|
Performance
For
testing performance, the following hardware was used for comparison...
|
Sound Cards/Onboard Audio |
Speaker Systems |
| Abit IS7 6-Channel Audio |
Creative I-Trigue
3200 2.1 |
| Hercules Fortissimo II |
Logitech Z-2300
2.1 |
| Hercules Fortissimo III |
|
I
personally prefer a high quality set of 2.1 speakers over a cheap 5.1
setup. Both of these 2.1 speaker systems produce some very impressive
sound and are highly recommended.
Audio quality was tested using a wide range of audio CDs from all genres, as
well as some casual gaming and DVD movie playback. Sound Quality is
excellent. It will practically bring your speakers back to life,
particularly if you are coming from onboard audio. In fact, I ended up
turning down the volume quite a bit with this card installed, as well as
adjusting the bass response from subwoofer. It provides deep, rich bass will
little to no distortion at high volumes. For those with 2.1 setups,
you will be amazed at how precise and accurate the 3D 5.1 simulation is.
Enabling both the 24-bit Crystalizer and CMSS-3D will impress you.
Conclusions
Creative has done an outstanding job with their new line of soundcards.
Just when you thought PC audio couldn't sound any better, they prove
otherwise with the X-Fi series. At its price point, you will not find a
better audio solution for your system. If you are coming from onboard
audio, do yourself a favor and grab one of these cards. The difference
is like night & day. Also, as impressive as the hardware is the
feature-rich software suite that comes bundled with the card. It is
extremely well-designed and offers you exclusive features that take full
advantage of the technology behind it, such as its SuperRip capabilities.
The
XtremeMusic soundcard is an inexpensive but highly impressive audio card
that will unleash the full potential of your speaker system, regardless of
the type or setup. Music will sound fuller, richer and your movies and
gaming will come to life, revealing every detail they are capable of. Its excellent sound quality, superb software bundle
and modest price tag earns my highest recommendation and "Extreme Excellence
Award".
More information can be found on
Creative's Website.
|
Pros |
Cons |
- Superior sound quality
- Excellent software bundle
- CMSS-3D converts stereo sound
to surround
- SuperRip your CDs
- Excellent Value
|
- SuperRip does not support MP3
format
|
Questions?
Comments?
Discuss them here!
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