Singapore-based Creative Technology was always recognized for the Sound Blaster range of soundcards and related products. But that recognition was essentially from a user base in desktop multimedia and gaming that has changed dramatically over the years. Creative has evolved its Sound Blaster range of products over the years, and even though its specifications could easily match many products normally sold in hifi stores, it never really addressed that potential new market directly.
Today, Creative offers audio solutions that include premium wireless speakers, wireless headphones, powerful amplifiers and home-theatre systems, all mainly aiming at the "networked generation" by bridging the worlds of the computer, smartphones, and tablets, leading that space with its USB-audio class of products. In 2016, Creative unveiled the X-Fi Sonic Carrier: a brand-new concept in hi-res audio and video delivery for home entertainment. In 2018, Creative launched an all-new technology for headphones called Super X-Fi, using Artificial Intelligence to compute a custom audio profile based on a person's unique anthropometry.
From studio-grade headphones with impedance of up to 600 ohms, including the most demanding planar-magnetic headphones, to sensitive in-ear monitors with 1 ohm output impedance, the new Sound Blaster X5 is able to drive them all effortlessly. The same Xamp discrete headphone bi-amplification technology, which is found in the high-end Sound Blaster AE series and Sound BlasterX G6, receives a design upgrade that, coupled with a dual-DAC and dual-Xamp configuration, delivers a fully-balanced headphone output and experience on the X5. This design makes its debut, using 2 dedicated Xamp circuits that amplify the left and right channels separately in isolation throughout the entire chain of amplification, effectively eliminating in-circuit interference, noise and crosstalk. What makes the X5 stand out even more is the fact that this type of audio design is a rare find in its price category (sub-$300 USD).
Audio enthusiasts will have many other reasons to consider the Sound Blaster X5 also in its daily activities online. When connected to the Creative app, they can make adjustments with a 10-band equalization frequency graph, add on Acoustic Engine effects like Surround, Crystalizer, Bass or Dialog+, or use CrystalVoice to improve communication quality. When in the mood for gaming, Scout Mode enhances in-game audio cues to highlight details for a competitive edge.
The Sound Blaster X5 also supports ASIO 2.2 for low-latency playback and recording, as well as easy access to multiple audio inputs and outputs. The X5 is a competent audio hub in its own right, being compatible with various devices, including gaming consoles, DVD players and other living room entertainment systems. There are two-way RCA and TOSLINK Optical connectors, a convenient USB-C audio and power port, as well as a 3.5mm microphone-in port with an easy-to-access mic gain knob. There is also a 4.4mm port for studio-grade balanced headphones, and a 3.5mm port for regular headphones - all 3 ports using premium gold-plated connectors. The X5 also features a Bluetooth 5.0 receiver and a dedicated USB-A host audio port for connection to wireless audio transmitters, as well as external USB speakers, headsets and microphones.
With a set of controls designed for an intuitive user experience, the front-mounted buttons and switches in the Sound Blaster X5 are also a rare combination of easy to access and right at the fingertips controls for daily convenience. And since the Sound Blaster X5 is priced at US$279.99 and is available now, there is no reason not to try it out.
creative.com/SBX5
www.creative.com
