Just outta curiousity, try turning off DDex encoding when watching a movie and see if the sound quality differs. While it shouldn't be encoding an already encoded signal, I wonder if something is being done when that option is on. Thanks for checking this out(I anticipate it should sound the same).

I am going to yank the X-Fi and try just that. The X-Fi and X-Mystique are likely to seriously conflict with each other installed in the same system.

I noticed the X-Plosion getting a huge following as well. It apparently does movies even better than the X-Mystique which, if my opinion is more than mere opinion and fact means that the X-Plosion is near pro-audio quality when it comes to HTPC applications, which is what it was designed for.

When I use the DD Live! encoding option for the X-Mystique, I have to literally select it in the drivers and it will mute all analog output. The external decoder will indicate a Dolby Digital signal automatically. When the card gets put into "encoder mode" (for lack of a better term) it is definitely doing something that makes movies sound better than a freakin' theater and I am not joking.

Even with DD encoding off you should be able to send a digital signal I believe. Anything encoded in DD should still show up as that on your receiver. I am interested in your results, can't wait to hear them!

I am interested as well. Something that might be of interest is with the X-Fi I am using the analog out and my Logitechs are set to 6 channel direct. In my DVD software I selected SPDIF and in the X-Fi Entertainment console I have selected ON or AUTO for the software decoder. It may have to do with this software conversion in the X-Fi drivers that is occurring.

 

[erikistired]

Originally posted by: imaheadcase
Why would you want to ignore me? lol

Im just posting in every thread about X- FI because don't you think people would want to know before they buy the card the problems it has? *sigh kids*

well i haven't been a kid for quite a few years now. and i would definitely advocate ignoring you. you aren't warning people, you obviously have an agenda. warning people would not be going around screaming 'DON'T BUY THIS CARD!' when many people on this board are running it just fine. there may be a problem with a small number of cards, but that does not make the xfi something to be avoided.

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: ChiPCGuy

Originally posted by: PurdueRy

Originally posted by: ChiPCGuy

Originally posted by: PurdueRy

Originally posted by: ChiPCGuy

Originally posted by: PurdueRy

Originally posted by: ChiPCGuy

Originally posted by: Pariah

Let me ask you this: Have YOU ever had the opportunity to compare the two yourself? Further, have you bothered to write up a balanced review giving your experiences between two soundcards that are both very good in their own respective realms?

You folks need to turn down the fanboism. I am keeping the X-Fi because for me I believe it to be the better card, given my usage pattern. If all I watched was DVD movies on my PC then the X-Fi would not have a spot in my system.

We don't have to use either card to know if they are not doing the decoding of the DD stream and simply passing the stream to another decoder then the cards should sound exactly the same. That's why everyone is crying foul, because what you claim doesn't make any sense. Either you have configuration discrepancies between the 2 cards, or you're hearing differences that aren't there.

That is exactly my point. They do NOT sound exactly the same. The reason why is the Auzentech card is capable of HARDWARE ENCODING DOLBY DIGITAL signals USING AN ONBOARD PROCESSOR. The X-Fi DOES NOT possess this capability. You are probably right if I used a direct digital signal over SPDIF to the external decoder using TOSLINK on both cards then they would probably sound the same. But THEY DON'T because the X-Fi does NOT HAVE THE CAPABILITY TO ENCODE IN HARDWARE.

FURTHER, the X-Fi does NOT HAVE TOSLINK OUTPUT.

Let me restate myself: When using DD Live! 5.1 hardware encoding out of the Auzentech card via TOSLINK to an external decoder in MOVIES, the Auzentech card stops, thrashes, trashes, burns, and generally mutilates the X-Fi in brightness and immersiveness of sound. In movies. Over TOSLINK. When using hardware encoded DD Live signaling to an external decoder. I am NOT THE FIRST ONE TO POINT THIS FACT OUT. READ SOME OTHER GODDAMN REVIEWS AND SEE WHAT I MEAN.

Just how much more clear do I have to make myself?

You are awfully defensive. Just cool it, we're not "flaming" you or trying to insult you. We are just pointing out an error in your review.

Movie audio is already ENCODED in DD or DTS. Therefore the Auzentech card does not use its DD encoding abilities. You cannot REENCODE an encoded signal...at least not in this case.

It is FULLY possible that the auzentech does movies audio better. However, it is NOT due to the encoding ability of the card.

I am defensive because basically I am being told that I am hearing things that are not there (not by you) or that somehow I am wrong about what I am hearing.

I do thank you for taking the moment to acknowledge that the Auzentech card may do movies better, and not necessarily because of the DD Live encoding capability. As I replied earlier, there might be other factors in play here besides DACs as well. I cannot say exactly WHY the Auzentech sounds better in movies, I can only point out that it does. And the difference is not subtle. It is major.

Well in a passthrough mode the DACs would not be used as the original signal is digital and the outgoing signal is also digital. In passthrough mode, no effects are applied to this signal so the conversion is not necessary. I don't discredit your opinion though because their new card the Auzentech X-Plosion has quite a following for its movie audio quality over on AVSforum. I appreciate your opinion.

Just outta curiousity, try turning off DDex encoding when watching a movie and see if the sound quality differs. While it shouldn't be encoding an already encoded signal, I wonder if something is being done when that option is on. Thanks for checking this out(I anticipate it should sound the same).

I am going to yank the X-Fi and try just that. The X-Fi and X-Mystique are likely to seriously conflict with each other installed in the same system.

I noticed the X-Plosion getting a huge following as well. It apparently does movies even better than the X-Mystique which, if my opinion is more than mere opinion and fact means that the X-Plosion is near pro-audio quality when it comes to HTPC applications, which is what it was designed for.

When I use the DD Live! encoding option for the X-Mystique, I have to literally select it in the drivers and it will mute all analog output. The external decoder will indicate a Dolby Digital signal automatically. When the card gets put into "encoder mode" (for lack of a better term) it is definitely doing something that makes movies sound better than a freakin' theater and I am not joking.

Even with DD encoding off you should be able to send a digital signal I believe. Anything encoded in DD should still show up as that on your receiver. I am interested in your results, can't wait to hear them!

I am interested as well. Something that might be of interest is with the X-Fi I am using the analog out and my Logitechs are set to 6 channel direct. In my DVD software I selected SPDIF and in the X-Fi Entertainment console I have selected ON or AUTO for the software decoder. It may have to do with this software conversion in the X-Fi drivers that is occurring.

You shouldn't select SPDIF in the DVD software if you have it hooked up 6 ch direct. It should be set to 5.1 speakers(or similar). The software decoder should be off but your X-fi's decoder should be on(no passthrough).

 

[Rubycon]

It's a fine card as long as you're not having this problem.

Never had this problem before until X64. 🙁

 

[Patrick Wolf]

I have the X-Fi XtremeMusic too, only difference is I have the Klipsh ProMedia 5.1, which is certainly a better choice than the Z-5500.

The only soundcards that I've owned are the SB Audigy and the X-Fi, I figured out the settings and such on the X-Fi pretty quickly and started my own testing. I have no reason to dislike Creative in any way and I throughly enjoy their products. Keep in mind, I have the ProMedia 5.1. Unfortuneatly I don't have the Ultra version.

One thing I think you NEED to change is the 24-bit crystalizer, for me it sounds great at the defaulted 50%, I like it at 75%.

Games, movies, music, it all sounds super fantastic. I was actually extremely impressed with movies, it sounded so good it brought tears to my eyes. I mostly tested Terminator 2: Extreme DVD and T3, among others. It does sound outstandingly better than the movie theater, considering the size of these speakers compared to a theater and the proximity from where you sit is much farther in a theater.

I must also point out I use PowerDVD 6.0 Deluxe with all the bells and whistles you can purchase for that program. It's one of the best, if not the best DVD playing software for your PC. Although I'm guessing there probably is something better. Did you mention which program you use?

I have only tested the CMSS-3D on music, and concluded it does sound better with the Stereo Surround option, slider in the middle. Just to clarify, music is not recored in 5.1, thus can't be played in true 5.1, but CMSS-3D does it's best to expand it to 5.1, and the result is quite good.

I must contest that the Z-5500 has no dedicated tweeter and uses a cheap DD/DTS decoder. I think it's pretty well known the decoder that Creative sound cards use is better than the one the Z-5500 has built-in to it's Control Pod. In the Z-5500's defense, it is a good speaker system, especially for a home theater setup and gaming console, but it's not the best choice for PC speakers when compaing to the alternatives.

And in case your a little confused of DD/DTS decoding, which it sounds like you are, you should read this. It sure helped me. Be sure to read & understand the whole thread.

Granted I have not heard the X-Plosion so I'm not discrediting it in anyway. Just sharing my experience and trying to educate you.

 

[Patrick Wolf]

.

 

[Bluestealth]

Originally posted by: PurdueRy
You shouldn't select SPDIF in the DVD software if you have it hooked up 6 ch direct. It should be set to 5.1 speakers(or similar). The software decoder should be off but your X-fi's decoder should be on(no passthrough).

Actually he should select spdif if he wants the creative software decoder to handle it, if he selects 5.1 the applications decoder will handle it, and if selects spdif with spdif bypass his reciever will handle the decoding. The first spdif is a user level switch, as is the 2nd which will either decode it or hand it off to hardware, which will then output it if it is told to do so. So application to driver, driver to application or hardware, to speakers or reciever then speakers, or if you select 5.1.... it will use the directsound out of the driver.

 

[DasFox]

So the drivers on the site to download aren't as complete as what's on the CD? We should us the CD, then get the drivers to update them?

Personally I've always stayed away from tbe CDs since stuff on them is typically outdated, but if all the features aren't on the driver update, then oh well guess we have to use the CD.

THANKS

 

[ChiPCGuy]

Originally posted by: DasFox
So the drivers on the site to download aren't as complete as what's on the CD? We should us the CD, then get the drivers to update them?

Personally I've always stayed away from tbe CDs since stuff on them is typically outdated, but if all the features aren't on the driver update, then oh well guess we have to use the CD.

THANKS

Correct. The drivers on the website allow basic funtionality, but there will be some missing critical items such as the THX setup console and access to the hardware EQ. The best thing to do is to load (selectively) what you want from the CD and then perform the driver upgrade from the driver off the Creative website.

 

[ChiPCGuy]

Originally posted by: Bluestealth

Originally posted by: PurdueRy
You shouldn't select SPDIF in the DVD software if you have it hooked up 6 ch direct. It should be set to 5.1 speakers(or similar). The software decoder should be off but your X-fi's decoder should be on(no passthrough).

Actually he should select spdif if he wants the creative software decoder to handle it, if he selects 5.1 the applications decoder will handle it, and if selects spdif with spdif bypass his reciever will handle the decoding. The first spdif is a user level switch, as is the 2nd which will either decode it or hand it off to hardware, which will then output it if it is told to do so. So application to driver, driver to application or hardware, to speakers or reciever then speakers, or if you select 5.1.... it will use the directsound out of the driver.

Correct. The Creative FAQ indicates in order for the Creative decoder to handle it, you must select SPDIF out in your DVD software to setup the hook for the capture.

I am using Nero 6 Ultra (Show Time 2) for DVDs.

I am retesting with the Auzentech card now. I am going to try simply outputting a digital signal to the Logitech control pod and let it decode exactly what is coming off of the DVD and then I will enable Live 5.1 encoding and see if there is a difference in what I am hearing.

I performed a total reinstall to get here. I did not want anything else interfering with my test. That is why the delay in my response. I am serious about getting to the bottom of this.

 

[ChiPCGuy]

Originally posted by: Patrick Wolf
I have the X-Fi XtremeMusic too, only difference is I have the Klipsh ProMedia 5.1, which is certainly a better choice than the Z-5500.

The only soundcards that I've owned are the SB Audigy and the X-Fi, I figured out the settings and such on the X-Fi pretty quickly and started my own testing. I have no reason to dislike Creative in any way and I throughly enjoy their products. Keep in mind, I have the ProMedia 5.1. Unfortuneatly I don't have the Ultra version.

One thing I think you NEED to change is the 24-bit crystalizer, for me it sounds great at the defaulted 50%, I like it at 75%.

Games, movies, music, it all sounds super fantastic. I was actually extremely impressed with movies, it sounded so good it brought tears to my eyes. I mostly tested Terminator 2: Extreme DVD and T3, among others. It does sound outstandingly better than the movie theater, considering the size of these speakers compared to a theater and the proximity from where you sit is much farther in a theater.

I must also point out I use PowerDVD 6.0 Deluxe with all the bells and whistles you can purchase for that program. It's one of the best, if not the best DVD playing software for your PC. Although I'm guessing there probably is something better. Did you mention which program you use?

I have only tested the CMSS-3D on music, and concluded it does sound better with the Stereo Surround option, slider in the middle. Just to clarify, music is not recored in 5.1, thus can't be played in true 5.1, but CMSS-3D does it's best to expand it to 5.1, and the result is quite good.

I must contest that the Z-5500 has no dedicated tweeter and uses a cheap DD/DTS decoder. I think it's pretty well known the decoder that Creative sound cards use is better than the one the Z-5500 has built-in to it's Control Pod. In the Z-5500's defense, it is a good speaker system, especially for a home theater setup and gaming console, but it's not the best choice for PC speakers when compaing to the alternatives.

And in case your a little confused of DD/DTS decoding, which it sounds like you are, you should read this. It sure helped me. Be sure to read & understand the whole thread.

Granted I have not heard the X-Plosion so I'm not discrediting it in anyway. Just sharing my experience and trying to educate you.

Thanks--I will read that thread. I am not the expert, that is for sure. I just know what I hear. As for the X-Mystique and X-Plosion, they have been optimized for digital output--and Auzentech makes a relatively big deal out the quality of the TOSLINK transmitter, for example. I am just saying there are potentially differences here that are not meeting the eye, even when it comes to "simply passing" a digital signal out to a an external decoder and therefore everything should sound the same from sound card to sound card no matter what. The point I am trying to get across is: it ain't that simple, Ethel.

 

[ChiPCGuy]

Ok, I just finished retesting my Auzentech HDA Digital X-Mystique.

Movie: Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
DVD player: Power DVD 5.0, set for SPDIF out (I decided to eliminate Nero Show Time 2 from the equation as well to see if the results would be the same)

Setting for 24/96 Khz SPDIF PCM to the receiver in the Auzentech driver, I get sound unlike what I was able to extract out of the X-Fi in movies. It was immersive, bright, and loud as hell. I wanted to keep watching the movie.

I then set the driver for Dolby Digital Live 5.1 encoding to the receiver and I get a movie experience yet another notch above what it was doing in raw passthrough. I mean:

In the opening battle scene, the following occurs:

1. With the X-Fi, I can barely hear the arrows fly past the elf's head on the line during the charge. I cannot hear the "big bad guy" swinging his bludgeon during the end of the scene when dozens of soldiers are being flung around. I cannot hear the crackle of the cut off fingers from the "big bad guy" after they hit the ground with the glowing ring.
2. With raw PCM output to the receiver, I can now hear the arrows clearly as they fire. I can hear the "big bad guy" swinging his bludgeon and the air displacing around it when swung. I hear the crackling of the cut off fingers.
3. With DD Live 5.1 encoding to the receiver set in the Auzentech driver, I can now not only hear the arrows fly by the elf's head, but I can hear the air that is displaced by the arrows. The sound is more immersive and even "brighter". I can hear the crackling noises *very distinctively and individually* after the "big bad guy" has his fingers cut off.

Just to make sure I was not unintentionally biasing my results because I had started paying more attention with the DD Live 5.1, or had somehow wanted to hear things that were not there, I listened to the scene in both modes several times. They are VERY CLOSE to each other, but the DD Live 5.1 encoding mode is definitely adding more clarity. I know by all rights it should not, but it DOES. I cannot explain it.

So, now I am going to revise what I said. The Auzentech card STOMPS the X-Fi when using EITHER 24/96 PCM output OR when using DD Live 5.1 encoded output via TOSLINK to my decoder when in contrast the X-Fi is outputting analog via the Creative software decoder.

The difference is so shocking that I am now having a hard time deciding whether I even want to put that X-Fi back in, but *sigh* probably will because I game more on my PC than I watch movies and in that mode, the Auzentech does not hold much of a candle to the X-Fi. I wish I did not have to make these kinds of choices!

 

[Patrick Wolf]

Dang your making me want to watch that movie again! Which I'm going to now that you mentioned it, The Lord of the Rings has great sound and music, I just forgot about it.

I will try to listen for the things you described not hearing with X-Fi. Again, this does make a difference, but I'm not sure exactly how much; I'm using Power DVD 6 Deluxe and the Promedia 5.1.

I have heard a few people saying that they had to mess with the equalizer on their Creative cards to get the most "accurate" sound from the Z-5500. Just thought I'd mention that.

I should also mention I'm legally blind and therefore have to rely on my ability to hearr - more than most ppl do, and thus my ears are more fine tuned.

 

[imaheadcase]

Oh so being a troll now is because I tell them the card is not perfect? Must be nice to be the owner of the internet and make up your own rules.

Get over yourself. Any person who posts a review without posting about other peoples bad experiences with it, is by himself a fanboi.

I was simply posting a link to creative OWN SITE that shows problems, how is that having a agenda. lol

 

[ChiPCGuy]

Originally posted by: imaheadcase
Oh so being a troll now is because I tell them the card is not perfect? Must be nice to be the owner of the internet and make up your own rules.

Get over yourself. Any person who posts a review without posting about other peoples bad experiences with it, is by himself a fanboi.

I was simply posting a link to creative OWN SITE that shows problems, how is that having a agenda. lol

It is not the link you pointed out that makes you a troll. Nor is indicating that others are having issues.

What is making you the troll is when you came into this thread and said "Worst soundcard EVER" and then pointed to the thread. This is an unqualified assertion, unless you really know what is going on.

I read that thread. All of it. I cannot see anything with commonality that would make me believe at this point in time that there is some kind of pervasive issue otherwise I would have seen the issue as well. I did not.

I can assert that Creative's tech support seems to be incredibly lacking, though. There are hundreds of posts and nobody from Creative to be seen. This is not new, though.

Edited to say: I have already indicated the card is NOT perfect. Did you read the review? I had a few negative things to say about the X-Fi.