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X-Fi Extreme music sounds dry

F

fzkl

Member
I got a new X-Fi and it sounds dry. Thats how best I can describe it. Something about the sound is lacking in nature. I have the latest drivers and all the software that came in the installation disk.

My audigy 2 ZS had EAX option where I could set modes like Rock and techno, this seems to be missing in the X-Fi.

Any ideas how to get this right?

I am listening to music in iTunes.
 
I'm not sure where, but the X-Fi should have some of those effects as well.

What kind of speakers are you using?
 
Try using (under "Enhancements") the "SRS WOW Effects" function of Windows Media Player 10 (or 11).
 
Originally posted by: PurdueRy
You're probably use to a more "colored" sound that all those equalizer presets give you
Click to expand...
It's not just an equalizer, it also adds environmental reverb. So yeah, it actually adds what could be considered distortion.

 
Second the chance that you are using game mode. Music sounds a LOT better in entertainment mode. Also, lose the CMSS3D and crystalizer as they'll both distort sound. The equalizers/EAX modes are there in entertainment mode.
 
Crystalizer and CMSS3D are disabled. Sound still sucks. The EAX modes that are open to me are environments like Hall, Jazz club and such. In my Audigy 2 ZS, EAX environments had more options.

 
sell the card and get a Razer Baracudda, I upgraded from an X-Fi and my sound is sooooo much better overall. I'll never go Creative again!

haha I know this doesn't help you, not trying to be an a$$hole don't take it that way please...
 
Originally posted by: fzkl
Crystalizer and CMSS3D are disabled. Sound still sucks. The EAX modes that are open to me are environments like Hall, Jazz club and such. In my Audigy 2 ZS, EAX environments had more options.
Click to expand...

You still haven't mentioned your speakers.

If you like the EAX effects then chances are you are just use to bad sounding music.
 
Some people consider "dry" to be the Nirvana of audio reproduction. The X-Fi probably comes closer to that than any card Creative has ever put on the market.

Put it into audio creation mode. Choose bit matched playback via the settings button. Disable EAX, kill any other sound adjustments. Pop in a CD. Listen to the most neutral output the X-Fi can muster through its analog out port.

If you don't like what you hear, trick it out. If you still don't like what you hear, buy some real speakers.
 
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