Just ordered an X-Fi :)

Firegod · 24 Dec 2006 at 13:53

silversurfer said:
I did notice some clicking in a 128kbs song playing on winamp. Not sure if thats something I will have to alter, the following song was 192kbs and you could hear the clarity. Now a 224kbs is playing and it definetly sounds quality even better!

Try playing the same song through the MediaSource software as you can enable "Audio Cleanup" to cut out pops/clicks and hiss.

I actually don't use any other Media Player now because this one is so easy to use when you are used to it. It's easy to select individual songs by an artist or album, or load up your playlists.

Really like it, and it lets you use more features of the Sound Card and cool CD-Ripping features.

Tommy B · 24 Dec 2006 at 21:09

No doubt the Hi-Fi gurus will **** off the X-Fi, but I completely disagree. I've got a mid-range Hi-Fi and I think music sounds vastly superior from the X-Fi without any of the fancy enhancers on. Having said that, I do like the Crystaliser as it gives music a more "live" feel.

dante6491 · 24 Dec 2006 at 23:03

hehe, i can plug mine in in the morning... when i open it

willhub · 25 Dec 2006 at 01:06

I noticed that the crystilizer slightly distorts sound on some tracks, is this normal? I notice when it works properly, the sound is louder, more clear, sharp and there is more bass too.

Codmate · 25 Dec 2006 at 10:54

willhub said:
I noticed that the crystilizer slightly distorts sound on some tracks, is this normal? I notice when it works properly, the sound is louder, more clear, sharp and there is more bass too.

I think part of the 'Crystaliser' is a multiband compressor, so you may be hearing a number of things - artifacts from bad attenuation or dithering for instance.

Things like the Crystaliser can't be fairly compared with a normal signal since they are compressed and perceptibly louder.
With proper volume matching comparisons I think you'll find that a louder overall level is far better than engaging the Crystaliser.

willhub · 25 Dec 2006 at 12:28

So the crystilizer is best left turned off?

Firegod · 25 Dec 2006 at 12:54

willhub said:
So the crystilizer is best left turned off?

The Hi-Fi people would say yes, but I run a hi-fi setup and I love the crystaliser. I run it at 100%. Yes, it may not be how it "originally" sounded, but for playback of .mp3's it really does bring them back to life.

I agree, if I listened to a CD or the likes to have it off, but I rarely do. It's always on for me.

But sound is one of those things isn't it... up to you to decide if you like it on or off. Best way to decide is playback a song, then turn it on and off whilst the music is playing. See what you think.

willhub · 25 Dec 2006 at 15:06

I like it on, but it annoys me when i get distortion on some parts of the bass sometimes...

dante6491 · 25 Dec 2006 at 15:33

It sounds great for me

, but i cant get the surround sound to work, as i am missing a cable.... ill buy one tomorrow and let you know how it all sounds.

silversurfer · 25 Dec 2006 at 21:57

Xfi seems to increase the dynamic range especially when you have a song with strong bass and high treble

Less difference is noticable in games but maybe that'll come in time, EAX seems much improved on headphones though.

Im just using mode switcher at the moment, I havent bothered going into fine detail on any settings tbh

Havent heard anymore clicking either

doodah · 26 Dec 2006 at 14:33

Would i notice a difference from a Audigy Player to X-Fi? Using Inspire 5.1 speakers.

Firegod · 26 Dec 2006 at 15:47

dbappa said:
Would i notice a difference from a Audigy Player to X-Fi? Using Inspire 5.1 speakers.

I went from an Audigy2 to the X-Fi. Miles better.

So yes you would still notice the difference.