Let me First talk about what I came from before moving to this. I have a Asus Maximus Code X motherboard and it has supposed 32-bit on board Audio (Realtek Chipset). I used to think it had good audio....(now I just shake my head in shame)
This little thing the size of a desk of cards, plugs in with a USB cable. and absolutely blows my on Board Audio out of the Water. Not only that, but my Head phones all three Pairs of them Sound AMAZING now, and My speakers, its like they are brand new, and so powerful.
It Improved Steel Series Arctis 7's, Turtle Beach Elite Atlas's (using 3.5mm) by a really surprising amount. I used to have to turn my headphones to about volume 50-60 on most games and Music, now I cant turn it past 22-24, IT IS way to loud now. The headphones can handle it, but my ears can't take more volume than this. It is Amazing.
I now get crystal Clear 32-bit 96khz Spoken Dialog, Amazing 7.1 Surround (yes 32-bit 96khz even in Surround) and Perfect Stereo 2 channel in 32-bit 384khz Audio for Even more Crystal Clear perfect audio (of course this depends on your source... but honestly this DAC makes everything sound better than it did before.
It also made my Klipsch 2.1 BT Desktop Speakers Thump hard as hell. I had to turn my bass down on my speakers as they now are much louder than ever before.
Listening to music with this is a whole new experience, and seriously if you thought your headphones were nice before you have a whole new world of music to listen to again.
The EQ Settings are excellent, and varied, From Dance to RnB to Classical and Acoustic and they have many presets for so many games. ( I honestly thought geeze there are too many almost). If you don't want to use their presets, no problem create your own.
You can tailor your Sound to Direct, 2 channel, 5.1, 7.1 Virtual , and even change the type of speakers you are using which affects the frequency response allowances in the Equalizers. You can choose Headphones, Desktop, Bookshelf, Towers, you name it, all of which change your sound, or go full custom with the EQ.
One thing I love about this is that your Keyboard volume and mute controls still work like you'd expect, even though you have controls right on the DAC itself for volume and Surround etc. I have the Logitech G910 Keyboard, and it works flawlessly with this DAC for Adjusting volume ever so slightly, Muting completely. The reason I bring this up is because I had a Pair of 2018 Arctis Pro's + Game DAC and it took all controls away from Windows. and it sucked having to reach over and adjust the Knob constantly, also the Arctic pros Software Sucks too, no where near as many features. and no discernible sound difference from the Arctis 7's I already own (which are a really good Headset too).
The installation of this DAC is literally a breeze, Download the Software, The Driver, AND the latest 2018 Firmware update for Windows 10.. and you are Golden.. Trust me.. this is very easy to setup and configure.
One Extremely Important thing to note about this DAC, it has no Battery, it is not Portable in the sense that you can use it to amplify headphones on the go etc, (this is a Good thing because Batteries die) It must always be plugged into a USB port or a USB to wall outlet Adapter to provide power.
The build quality appears to be Excellent and I almost wonder if Creative Labs didn't shoot themselves in the foot by releasing this over top of their X7 External Unit, which is only 24bit/192khz. I totally understand the different use scenarios of the two, but for the Sound quality and the compact size of this thing, at less than half the price of the X7 many PC Audiophiles will not make the jump to the bulky big block, even if they want to Hook up Larger Speakers, or Headphones. This Begs the question... When will Creative release the X8 or X9.. with 32-bit 384khz High Fidelity Certified Audio? Count me in.
Closing Pros:
-Extremely Compact
-Extremely Excellent Sound Quality 32-bit 384 Khz in 2 channel and 32-bit 96khz in 7.1
-Amazingly Easy Setup
-Excellent Windows 10 Drivers that just work ( Yes Really) (REMEMBER THE FIRMWARE UPDATE)
-Connections allow for Headphone and MIC Connections in the Front, and your Desktop Speakers in Back. ( yes at the same time.)
-Excellent Presets and Equalizer customization, for a ton of games..(You'll see)
-Excellent Software
-Really Good Virtual Surround
-ON DAC controls for Volume, Surround, Gain, and Scout Mode
-Worth every penny of the 150.00 price tag, (I would've paid more honestly)
-RGB!!! Mine is set to RED... just Solid Red.. the way things outta be.
-Minimal desk Space consumption ( if that's a thing for you.. it could be a thing.. just saying)
-Flawless for both Games and Music
-Makes Your Headphones Scream and your Speakers Thump.. All for 150.00
Hope you guys Love this thing as much as I do!!
| Marca | Creative |
|---|---|
| Número de modelo del producto | 70SB177000000 |
| Plataforma de hardware | PC, Consolas de juegos, Portátiles |
| Sistema operativo | Windows 10 |
| Dimensiones del producto | 4,37 x 0,94 x 2,76 pulgadas |
| Dimensiones del artículo Largo x Ancho x Altura | 4.37 x 0.94 x 2.76 pulgadas |
| Color | DNR de 130 dB a 32 bits/384 kHz |
| Pilas | 1 Metal de litio (Tipo de pila necesaria) |
| Fabricante | Creative |
| ASIN | B07FY45F2S |
| Descatalogado por el fabricante | No |
| Producto en amazon.com desde | agosto 22, 2018 |
