Creative Sound Blaster Z VS Creative Sound Blaster Recon3D

Associate
Joined
30 Aug 2012
Posts
20
Hey guys,

Looking for some advice on which card to choose between these two?

I really only need the card for gaming and my other requirements are Dolby Digital 5.1/7.1, Dolby Digital LIVE and TOSLINK Optical Out.

Which one would you choose? They are both the same price, is one newer that the other?
 
I wouldn't choose the Recon3D. From what I have read on here it was not as good as the X-Fi it replaced. The Z series however are very good.

The Z series replaces the Recon3D.
 
Hi Delta,

Thanks for your knowledge.

What about the Creative Sound Blaster Recon3D Fatal1ty Champion Sound Card vs the Sound Blaster Z?

It's £139.99, is it better?
 
In my opinion the Z is better. It has better signal to noise ratio and better hardware. Quite a few people on this forum use these cards and so you could get some more feedback.
 
The Recon3D is rubbish full stop, whichever one you go for. It's got that stupid Fatal1ty branding, which Creative reserve for their over priced cards. Same card, just with some shiny extras and a nice inflated price tag.

The Z looks decent, even though there have been very few reviews. The people that have bought one, have been impressed with it. Looks like Creative actually tried with the Z, rather than just churn out another substandard sound card and expect people to buy it.
 
Cool Marsman, I appreciate your opinion as I'm a complete audio noob.

The Z is probably the best card I can go for with the requirements (Dolby Digital 5.1/7.1, Dolby Digital LIVE and TOSLINK Optical Out) I have then?
 
yeah it is, go for it, it's a great card. The OEM version would probably be fine for you if you don't need the microphone.
 
yep, and the "emi shield" is very likely marketing bs. £50 is nice. the z series loses ram and the risc (hardware) processor (for real asio, openAL, eax if that still exists) from x-fi, but it has nice new features like the headphone amp.
 
I had the Creative Recon 3d pro and recently changed to the Z and I must say there is a noticeable difference. I am not too clued up on soundcards but my ears have picked up a difference for the better. Sorry I can't quantify it any better
 
I had the Creative Recon 3d pro and recently changed to the Z and I must say there is a noticeable difference. I am not too clued up on soundcards but my ears have picked up a difference for the better. Sorry I can't quantify it any better

How's this: Basically the Recon3D is poor for the money that it costs. :p

Just noticed that the OEM Recon3D costs more than the retail one. Oh dear.
 
Back
Top Bottom