In October 2005, Creative introduced to the market line X-Fi (Extreme Fidelity) of soundcards. Like we are already used to, it is a shift equal to sometime ago brought by Live! and Audigy. One year later, Creative offered the market “impoverish” models hidden under protection of “X-Fi” name. What are the exact words for characterizing move like this? In time when impoverish graphic cards and processors are present, why would situation be any different with soundcard? Answer is very simple: sound does not tolerate mistakes. Another important factor is the fact that for several years now, soundcard has been delivered “free of charge” with motherboard and if you do not have the need for much quality sound processing, along with quality loudspeakers, you never truly considered “wasting money” on soundcard.
Just to be perfectly clear, Xtreme Audio is not in any way bad product and non-quality soundcard, but unlike impoverish processors and graphic cards it does not provide sufficiently to justify realistically lower price than Xtreme Music. Unlike cousin from X-Fi family Xtreme Audio does not have support for EAX 5.0 and ASIO driver, although it has X-Fi chip. Actually, everything it owns are EAX 3.0 and 24bit Crystalizer. Observing entire constellation, they can hardly be overbear pan on scale, given similar results could be achieved with double cheaper Audigy SE.
| Test | X-Fi Xtreme Music | X-Fi Xtreme Gamer | X-Fi Xtreme Audio | | Frequency response (from 40 Hzto 15 kHz), dB: | +0.03, -0.00 | +0.01, -0.08 | +0.09, -0.20 | | Noise level, dB (A): | -114,1 | -95,2 | -97,2 | | Dynamic range, dB (A): | 113,3 | 95,1 | 96,5 | | THD, %: | 0,0001 | 0,0011 | 0,0025 | | IMD + Noise, %: | 0,0009 | 0,013 | 0,0057 | | Stereo crosstalk, dB: | -110,4 | -95,5 | -94,3 |
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The thing Creative introduced with latest serial of cards is FlexiJack, i.e. 3.5mm plug-in, which in terms of software, becomes Line-In, microphone (with boost up to 20dB) or digital 3.5mm which is distinguish for them. The same patent was used here; therefore Xtreme Audio has only four 3.5mm connectors. Unlike more expensive models, contacts are not gilt, and card visually corresponds to features it (does not) offer.
With Xtreme Gamer version, situation is drastically different, at least related to more serious application. This card is slightly poorer solution than Xtreme Music, but figures indicate very tight results. Beside expected EAX 5.0 support, comparing to previously described card, this one is distinguished by excellent ASIO with one millisecond latency, so this card offers quite commodity during operation. Its FlexiJack has type of digital connection, which is important factor, given that any kind of serious mix cannot be obtained via 3.5mm stereo cable. Even during official presentation, Creative paid little attention to Audio model, while Gamer was treated as any other card they have made; therefore, certain conclusions should be reached.
Our favorite is certainly Gamer edition, at least for those not ready to add extra money for Fatal1ty or Music versions. X-Fi models are supported by Vista operating system, with beta drivers for 32 and 64bit systems which have been installed and proved quite solid during operation. There are certain indication on (un)conformance of soundcards and their behavior in games in Vista operating system, but we would be able to discuss this after testing such theories in practice.
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