Ever since Creative announced its new "X-Fi" series of sound cards, I knew they had a hit. Reviews were glowing, with claims of noticeable quality differences when compared to previous-gen Audigy products. Well, I happened to stumble upon an X-Fi Platinum package at the local Tech Advanced computer parts store, and I bought it up faster than a Prescott overheats!

After ripping out my old Audigy 2 Platinum, I immediately threw this baby back in, and hooked up my Logitech Z5300e 5.1 speakers. The driver install went quickly and effortlessly (yes, Creative got it's act together with drivers!!!). Upon restart, I heard the Windows boot up chime. I don't think i've ever heard it so full and detailed! Right after that, the X-Fi's unique, THX-style splash screen popped up, bringing my speakers to life in a surround sound blast that pretty much blew my mind!

I then quickly jumped into Winamp to see if the music sounds any better. One word: Y E S! The 24 bit Crystalizer that Creative built into it's new drivers greatly enhanced the sound quality of my MP3's. I then popped in my Eagles Farewell Tour 1: Live From Melbourne DVD, and was treated to a musical bath of tinglingly-clear highs, smooth mids, and punchy bass that I had never heard through my 5300's before! I was also hearing notes and instruments that I had never noticed before! This sound card really brought my sound system to life.

The software has a slick new setup. WIth three different settings modes to choose from (i've only used 2 of them so far), you can tweak your sound for different situations. It keeps the different modes saved automatically, so when you go from an EAX-enabled game like Doom 3, then jump into Windows Media Player for some Aqua Teen Hunger Force, you can switch from Game Mode to Entertainment Mode and not forget all those little tweaks you spent hours on stressing over! Very slick, Creative.

Of course, games are just plain sick now. Surround sound is just so much more...significant. All those creepy giggles and screeches in F.E.A.R. now send chills up my spine. All the industrial hums, monster screams, and explosions in Doom 3 can be Individually picked out now, instead of it being a mess of distortion with my old Audigy.

I can't wait for more games to support this card. It has officially started a revolution.

Well done, Creative.

I installed an X-Fi just a couple of weeks ago and had some trouble with the driver and software install, it hung at 70% and when I restarted the rig it didn't want to restart the installation. After some fiddling around I got everything to install OK.

I noticed the difference from using the very good onboard sound on my DFI LanParty board to using the X-Fi, it was almost startling at how much more dynamic the sounds were. I also have a Logi 5.1 and I could immediately sense the surrounding sound.

After some fiddling around with the settings I got everything just right. It was some money that I have no regrets about parting with.

O man I am such an audio guy (went to school for Digital Arts Music )

I have always loved creative products, I cant wait to get my hands on one of thoes babys!

Glad to hear you like it! I bet with my Klipsch Ultras my music will sound wonderful

Have you looked how CPU heavy the card/software is?

Quote: Originally Posted by IcEMage O man I am such an audio guy (went to school for Digital Arts Music ) I have always loved creative products, I cant wait to get my hands on one of thoes babys! Glad to hear you like it! I bet with my Klipsch Ultras my music will sound wonderful Have you looked how CPU heavy the card/software is?

Pretty much everything is done on the sound card itself...it's like under 5% I think, at the max. Klipsch . I wish I could budget in a set of those 5.1 Ultra's. I'm happy with my 5300's, though. They are excellent for the price.

BA, sorry to hear you had some troubles. I had trouble un-installing the Audigy 2 software, LOL. Oh well, it can't work for everybody, I guess. You have to admit that new software is extremely slick though.

Quote: Originally Posted by Ator Pretty much everything is done on the sound card itself...it's like under 5% I think, at the max. Klipsch . I wish I could budget in a set of those 5.1 Ultra's. I'm happy with my 5300's, though. They are excellent for the price. BA, sorry to hear you had some troubles. I had trouble un-installing the Audigy 2 software, LOL. Oh well, it can't work for everybody, I guess. You have to admit that new software is extremely slick though.

That is goot, low cpu usage,

Yah I love my Klipsch set......I have had 5 lol yep 5. I had the orginal set and the amp was bad on them, they died on me 4 times!!!! They were really good about replacing them for me tho, so when the ultras came out they upgraded them for me for free . I got to hear their 2.0 set the other day and I was blowen away, for a pair of small 2.0 speakers they sound wonderful.

Heh, its been on my list of things to buy after Xmas. Can't wait to get one of these babies

Thanks for the review, Ator! Never realized it would be such an improvement over the Audigy 2
(which I own, and that one is a huge improvement over most onboard sound solutions)....

Don't know if I'll get one any time soon, though... I've only got a Creative Digital 2.1 system...

TDR

Quote: Originally Posted by The Dragon Reborn Thanks for the review, Ator! Never realized it would be such an improvement over the Audigy 2 (which I own, and that one is a huge improvement over most onboard sound solutions).... Don't know if I'll get one any time soon, though... I've only got a Creative Digital 2.1 system... TDR

Dude, even that 2.1 system you have will come to life. It really makes that much of a difference.

Quote: Originally Posted by Dex Heh, its been on my list of things to buy after Xmas. Can't wait to get one of these babies

Yeah it was at the top on my christmas list right next to the logitech z-5500's. If I dont get those things for christmas I think I am buying them right afterwards.

I have stero monitor audio speakers plugged into a home made (but very good, my dad built it 15 years ago, the speakers cost £250 each at the same time period)
As you can tell I don't have very good knowlage of Hi-FI but I have good ears and like high quality sound
my audigy card died a few months ago and since then I have been using the craptacular onboard audio which makes all my music sound lifeless.
do you think it would be worthwhile getting this card is I only have stero speakers?

Well.... I guess if Ator finds it a must for my 2.1 system, I guess your 2.0 set will do as well...

TDR

I cant seem to tweak my card to work with my 5500!

Its not really what i would call surrond