yet more x-fi comments

[Xeero]

well i picked up the x-fi xtreme music at my local BB. here are my first impressions so far.

1) As everyone else has said, installation is much better and alot easier.
2) The software isn't half bad.
3) the 24bit crystalizer works as advertised. This matter is VERY subjective to different ears. However, cd's ad mp3s DO sound better. Some members may not like how it works, some members may not feel that the improved sound is worth the $130 spent on the soundcard. BUT it is a FACT that cd's and mp3s DO sound better.
4) The CMS headphone option works very well as everyone else has stated. It's probably the greatest thing to happen to headphone gaming. Well one of the greatest.

is it worth the $130? Well besides the 24bit crystalizer, you have improved headphone positioning, improved eax support, the cmss works better on the x-fi than it did on the audigy2, you also have more flexbility when it comes to dolby digital decoding and dts decoding (this is decoding NOT encoding, please dont mix this up with DDL encoding).

I felt I overpaid a little bit. maybe for $100 it would be worth it. However, thats the price you have to pay for wanting the "new" thing now

 

[dano1122]

how does it sound compared to the audigy2 (neither with effects) with music?

 

[Xeero]

i didn't get a chance to do a side by side comparison with the audigy2 and the x-fi w/ the 24bit crystalizer turned off. However, most likely our ears wont really be able to distinguish the difference.

 

[Elderblaze]

I have this card, and I tested it without all the effects in comparison to my old Audigy ZS, the differnce is less substantial with the effects off (which i like as well) but there is still a noticable improvment in bass and cleaness, the audio sounds "fuller".

Regards,
Mike

 

[dano1122]

.... another gaming soundcard, effects 1st sound quality 2nd. my audigy2zs sounds like crap compared to even a >100$ emu0404. it's literally a night and day difference.

thanks for the comparisons to the A2

 

[Elderblaze]

Hmm I think you misunderstood. The effects im talking about are CMSS and Crystalizer. They are for more then gaming, they turn any stereo source into 3d, and crystalizer enhances low bit rate mp3's (192 and lower). These effects function outside of gaming. You should read some revies, specifically the digit life review. It favors very well in comparison to M-Audio revolutions, i've seen a post where one person claimed that after trying his he removed his A-Revo and is planing to sell it.

 

[SJetski71]

It favors very well in comparison to M-Audio revolutions, i've seen a post where one person claimed that after trying his he removed his A-Revo and is planing to sell it.

Thats a pretty powerful statement, only time will tell if it's true or not. But all the great feedback bodes well so far.

i only wish i didn't recently buy two audigy 2's. Oh well, i'm going to have to sell one or both since i see an X-Fi in my future.

here's to sitting on the sidelines

 

[Elderblaze]

yeah, I've never had an M-Audio Revolution, but heard nothing but praise for it. That's only one person's opinion, don't remember where I saw the post, ARS Technica or NV News.

 

[Xeero]

dano1122, if you're looking for pure musical quality, then the x-fi is definitely NOT the product to look at. You are better off buying EMU cards or some professional sound cards. The x-fi is meant more as a successor to the audigy2 and its not really desgined for the professional sound card market.

 

[macrospect]

dano1122, if you're looking for pure musical quality, then the x-fi is definitely NOT the product to look at. You are better off buying EMU cards or some professional sound cards. The x-fi is meant more as a successor to the audigy2 and its not really desgined for the professional sound card market.

Although I must admit the X-FI is a massive improvment over the A2 series

 

[Xeero]

indeed, my music sounds much better, and to imagine this is not even the best musical quality soundcard on the market. omg the possibilities of better products *drool*

 

[pain.angel]

Just got my X-fi at bb and it really is like taking out your earplugs, im very impressed.

 

[CoolZone]

you say that this card has not the best sound quality on the market.but have you seen a professional sound card like m-audio to have a 3d sound positioning and so much effects in games?
i'd say till now this new released card has the best quality and works good in games.when you want to play with a professional sound card in games you'd better throw it to garbage cause it does not use any effects.

 

[Vertigo Acid]

That's why there are those among us that run multiple soundcard setups. 2zs/x-fi/audigy whatever for gaming, and then a sound card for music/movies. I've been quite happy with a revo 7.1 + 2zs combo

 

[CoolZone]

ok,but why not choose the second card an m-audio audiophile 192 which is really a professional card,revolution 7.1 isn't a pro card,it is a consumer level card.

 

[aug1516]

ok,but why not choose the second card an m-audio audiophile 192 which is really a professional card,revolution 7.1 isn't a pro card,it is a consumer level card.

Because people make decisions based on their own budget and thier sound system. Many people around here are using computer speakers like the Klipsch Promedias. Do you really think there would be a noticable difference in the sound of the Revo compared to say an EMU1212m when using something like that? I think not.

 

[CoolZone]

however,i'm planning to buy an x-fi and i want you people if you would like to tell me if it does worth it.
i currently have an audigy 1 player sound card which was bought after a year it was advertised on site.i want to know if it will be a sound quality difference since i am using it only with stereo headphones since i got it.
i encountered a problem with this card,and this problem exists also on audigy 2 oem cards:

the line out is not preamplified and the sound volume is low on some movies that i've got to set it to max and even then it isn't enough.
i want to know if the Xtrememusic has the line out preamplified.

 

[Donnie27]

however,i'm planning to buy an x-fi and i want you people if you would like to tell me if it does worth it.
i currently have an audigy 1 player sound card which was bought after a year it was advertised on site.i want to know if it will be a sound quality difference since i am using it only with stereo headphones since i got it.
i encountered a problem with this card,and this problem exists also on audigy 2 oem cards:

the line out is not preamplified and the sound volume is low on some movies that i've got to set it to max and even then it isn't enough.
i want to know if the Xtrememusic has the line out preamplified.

From Audigy 1, this problem was fixed on Audigy 2.

It's been 3 times that I've heard the X-Fi. After backing away from its $129 price at first, I now believe it is worth every penny. Folks will find that it is easier to use because it has a better GUI. Well laid out Drivers once updated and just plain sounds better with or without the 24bit enhancer (though it does work).

I'm glad a waited and didn't jump on the HDA-M band wagon.

Donnie27

 

[deathBOB]

I believe I will wait till christmas, its not that far off. Hopefully it will be cheaper.

 

[Vertigo Acid]

Because people make decisions based on their own budget and thier sound system. Many people around here are using computer speakers like the Klipsch Promedias. Do you really think there would be a noticable difference in the sound of the Revo compared to say an EMU1212m when using something like that? I think not.

Heh. exactly. My Senn 457s and my random JVC receiver and speakers don't exactly exude audiophile. Waiting for the next paycheck for new cans and going to build an amp

 

[Elios]

well i like my X-fi my only complants i would like to have the mic in and line in to have there own ports and there are no 64bit driver NONE! i hate crative >.> the inf on the cd as the stuff to install them its like thay pulled the 64bit drivers at the last min grrr

 

[Xeero]

Some might feel the $130 is worth it, some might not. If you are not a big time gamer, then definitely wait for the prices to drop.

 

[Donnie27]

Some might feel the $130 is worth it, some might not. If you are not a big time gamer, then definitely wait for the prices to drop.

While I was being flamed on that other thread, remember, I was the one who said we should wait this close to the X-Fi launch.

I said worth it, not that $130 is cheap or a small price.

Donnie27

 

[Donnie27]

well i like my X-fi my only complants i would like to have the mic in and line in to have there own ports and there are no 64bit driver NONE! i hate crative >.> the inf on the cd as the stuff to install them its like thay pulled the 64bit drivers at the last min grrr

I agree with about the connections but I don't have a 64bit processor so for ME that's moot.

I need to replace my 9800 Pro first, mid ranged like the 6800 with 16 pipes/256MB or ATI X800XL are the leading cards that I'm planning on getting, then a sound card. I have to get at least the Platinum and that's NOT worth the money IMHO! Even after the 25% discount they owe me, it's still too much. I'd like to see the base Xtreme Music model ship with a Daughter card, cheap! The Daughter card should ship with Optical, Mic and Heaphone connections.

Donnie27

 

[MantisIT]

Quite.

I believe what Creative is doing right now is kinda lame. Selling the cards that have X-Ram / More features with stuff that alot of people, like me, do not need (IO Faceplate, a remote?..) They should take the time and like Donnie said, release single cards with more features and ultimately less crap.

 

[Night_Hawk-19]

Isn't it interesting that still isn't readily available yet. Granted has some better features but so very few out there (if at all). I have solution to paper launches...don't bother. Say something after product is readily available. August 22 is the launch of x-fi <blah> <blah> <blah>. How about this making product readily available on launch date like Nvidia did with 7800 GTX?

Granted Creative has the market share but I get tired of the paper lauches epecially ones in computer magazines saying exact date and very little product except Best Buy in the States and its only 2 models available. Yes, I am from Canada but magazines say nothing of just a small handful at launch date.

I do hope its available in september but who knows. <shrug>



.

 

[Donnie27]

Isn't it interesting that still isn't readily available yet. Granted has some better features but so very few out there (if at all). I have solution to paper launches...don't bother. Say something after product is readily available. August 22 is the launch of x-fi <blah> <blah> <blah>. How about this making product readily available on launch date like Nvidia did with 7800 GTX?

Granted Creative has the market share but I get tired of the paper lauches epecially ones in computer magazines saying exact date and very little product except Best Buy in the States and its only 2 models available. Yes, I am from Canada but magazines say nothing of just a small handful at launch date.

I do hope its available in september but who knows. <shrug>.

So what if they underestimated how popular this card was going to be? Their Web site is sold out last time I checked. Even the top model was on back order already. I think these folks would love to be raking that money in. But yes, it sucks that Canada didn't get it on time.

Donnie27

 

[Mister X]

Their Web site is sold out last time I checked. Even the top model was on back order already.

Funny because every one of the X-fi cards says the same thing on the Creative web store.

X-Fi Elite Pro
The most advanced Sound Blaster X-Fi with 64MB of X-RAM, sophisticated recording features and external audio connectivity.
PN: 70SB055000002
Pre-Order (Will Ship When Available)

X-Fi Fatal1ty FPS
The most powerful audio gaming accelerator ever with 64MB of X-RAM for even better sound quality and performance
PN: 70SB046600012
Pre-Order (Will Ship When Available)

X-Fi Platinum
Enhanced MP3 playback, realistic headphone surround and the fastest gaming performance plus complete audio connectivity
PN: 70SB046000001
Pre-Order (Will Ship When Available)

X-Fi XtremeMusic
Enhanced MP3 playback, realistic headphone surround and the fastest gaming performance
PN: 70SB046000007
Pre-Order (Will Ship When Available)

Since when does Pre-Order (Will Ship When Available) = "back order"?

But yes, it sucks that Canada didn't get it on time.

What time?

Pricing and Availability
The Sound Blaster X-Fi Elite Pro, priced at US$399.99, the Sound Blaster X-Fi Fatal1ty FPS, priced at US$279.99, the Sound Blaster X-Fi Platinum, priced at US$199.99 and the Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeMusic, priced at US$129.99, will be available this month at major retail outlets.

 

[Donnie27]

Funny because every one of the X-fi cards says the same thing on the Creative web store.

Since when does Pre-Order (Will Ship When Available) = "back order"?

What time?

Doesn't take much to confuse ya' uh?

Donnie27

 

[Mister X]

Doesn't take much to confuse ya' uh?

Donnie27

Yup.... inaccurate information and double talk always confuses me.
Especially when it takes all of two seconds to get the right information directly from the horses mouth.

 

[Donnie27]

Yup.... inaccurate information and double talk always confuses me.
Especially when it takes all of two seconds to get the right information directly from the horses mouth.

Whatever you say, you run things here.

"Pre-Order (Will Ship When Available)" sounds like backorder to most folks and nothing to be confused about. They don't have them in stock either way=P Now if Best Buy and Office Depot weren't selling them, then your confusion might make sense. The point was that they are selling them in the US and not in Canada. No double talk at all. Now if you want to nit-pick, you're the Mod, go right ahead on.

Donnie27

 

[Donnie27]

What time?

Oh, the same time Best Buy and Office Depot started selling them, last week. They still have a few days to beat the paper launch tag, but that stills sucks for Canada and Canucks waiting on the card.

Note* I said it sucks, not that it was a paper launch.

Donnie27

 

[Mister X]

Oh, the same time Best Buy and Office Depot started selling them, last week. They still have a few days to beat the paper launch tag, but that stills sucks for Canada and Canucks waiting on the card.

Note* I said it sucks, not that it was a paper launch.

Donnie27

This is exactly what I was referring to as double talk.

Or maybe it is just an example of someone that failed to read the Creative press release in it's entirety?

This announcement relates to products launched in the United States. The product names, prices and availability are subject to change without notice and may differ elsewhere in the world according to local factors and requirements.

 

[thomase]

"Pre-Order (Will Ship When Available)" sounds like backorder to most folks ...

Maybe I'm not "most folks", but they don't sound the same to me.

 

[Mister X]

"Pre-Order (Will Ship When Available)" sounds like backorder to most folks and nothing to be confused about.

They are very different things.
Back ordered means that it was once in stock but is not currently available (for whatever reason).
Pre-order means it's not even available yet.
If the words you use don't make sense in the contex they are used how do they make sense?
(try some of my double talk )

 

[Night_Hawk-19]

I was at understanding it was a North American launch but hey..What do I know. Same crap and fact only Best Buy had it seems odd. Fact that they are only sound company with a huge market share and fact that reviews should have tippe them off to make sure they had enough x-fi boards avail during launch.

What do I know? Just bad business to say something is going to be available and not have much product.

If anything I am ticked but not even to have them at most major computer stores in the States and not all models is not best way to do business but I wish Creative had some competition. Like I said before Nvidia had product released world wide on launch day so it is possible to prepare for bigger launch but I heard somewhere in Spain got some product as well so it wasn't just the States. Hence part of my confusion.

"This announcement relates to products launched in the United States. The product names, prices and availability are subject to change without notice and may differ elsewhere in the world according to local factors and requirements. Sound Blaster, Sound Blaster X-Fi, Creative X-Fi, Xtreme Fidelity, EAX, ADVANCED HD, CMSS, 24-bit Crystalizer, SuperRip, Media Source, SoundFont, Zen and MuVo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Creative Technology Ltd. in the United States and other countries. Fatal1ty is a trademark of Fatal1ty Inc. and is used under license. All other brand names are trademarks of their respective owners."

Yes, I went back to site see was United States Only but Spain isn't the United States last time I looked.

 

[magoo]

First there was a press release on 8 August. It has been quoted above. It said that the product would be available at retail outlets, it did not say that only the non-XRAM models would be for sale.
Secondly I found it interesting that Creative had that count-down thing on their website but at zero hour (or the next day) they still had NOTHING nor do they to this day, about where you could BUY ONE.
At present the website only will allow pre-order(NEVER BACKORDERED) which is odd since they(Creative) have product obviously peddled by BB.
I found it odd that I only stumbled on the retail availability on [H] and on a review on Gamespot of all places, that noted 22 August as the release..... So......
I called Creative. WTF i said. They said....not a whole hell of a lot. They had a retail deal with BB. They had no obvious explaination as to why nobody had the XRAM models, Creative MIGHT be selling the BB models by the first of September as then they will be available to other e-tailers, they had no clue as to the availability of XRAM......maybe 6-8 weeks.....no reason given. The lady was very polite however.
There is another countdown thing on soundblaster.com that zeros at midnight....maybe then there will be some updates. The Creative customer service person said they were not allowed to comment other than what one sees on the web site. The web site speaks all and knows all.

 

[Donnie27]

This is exactly what I was referring to as double talk.

Or maybe it is just an example of someone that failed to read the Creative press release in it's entirety?

Again, whatever you say.

Donnie27

 

[Donnie27]

Maybe I'm not "most folks", but they don't sound the same to me.

Back ordered means that it was once in stock but is not currently available (for whatever reason).
Pre-order means it's not even available yet.

Since it was never in stock and NOT EVEN AVAILABLE yet, that means you don't own one right? All the folks who bought cards are lying right? Dewd, this is reach. Talking about "inaccurate information and double talk", you kidding me? Again, the other guy calls it a paper launch, not me, yet I'm asked when, why? Because I said Canada is getting it late, since Best Buy had it last week and Office Depot has it this week, yes that's late or later than the US. Pre Order vs. Back Order, yet the bottom line is they're not in stock at Creative's site and that bottom line is accurate. Again, that's nit pickin!

I clearly said if Creative Never sold any of the cards, I'd have not said back order. SO did Best Buy buy their cards from EMU? This is like posting for nothing.

The Demo I heard was the best consumer sound card to date. Easily better than M-Audio 5 and 7.1 cards. Maybe it was just my ears hearing it from a Receiver and Headhones.

Donnie27

 

[Mister X]

Since it was never in stock and NOT EVEN AVAILABLE yet, that means you don't own one right? All the folks who bought cards are lying right? Dewd, this is reach. Talking about "inaccurate information and double talk", you kidding me?

Why don't back up a couple of steps and realize we are talking about the Creative web store here?
Funny how you missed that point even though it was your post that prompted this whole thing about how backorders are not the same as pre-orders.
Once you realize what we are talking about does any of the double talk I just quoted have any relevance here?

This is like posting for nothing.

No sir.
This is:

Again, whatever you say.

Donnie27