Designed for use with desktop and laptop computers, the Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 USB 2.0 Audio System gives your music and movies Xtreme Fidelity. By using a USB 2.0 connection, the X-Fi Surround 5.1 can be connected to virtually any computer. The system delivers full cinematic surround sound, 3-D audio, and realistic environmental effects to your music, movies, and games.
 | Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1
At a Glance:- USB 2.0 interface for easy setup and connections
- X-Fi CMSS-3D creates nine virtual speakers when using stereo headphones
- X-Fi Crystalizer restores lost detail in compressed music and audio
- Realistic gaming effects with EAX ADVANCED HD
- THX-certified for great cinematic surround-sound experience
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A USB 2.0 interface makes connecting the X-Fi Surround 5.1 a breeze. View larger. |
Versatile USB 2.0 Connection for Easy SetupThe Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 connects to your computer via a USB 2.0 connection,
including any laptop, desktop, or notebook computer. You don't have to worry about opening up your computer's external casing, and you can even use the X-Fi Surround 5.1 with multiple computers. For exceptional audio, simply connect the system to an available USB port and you're all set.
Positional 3-D AudioWhether you're using headphones or speakers, Creative's X-Fi CMSS-3D technology delivers outstanding surround sound. When used with a pair of headphones, X-Fi CMSS-3D creates nine virtual speakers for exceptional surround effects, letting you feel like you're sitting in the best seat of a movie theater. You'll get an advantage during games, too, with the ability to locate enemies by sound before they see you.
When used with multichannel speakers, you'll be able to hear exactly where the audio cues are--even between speakers. Voices will be right in front of you and ambient sound will surround you, just like a live performance. CMSS-3D works with both desktop stereo speakers and full surround speaker systems.
X-Fi Crystalizer Restores Lost Details
X-Fi Crystalizer technology restores the audio detail that is lost in compressed audio files so you'll regain vibrancy and clarity in your music and movies. Highs and lows that were lost are enhanced, so whether you're listening to cymbal crashes or wailing guitars, you'll hear the music as it was meant to be heard.
Realistic Sound Effects for GamingWith support for EAX ADVANCED HD technology, the X-Fi Surround 5.1 delivers rich environmental effects for an especially immersive gaming experience. You'll hear bullets whizzing by your head
and experience explosions that seem to shake the whole room.
And if you're using Windows Vista, Creative ALchemy technology restores surround sound to DirectSound3D games for an exceptional gaming experience.
Intense Cinematic Sound for MoviesThe X-Fi Surround 5.1 delivers THX-certified surround sound for a cinematic experience right at your computer. Cyberlink PowerDVD software is included (via free download) and supports DTS and Dolby Digital-EX decoding for an unmatched DVD movie-watching experience.
System RequirementsMicrosoft Windows 7, Vista, or XP (Professional x64 Edition, Service Pack 2 or Media Center Edition); Intel Pentium 4 1.6 GHz, AMD Athlon XP 2000+, or equivalent processor; available USB port (USB 2.0 recommended); 256 MB RAM (512MB RAM for Windows Vista); 600 MB of free hard disk space; CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive; headphones or amplified speakers; internet connection to download PowerDVD software.
Included with this ProductUSB Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 sound card, USB cable, installation CD, Quick Start leaflet, and stereo RCA to 1/8 jack adapter
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X-Fi Go! | Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 |
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| General Info: |
| Connection Type | USB | USB 2.0 |
| SNR for Playback | >= 96dB | 100dB |
| Speaker/Headphone Support | Stereo | Stereo to 5.1 |
| Music and Movies: |
| 24-bit Sound Quality |  | |
| X-Fi Crystalizer | | |
| X-Fi CMSS-3D | | |
| THX Certified | | |
| Dolby Digital Live and DTS Connect (Win Vista Only) Encoder | | |
| DTS & Dolby Digital Decoding via free PowerDVD Download | | |
| Games: |
| EAX Support | EAX 4.0 | EAX 4.0 |
| X-Fi CMSS-3D Headphone Surround | | |
| Hardware Accelerated for Better Performance | | |
| Hardware OpenAL and DirectSound3D Support | | |
| 64MB X-RAM | | |
Owner Reviews, Ratings, Comments and CriticismUnder 'Creative audio control panel,' be certain that 'high speed' (2.0) is checked, and not 'full speed' (1.1). This may or may not solve lag and other commonly cited audio issues. That said, I do not like this sound card. In fact, it's not really a sound card at all. More truthfully, it is a (large) software suite connected to a big volume knob. As far as I can tell, and from what I have read and seen in task manager), all of the real work is done with your computer. Well, this shouldn't be too much of a problem on modern machines, right? I mean, aren't the days of needing external chips to alleviate workload on the CPU long gone and irrelevant? Maybe. But the fact is that I feel that I could have attained the same, cheap audio tricks via any number of winamp plug-ins, equalizers, et al. What I wanted was a superior external DAC than the noise coming from my onboard RealTek 'high definition' audio. The truth is that I can tell no difference between the two outputs until I turn on the effects of the x-fi, which are really annoying to a music purist. They produce listener fatigue and unwelcome distortion (music was not meant to be heard in simulated surround, and 'crystalizer' can get downright 'screechy'). The simulated surround or EAX is fine for watching movies and playing games, though. But if you are primarily a music buff and have decent speakers, I advise looking elsewhere. There is good news, though. While Creative has a history of not supporting older cards on a newer OS, there is a functioning beta driver for Windows 7 already at their site. You won't be experiencing what thousands of people did when trying to use their XP cards on Vista, etc. However, the overall performance of the card is sluggish both on my XP install and my Win 7 beta. Adjustments are cumbersome and opening the severe bloatware of sound options is unacceptably slow even on fairly well-equipped hardware. I'd consider this a fluke of my install, but on two separate disks, and with two different OSes (XP and 7)? No. It's just bloated. I got this new for virtually nothing, but I'd still not buy it again because I can honestly achieve the same effects by using the EQ of the iTunes, Mediamonkey, etc. Again, this is nothing but a ton of sound software that happens to have a physical body. You can do better for not much more money. However, as a solution for a broken onboard chip / output jack, this is an economical solution. But even then I'd almost recommend one of those USB thumb drive-type cards as they won't take up unnecessary desktop space or clutter your install with a ton of software that, btw, takes 20 minutes to install). If the x-fi surround were anything but a fancy software suite, I'd rate it higher. Sorry. Just trying to save someone the grief if they are looking for a music solution. That's what these reviews are for.
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