At long last! A sound card to compete with the MIGHTY D2X??

Soldato
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Who knows! BUT reviews are coming ;)

Take a look below at the new Sound Blaster Z by Creative. Using similar technology to the Recon3D but with better caps and other key components the Sound Blaster Z is on paper perfect! However, only your ears can be the true judge and from what short tests have shown this new sound card is very special and perfect for those looking for an alternative to the exquisite yet ageing Xonar D2X.

Take a look below....


Creative Sound Blaster Z High Performance Gaming Sound Card - Retail (70SB150000001) @ £79.99 inc VAT

SC-087-CL_400.jpg


If you’re not communicating you’re not winning!

Part of the ultra high-performance Z-Series of Sound Blaster® PCI-Express sound cards, the Sound Blaster Z is an ideal all-around gaming and entertainment solution that incorporates all the hardware and software features of the Sound Blaster Zx card and comes with an external high-quality beam-forming dual-microphone array.

When used with CrystalVoice™ the bundled Sound Blaster beam forming microphone creates an acoustic zone and suppresses noise outside it, enabling you to be heard by your teammates with amazing clarity even in noisy environments.


- Output Level (Full Scale): Front Channel Out : 2Vrms, Headphone (33 ohms): 1.3Vrms, Headphone (600 ohms): 2Vrms;
- Maximum DAC Resolution: Front Channel Out : 24-bit, 192kHz, Headphone (33 ohms): 24-bit, 96kHz, Headphone (600 ohms): 24-bit,
96kHz;
- SNR (20kHz Low-pass filter, A-Wgt), @ 24-bit, 96kHz: Front Channel Out : 116dB, Headphone (33 ohms): >105dB, Headphone (600
ohms): >105dB;
- Frequency Response @ 96kHz: Front Channel Out : 10Hz to 45kHz, Rear Channel Out : 15Hz to 45kHz, Center Out : 10Hz to 45kHz,
Headphone (33 ohms): 10Hz to 45kHz;
- Frequency Response @ 192kHz(Stereo only): Front Channel Out : 10Hz to 88kHz;
- Supported Output: Stereo/2.1 Speakers, 5.1 Speakers, Headphones;
- Headphone: 1 x Amplified 1/8" mini jack;
- Speaker Out: 3 x 1/8" mini jacks;
- Optical Out: TOSLINK;
- Optical In: TOSLINK;
- Line In / Microphone In: Shared 1/8" mini jack;
- Warranty: 2 Years Manufacturers Warranty;

Only £79.99 inc VAT.

ORDER NOW
 
I've been itching to get back to Creative. I have an ASUS DGX myself for my gaming PC, but I have always been loyal to Creative (my other PC has an Xtreme Music card, but I really need to upgrade it for my movies and music).

This looks like it could hit the sweet spot for both my machines. I will definitely look into buying two of these. And the price is certainly good. :)
 
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I've been itching to get back to Creative. I have an ASUS D2X myself for my gaming PC, but I have always been loyal to Creative (my other PC has an Xtreme Music card, but I really need to upgrade it for my movies and music).

This looks like it could hit the sweet spot for both my machines. I will definitely look into buying two of these. And the price is certainly good. :)

Just get them!! you won't be disappointed. Positional audio is brilliant, music quality is brilliant and the headphone amp isn't half bad either :)

I have one :-) upgraded from an Asus DG.

Oh yeah, the build quality is really good. The emi shield isn't a flimsy things, it's rock solid!!
 
Just get them!! you won't be disappointed. Positional audio is brilliant, music quality is brilliant and the headphone amp isn't half bad either :)

I have one :-) upgraded from an Asus DG.

Oh yeah, the build quality is really good. The emi shield isn't a flimsy things, it's rock solid!!

Nice. Sold. :D
 
Creative drivers though :S

Also, you can pick up a pretty good condition D2X for £40-50 second hand...

If it truly does compete though it'll be interesting. Even Asus haven't really created anything that can compete with the D2X in terms of what it does...

kd
 
Do want, would mean me selling up my SLI 480 and getting a single 7970, but would totally be worth it I think.
 
Creative drivers though :S

Also, you can pick up a pretty good condition D2X for £40-50 second hand...

If it truly does compete though it'll be interesting. Even Asus haven't really created anything that can compete with the D2X in terms of what it does...

kd

Drivers have been flawless for me. No glitches at all, install went easy, didn't have to run driver sweeper or anything, uninstalled asus software, removed card, put in creative z, installed drivers.

Have tried a lot of games from old games like diablo2, doom3 to the witcher 2 and borderlands 2.
 
Are they doing one with a breakout box? Id like to relace my elite pro but i need the connections on the breakout box :(
 
Does this card need external power like the Xonar D2X? The floppy power cable needed for the ASUS is annoying.

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showpost.php?p=23082691&postcount=7

WEll according to this thread the cards were due to release in December, but, the Z is definately available to buy right now. It seems to be a much better card than the recon3d. Actually looks way better than I thought it would be.

Here is a russian site with some detailed specs, they are using some nice hardware in these new cards

http://personalaudio.ru/anonce/sound-cards/foto_kart_sound_blaster_z_i_zxr_iznutri/


Some decent pictures, looks like its slot powered only.
 
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