Creative Labs Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme

[gi0rgi0]

So whats with both rebates being the same ?

 

[gibster]

Originally posted by: gi0rgi0
So whats with both rebates being the same ?

They are not. Although similar, go to the same place, etc., the program numbers are different: PA04U and PA04V. This should work, but it is nonsensical I have to put 2 stamps on what should really be only 1 rebate for $40.

 

[EvilYoda]

So since I've already spent a few hundred on computer parts these last few days...why stop now.

Time to do some research and see how big of a difference it'll make to my system, since my NForce SoundStorm chipset is the limiting factor.

Thanks OP

 

[Tommy2000GT]

The are NOT the same rebates. One rebate offer is U and the other is V

 

[EvilYoda]

Looks like I'll pass...don't do much gaming anymore, I'd rather spend more and get an audiophile-oriented card in the future.

Still a nice deal...the hot-deal-hunter in me wants to pick one up just...cause.

 

[gi0rgi0]

Oh ok, cool. Hopefully there still in stock tomorrow.
I meant in stock at my local cc.

 

[OCNewbie]

Picked one up, will be replacing my aging SB Live! Value card I've now had for I don't even know how long now. Maybe 5+ years easy. Had been looking into getting this card for a while too, Thanks OP!!!

 

[nwarawa]

 

[nwarawa]

People are asking, so I'll answer: the card is not a *huge* improvement over the Audigy 2/4. I do notice the the better SNR... I can crank up my amp and have nary a hiss. I wasn't too impressed with the crystaliser, as it seems to only slightly boost the treble and bass... and on my already well balanced Klipsch SF1's, it sounded a little harsh. I wouldn't doubt the props reviewers have been giving crystaliser though... it was probably more intended for computer speakers. The new quazi-surround is certainly better than I've heard on any past Creative product, but no better than on the old Aureal cards... and it's still not appropiate for music.

 

[Trikat]

Sticking with my Onboard sound!

 

[Navid]

I don't think I will lose anything by going from Audigy 2 ZS to this (other than money of course), will I?

 

[nwarawa]

Well... you will lose SOMETHING. I can't have a MIC and a Digital Out at the same time: it shares a jack. See the ongoing saga for getting more jacks here (without having to buy an ugly LiveDrive:

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=27&threadid=1744452&enterthread=y

 

[Navid]

How do you calibrate the speakers on this? Audigy 2 ZS has a calibration utility that helps you adjust left/right and front/rear and center volumes properly. But, I cannot find any calibration utility on the X-Fi CD!

Edit:
I had to install the drivers from the CD. I had initially installed them from the download from the Creative's web site and the calibration wizard was missing. I cannot believe how much garbage Creative adds to the Windows startup list.

 

[hytek369]

gracias

 

[imported_malcontent]

Has anyone gotten confirmation on both rebates?

 

[Navid]

Originally posted by: malcontent
Has anyone gotten confirmation on both rebates?

I went to the store to pick it up. They handed it to me with no receipt or rebate forms. I asked them to give me the rebate forms. They told me it did not print and I should do it on line. I told them that I would return it and buy it again so that they give me the rebate forms. They did a refund and a purchase and the rebate forms both printed out.

I already did the online submission and got two emails. I just prefer to send the circuit city rebate form instead of the online print out.

 

[Byte]

my audigy 2 kinda died, so i enabled onboard sound and holy crap, they are beyond aweful. I'm actually getting a headache from listening to the same music i listen to every night, i have to turn it off now. Jeesus i need to order one now!

 

[BigBadMunky]

Originally posted by: malcontent
Has anyone gotten confirmation on both rebates?

I received a confirmation for both rebates exactly like the one EagleEye had.

 

[imported_Dhaval00]

Originally posted by: Byte
my audigy 2 kinda died, so i enabled onboard sound and holy crap, they are beyond aweful. I'm actually getting a headache from listening to the same music i listen to every night, i have to turn it off now. Jeesus i need to order one now!

LMAO. Funny $h!t.

 

[FlasHBurN]

Went ahead and ordered one for pickup. I already have an Audigy2, but at this price, I figure it is worth upgrading. Now I just have to drive all the way across town to pick it up.

 

[Easygoing]

Thanks for the deal, I just bought one for my son for Christmas.

 

[EKKC]

i have 2 audigy 2zs's for a gaming rig and a normal download/music rig.

if i get an x-fi which one do i replace? my game is on direct 6 channel 5.1 and my i listen to music through a coax-digital connection? (I have logitech Z5500)

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: EKKC
i have 2 audigy 2zs's for a gaming rig and a normal download/music rig.

if i get an x-fi which one do i replace? my game is on direct 6 channel 5.1 and my i listen to music through a coax-digital connection? (I have logitech Z5500)

x-fi's analog output is the improvement. Replace the gaming one.

 

[Schadenfroh]

This have the onboard sound ram?

 

[EKKC]

i think only the pro or the Fatal1ty one have onboard "X-ram" (SDRAM)
no games that i know of take advantage of this yet