Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeMusic Card

by Creative Labs

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 14.6 x 3 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000AY7A1I
• Item model number: 70SB046000007
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (55 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
  • #99 in Electronics > Computers & Add-Ons > Computer Components > Internal Sound Cards
• Date first available at Amazon.com: July 7, 2004

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Enhance Your Music, Games and Movies With Xtreme Fidelity!

The Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeMusic sound card harnesses the full power of the Creative X-Fi Xtreme Fidelity audio processor to Upgrade any existing library of MP3 or any music files to the Xtreme Fidelity audio standard. With the X-Fi Xtreme Fidelity 24-bit Crystalizer, MP3 music and movies are converted to Xtreme Fidelity, which delivers an experience beyond the original CD or DVD recordings. With the included Creative MediaSource™ 3 software suite, users can easily SuperRip™ all their digital music permanently to Xtreme Fidelity. In addition, MediaSource 3 also allows users to further enhance their music content with single-click access to rich features like X-Fi CMSS-3D, Smart Cross-Fade and Smart Volume Management. The Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeMusic sound card plays back audio with rich 109dB SNR quality.

Product Description

Take your music, movies and games to the next level with the X-Fi XtremeMusic Sound Card / 24-bit X-Fi Crystalizer / EAX Advanced HD 5.0 / X-Fi CMSS-3D 109dB SNR Package contents - Sound Blaster X-Fi PCI Card, Quick Start Leaflet, and Installation and Applications CD containing - Drivers for Windows XP, Creative Software Suite, Doom 3 Sound Blaster EAX patch, and User's Guide

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

51 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Met my needs just fine, November 22, 2005

By 

JLP (New York, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeMusic Card (Personal Computers)

If you are looking for superior sound from your computer this is the card to get. I expect a lot from my soundcards since I do composing, music production, listen to iTunes and even a little gaming too. Previously I had been using the very excellent M-Audio Audiophile 2496. The M-Audio had a few drawbacks to it but nothing that I couldn't work around. However, I decided to upgrade. I looked at the stats of several cards from Turtle Beach and M-Audio but on paper they didn't compare with this card. After installation I gave it a test drive. On playing music from iTunes I noticed a much cleaner sound than my previous card. I didn't bother to use the silly "Crystallizer." If you read about what it actually does, it essentially distorts the sound. This card doesn't need any tricks like that and I can't recommend using it. I think it was just marketing hype. Also, I've listened to music for the last few days I didn't notice any fatigue on my part - the sound was truly better. Next I opened up Cubase (a music sequencing program) and did an audio mixdown of one of my pieces, the quality was equal to a bit better than the original. Ripping from CD to iTunes, I didn't notice any difference in quality. The secret is likely the 5 million transitors. I also will once again enjoy the compatibility with nearly all software programs. If I need it I have access to 24 bit sound fonts, a microphone port and some other do-dads. There were a few downsides. The largest of which was the software installation which took way too long - 40 minutes on my Pentium 4 with 2 GB of RAM. I also objected to having to remove shortcuts from AOL placed in my start menu and Favorites by the installation program. You have to use the install disc and you are not given the option of just installing drivers. I took a small chance (because I had 14 days to return it) on the card because I have read countless negative reviews about Creative products over the last few years. Its nice to see them putting out a quality product once more. I didn't purchase the more expensive big brothers because I didn't need their features. I cannot comment on technical support because fortunately I didn't need to contact them. I highly recommend this card because of its quality and price.

37 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not bad... but a big problem IF..., October 26, 2005

By 

A. Wiersch (Lantana, TX USA (near Dallas)) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeMusic Card (Personal Computers)

I like this card. I would give it 4 or 5 stars if not for the fact that YOU CAN'T HOOK UP A MICROPHONE AND DIGITAL SPEAKERS AT THE SAME TIME! Using the digital out port means you can't have a microphone input or line-in input. Very inconvenient. Otherwise, I've been happy with this card. I suppose I should have gotten the next model up or I should get a good USB microphone. But for a $100+ sound card, you ought to be able to have digital speakers and a microphone hooked up at the same time.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great sound but not the quantum leap I was expecting, January 8, 2006

By 

Elliott P. (Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeMusic Card (Personal Computers)

I upgraded to this card from a SoundBlaster Live! Value that I bought when that was the thing to have (meaning...a long time ago). After reading all the literature and reviews I was probably expecting too much but for games, which is why I bought it, it's not that much better than my old card. It definitely is better though and it does sound great. I've used it in Call of Duty 2 and in Battlefield 2. Everything is cleaner, crisper and has more punch than before. BF2 supports this card specifically and the weapons fire really shines in this title. The crack of the rifle shots is fabulous. As well, all of the ambient sounds seem more realistic and more immersive.

I was most eager to try out the 3D headphone capabilities but have not been all that impressed with it. I've not tried it with a movie (which has encoded surround channels) but movies aren't why I bought this card. The much touted headphone surround has been dissappointing. Again, the reviews I've read have made quite a fuss over this feature and since I purchased based in large part on the promise of a viable headphone surround, I'm a bit put off. Not enough to not recommend it though. I will add that I'm using a set of mid-grade over the ear headphones from Sony and not a pair of cheapie ear buds. Hopefully as more games come out that support the specific features of the unit this will improve.

To sum up, if you need a new sound card I think this is the one to get. You'll be future proofed for a while and get great sound in the bargain. If you're upgrading from a existing card that you're already satisfied with then I don't know if the high cost of this one is worth it. If I'd had the chance to try it out before plunking down the cash, I probably would have passed and put the money towards a shiney new video card instead. I'm still happy with it though as it does sound fabulous and gives games an extra bit of punch.