Creative Xtreme Fidelity (X-Fi): An Overview

[Tyler]

"It’s been quite a while since we have seen any major activity in the sound card arena. It was around 15 years ago that Creative came out with the first SoundBlaster product and completely changed the way we experienced audio on our computers."

Another X-Fi review, by CoolTechZone this time.

[vee_ess]

It's good to hear that non-professional sound cards are getting some decent SRC. I was wondering about this though:

The reason we want to delay sound is to get effects such as an echo or a reverberation.

While that's not wrong, I think it's missing something even more important (for audio accuracy), which is that controlling the delay allows you to compensate for how far the individual speakers are fromt he listening position. (ie. you can eliminate reverb from rear speakers placed very far back by delaying front speakers)

Now I'm wondering if my recent Audigy 2 purchase was such a good idea haha.

[Tyler]

Bah, personally for everyday use on my computer I haven't noticed a difference between the numerous sound cards I've used. In terms of sound quality I mean.

[Jason425]

I just traded my audigy 2 to my brother for a bunch of paintball crap... i'm buying the x-fi music card as soon as it's availible.

[vee_ess]

Originally Posted by Tyler

Bah, personally for everyday use on my computer I haven't noticed a difference between the numerous sound cards I've used. In terms of sound quality I mean.

Speakers and wiring play just as big of a role, but unfortunately, those types of equipment made for computers have been far worse than the level of the sound cards.

[Jason425]

I bought the x-fi. It's good stuff.
Interestingly *but not surprisingly*, the software is LESS intrusive but MORE difficult to use...

[Tyler]

Originally Posted by vee_ess

Speakers and wiring play just as big of a role, but unfortunately, those types of equipment made for computers have been far worse than the level of the sound cards.

Very true, it's much different when it comes to home theatres eh, the differences are amazing.