Sound Blaster ZxR

[taq8ojh]

Does anyone own one yet?
I recently RMA'd my Xonar Phoebus and got my money refunded, but that leaves me without a card. The new version without the weird control box is not being sold yet, and googling around I noticed this new line of Creative products. I am just sceptical when it comes to this company though, the HORRIBLE drivers history is still way too fresh in my memory. People say they improved though, and praise this particular card, so I am curious about it.

 

[sdifox]

what do you use it for?

 

[taq8ojh]

Most of the time listening to music and playing games. Stereo only.

 

[sdifox]

so just headphones or out to speakers?

http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Audiop...audiophile+192

http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-US4175...audiophile+192

 

[taq8ojh]

Why are you posting these links?

 

[sdifox]

Providing some options. I would rather use optical out on my machine than give Creative Labs any of my money

 

[taq8ojh]

I don't want to sound like an ass, but I asked precisely what's in the first post. I am not interested in ANY alternatives to the cards in question. I do appreciate the effort though.

 

[sdifox]

I don't want to sound like an ass, but I asked precisely what's in the first post. I am not interested in ANY alternatives to the cards in question. I do appreciate the effort though.

Sounds like your mind is made up. I don't have any experience with ZxR.

These guys say don't bother with paying for zxr unless you want to use high end input.

http://www.maximumpc.com/article/[primary-term]/creative_sound_blaster_zxr_review

 

[taq8ojh]

Guess I should had specifically mentioned the choice was just between the two.

After some googling around not many people seem to own it yet. Good reviews are pretty rare too. Weird, the card has been out for a few months...

 

[taq8ojh]

I will buy it after all. Seems like a good alternative to Phoebus.
I would appreciate if anyone could theorize about the following:
1) How comes Phoebus needs extra power connector and ZxR (which is in fact two cards) doesn't?
2) ZxR has left and right RCA outputs instead of the usual 3.5mm jack. Does this make it any better somehow? I find this very unusual.

 

[weez82]

2) ZxR has left and right RCA outputs instead of the usual 3.5mm jack. Does this make it any better somehow? I find this very unusual.

Connections are there for convenience. Creative has decided that most of the people that would buy their highend model will need RCA outputs. Makes it more convenient to hook up to receivers or amps. Asus also does this on their highend cards (minus the Phoebus).

Does it make it better? Really depends on the users needs. If you need RCA outputs then yes. If you need 3.5mm jacks then no.