Creative Labs USB Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 Audio System SB1090 by Creative
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Digital camera reviews of Creative Labs USB Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 Audio System SB1090
Digital camera Review: A little difficult to install
Summary: 4 Stars
Ok, so I got this thing so I could listen to 5.1 encoded surround sound content from my laptop using my AV receiver via a digital optical cable.
After installing all the software that came packaged on the included CD-ROM, I was unable to get any test-tones coming out of my surround speakers using the Creative Console. Only the front-left and front-right speakers responded, while the center-channel, surround and sub were silent. After contacting Creative support (which was very responsive if not super helpful), I found out that I needed to install the Cyberlink PowerDVD player.
The reason is this model does not actually support Dolby Digital or DTS 5.1 surround natively. Fortunately, the PowerDVD software (which is included with the product but must be downloaded and installed separately) does support Dolby Digital 5.1 so long as it is correctly configured.
To summarize, if you have a DVD that has Dolby Digital 5.1 encoded sound and you install the (included but separately downloadable) PowerDVD player, you can get this device to send a Dolby Digital 5.1 encoded audio stream to your Dolby Digital 5.1 enabled AV receiver from your laptop via an optical audio cable.
Digital camera Review: Amazing product.
Summary: 5 Stars
So I ordered a logitech z-5500 5.1 channel surround sound speaker system, an amazing system. But my computer only outputs stereo, and not near the quality i would like. My options were to buy a new sound card, but since i am on a laptop that makes things hard. So i bought this USB sound card, and it was right decision without-a-doubt. Not only is this unit cheaper than 100 to 200 dollar sound cards, but it is more convenient and produces incredible surround sound. It has a nice volume dial right on the unit which actually controls the output volume of your computer. Let me tell you why i love this product:
-Great sound, the sound is crisp and clear (as long as you have good speakers as well)
-Creates surround sound effects from any audio, including stereo music
-Allows for equalizer controls
-Easy to setup and install
-I can plug it in and out without a problem, so if i have to take my laptop i never have any issues, the old sound card picks up right when i unplug this unit.
-allows for dual sound card usage for certain software
So in a nut shell, if you want High Definition audio from your computer, this USB sound card is the way to go, desktop or notebook.
Digital camera Review: An Okay product.
Summary: 4 Stars
The sound quality is decent and it does allow for a 5.1 surround to be connected to your laptop. I unfortunately had to return this product because I could not get it to work under Linux OS, it only work on MS Windows.Digital camera Review: An excellent external sound card
Summary: 5 Stars
I used this card for a week or so, and the results are really, really good.
By now, it is connected to a 2.1 Cambridge Soundworks System, that has 5 years (I'm nostalgic, but this Cambridge Soundworks it's really good, in spite of the passed time). The CMSS 3D and Crystalizer Effects are awesome, and MP3 sound as they have to, bass is superb.
Only thing I couldn't still prove is its performance with games, since my computer crashed (Dell XPS M1710) and I had to reinstall everything, so, the only game I have installed is Jedi Knight 2, and isn't included in Creative Alchemy, so I will update this review when I will play some current game (UT3 for example)
Digital camera Review: Awesome If Used Properly
Summary: 5 Stars
It is important to note that this sound device is not for everyone and it is less ideal for surround sound users than those of us just looking for high quality stereo. The sound quality is tremendous for 2 channel sound and generally reliable to a point. You have to understand the limitations of using a USB sound device. YOU MUST have a powerful enough CPU to process the sound information and because of the fact that it uses the USB connection whatever else shares that bandwidth like a wireless USB network adapter will impact the audio with possible hiccups and crackle when transferring large amounts of data.
In 2 channel mode at 24 bit 96khz when coupled with a quad core processor your chances of the best quality audio experience are greatest. Even with my Phenom II 920 @ 2.8ghz during downloads from STEAM transferring my games with my wireless USB network adapter at a 135 mbps connection leads to crackle when listening to music at the same time. USB only has so much bandwidth and using 5.1 surround only lets its limitations become more prominent.