Upgrading from Creative x7/z906

CSB · 15 Jan 2018 at 01:08

I've been using a Creative X7 with Logitech z906 speakers for a few years. Sadly, the Win10 Fall Creator update doesn't like my X7 very much so i've decided to upgrade to something that uses either a Thunderbolt or HDMI connection (graphics card) to my PC.

Can you guys spec me something that takes my audio to the next level and fits the following criteria:

Bluetooth (for my phone)
Thundertbolt/HDMI or both
Support for 1 or more headsets (seperate controllers if more than 1)
Maybe 5.1 speaker support.
Orgasmic scale upgrade from an X7.
Any flashy bells and whistles that I don't know about.

I'm not sure about my budget as quality trumps price.

ToTheMax · 15 Jan 2018 at 13:53

Hmm that's tricky, can think of a decent solution using optical out from PC but using HDMI/thunderbolt you are going to have to do some AV receiver shenanigans. You need to specify a budget because could spend many many £1000's, also what level of headphones are you thinking of using, again these get expensive real fast...

Also are you going to be gaming on this, ie how important is 3D headphone audio to you?

CSB · 15 Jan 2018 at 15:08

I might consider dropping 2-3k if I can find a great a speaker/amp combi that provides controllers for a maximum of 2 separate headsets. One for positional audio (gaming), and the other for music.

It seems that m$ broke their USB soundcard driver in the creator fall update, which is why I need thunderbolt or HDMI support.

ToTheMax · 15 Jan 2018 at 16:45

CSB said:
I might consider dropping 2-3k if I can find a great a speaker/amp combi that provides controllers for a maximum of 2 separate headsets. One for positional audio (gaming), and the other for music.

It seems that m$ broke their USB soundcard driver in the creator fall update, which is why I need thunderbolt or HDMI support.

For 3D game headset audio if USB is out, the only other option is a sound card like a Soundblaster AE-5. Is that something you can do?

CSB · 15 Jan 2018 at 16:51

ToTheMax said:
For 3D game headset audio if USB is out, the only other option is a sound card like a Soundblaster AE-5. Is that something you can do?

I don't see myself going down the internal soundcard route. I'm looking for an audio solution that provides me with an outstanding experience.

ToTheMax · 15 Jan 2018 at 17:23

OK something along these lines, can't post shopping links because competitors but around about 3K;

Denon AVRX3400 (AV with pre amp outs to feed headphone amp), has bluetooth and WIFI streaming connectivity
Q Acoustics 3050, 3010, 3090C Centre and 3070S Subwoofer speakers
Schit Jotunheim headphone amp

Couple of headphones to think about
Monoprice M1060 headphones
Sennheiser HD660S
HiFi Man Edition X V2 Planar Magnetic Headphones

CSB · 15 Jan 2018 at 18:05

Thanks mate, gonna look into this tonight.

wordy · 25 Jan 2018 at 08:08

I’ve got a Sound Blaster X Katana. If you can use USB then it’s an fantastic piece of kit.

Azrael1 · 13 Feb 2018 at 07:22

wordy said:
I’ve got a Sound Blaster X Katana. If you can use USB then it’s an fantastic piece of kit.

I am looking at that for my Cabin PC. Is it good for games ? Will probably wait till its on offer again under £200

wordy · 13 Feb 2018 at 10:44

I think it is, it’s really clear, the detail it gets when playing the fainter noises is great and the virtual 7.1 is very subtle as well, noticed it for the 1st time when I was playing pillars of eternity, my characters were running across the screen and the sound tracked them across. It’s also flippin’ loud! I’ve got the volume set at 10% and it’s plenty loud enough. The volume goes from 0 to 50, I’ve had it up to 18 out of 50 to play some music and it could be heard all over the house, and it’s still crystal clear at high volume as well.

Azrael1 · 14 Feb 2018 at 19:33

Cheers my friend ! Have found a second hand one for cheap so bought that. On main PC I have Yamaha Amp and Q Acoustics Speakers. Obviously for the cabin a smaller setup would be ideal.

Azrael1 · 15 Feb 2018 at 19:50

Oh thats gutting its arrived and works and sounds lovely. BUT there is a big BUT its missing the remote controller.

The remote thats pretty much essential !

wordy · 19 Feb 2018 at 15:02

Azrael1 said:
Oh thats gutting its arrived and works and sounds lovely. BUT there is a big BUT its missing the remote controller.

The remote thats pretty much essential !

Ouch that’s a shame, have contacted the seller, or can get another on from creative?

Happy with the sound though?

Azrael1 · 19 Feb 2018 at 18:07

They offered a discount and i did email creative regarding a remote but heard nothing more. Did enjoy the sound quality though for its size was great.If I had more desk space or wanted to clutter the room probably would have gone for a m4 soundbar with a subwoofer.

But the main aim of this is a cheap and cheerful soundbar. Have ordered another used one and it arrives today.