Entry Level X-Fi Sound Cards available. Xtreme Audio and Xtreme Gamer versions. (Review Added!)

[santz]

it looks like the x-fi audio gamer version does not have EAX effects as the creative website does not mention it at all.

 

[rvr2k3]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Originally posted by: rvr2k3

Originally posted by: Auric

Originally posted by: rvr2k3
BTW, which is better the Extreme Gamer or the Extreme Music? I am leaning toward the Extreme Music since it seems to have more bells and whistles. I do want to use this card for gaming. Is it better to get the gamer since it is hardware accelerated? Any suggestions?

Once again.

Still not answering my question. You discuss the different new models, but not in relation to the Extreme Music. It's moot, since I ordered the Extreme Music. If it snap, crackles and pops in my DFI, I will throw it into my AsRock. Thx

Sure he did

"In lieu of further info I would rate them "avoid". Best bets are ye olde 2 ZS, 2 Value or XtremeMusic. "

OK, I was at work and tired, so I did not read thoroughly. XtrememMusic is what I ordered, phew.

 

[Wag]

I got one, it's called the Audigy1, and it has a Firewire port. Had it for 4yrs now. Works fine.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: santz
it looks like the x-fi audio gamer version does not have EAX effects as the creative website does not mention it at all.

If you take out the word "gamer", I think you're right

 

[Woofmeister]

Securemart has the Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer Fatal1ty Professional Series for $127.54 plus shipping.

I'm tempted.

 

[cremefilled]

Screwed up Creative specs . . .
+ phased out models . . .
+ upcoming Black Friday/Xmas sales. . .
= wait, for me.

 

[GeezerMan]

I have the Creative Xtrememusic card. Right now, I'm using the analog jacks. I would like to try the digital out. I don't feel like paying 25.00 for their breakout module. No one should have to. A cheap 3.5mm jack to RCA female should do for a coax connector for digital, right? Now, is it a mono 3.55 jack? I assume it is. Thanks.

 

[Auric]

The breakout module is for adding I/O options and not just to use the existing jack as provided. So yeah, a mini mono adapter like this will allow plugging in a common coaxial video or "digital audio" cable. Either way it is still limited by the nature of the so-called FlexiJack so ideally a seperate I/O bracket is connected to the SPDIF header on the board. That way optical and/or electrical digital I/O is possible while freeing the FlexiJack for mic and/or analog line-in. Alternatively those functions could be accessed via connectors on the board as well.

 

[GeezerMan]

Originally posted by: Auric
The breakout module is for adding I/O options and not just to use the existing jack as provided. So yeah, a mini mono adapter like this will allow plugging in a common coaxial video or "digital audio" cable. Either way it is still limited by the nature of the so-called FlexiJack so ideally a seperate I/O bracket is connected to the SPDIF header on the board. That way optical and/or electrical digital I/O is possible while freeing the FlexiJack for mic and/or analog line-in. Alternatively those functions could be accessed via connectors on the board as well.

Hey thanks. I won't need the mic or input functions anyway, so I'll just try the mono adaptor. I really like the card, but I do agree with the reviews that want a normal digital out on the bracket.

 

[Auric]

I have lamented the lack of normal jacks and inclusion of space hogging proprietary ones since the X-Fi debuted. It was reasonable to assume that it was only a matter of time before lower cost models were made available and while the XtremeGamer finally is that card, alas, it is not particularly lower priced (at least yet) as the XtemeMusic has been on offer for $60 AR. Although to be fair it does add optical output and exchange the proprietary connectors for a more useful Intel HD standard one.

So the great thing other than the same power on a half-height card (original X-Fi board was noticeably sparse after-all) is the space freed up on the bracket so that with a li'l DIY gumption several more jacks could be added, interfacing with the board pins. Or the bracket could be replaced or modified for low-profile and the added wiring could still be done to other locations on a case.

 

[GeezerMan]

Originally posted by: Auric
I have lamented the lack of normal jacks and inclusion of space hogging proprietary ones since the X-Fi debuted. It was reasonable to assume that it was only a matter of time before lower cost models were made available and while the XtremeGamer finally is that card, alas, it is not particularly lower priced (at least yet) as the XtemeMusic has been on offer for $60 AR. Although to be fair it does add optical output and exchange the proprietary connectors for a more useful Intel HD standard one.

So the great thing other than the same power on a half-height card (original X-Fi board was noticeably sparse after-all) is the space freed up on the bracket so that with a li'l DIY gumption several more jacks could be added, interfacing with the board pins. Or the bracket could be replaced or modified for low-profile and the added wiring could still be done to other locations on a case.

Sounds like you know your stuff. I consider the quality of the DACs to be excellent in the Xtrememusic. The analog output sounds superb to me. I had a comment in another forum by a member who said they were not high quality DACs on it. I beg to differ on that.
Anyone who gets the Xtremenusic for 60.00 is getting a bargain

 

[Slaimus]

Use google checkout and get it for $50 at buy.com!

 

[imported_sharper]

Originally posted by: formulav8
Listing of Entry Level based X-FI Sound Cards.

Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio 70SB079000000 7.1 Channels PCI Interface Sound Card - Retail - $66 + $6.34 shipping. This appears to be a stripped down xTremeMusic. Lacks the gold plating and the software bundle.

Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer 70SB073A00000 7.1 Channels PCI Interface Sound Card - Retail - $90 + $6.83 shipping. I'm not sure if this contains X-Ram higher than 2MB or not.

Anyways, feel free to check them out and let us know how they are.

I have a xTremeMusic already so I have no need to buy one

Edit: Thanks to 'grtmoby' for the link to the review. Review to the Gamer version

Looks to be real Entry-Level cards based on the X-Fi processors. They are very similar to my xTremeMusic but without the gold plating, digital out, and software bundle. If you can do without that stuff, then these could be the right cards for you.


Jason

Extreme Gamer now has a $20 instant rebate at http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16829102006