14 DAY TRIAL // In a time where news revolves around the cardboard boxes of the upcoming Fermi-based GTX 470 and GTX 480 cards, seeing a company launch a product of a different kind is a welcome change, especially when it brings some innovation. Creative has announced that it has completed not only its PCI-E Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium HD for PCs, but also its USB Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi HD USB digital audio system.
"The Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium HD and Sound Blaster X-Fi HD provide the highest quality audio playback of any sound products we have ever introduced, over a period of time where we have sold more than 400 million Sound Blaster cards," Steve Erickson, vice president and general manager of audio and video at Creative, said. "We are thrilled to announce that our newest additions to the Sound Blaster line include THX TruStudio PC audio technology, bringing together two of the most respected names in sound quality to provide an unparalleled audio experience on the PC."
The PCI Express card has a headphone output of up to 115dB 33 Ohms, and 117dB, 330 Ohms, at 24bit/96kHz and an RCA Line Out output of up to 122dB, 24-bit/96kHz. It also has replaceable Op-amps, hardware-accelerated 3D positional audio and EAX 5.0 effects and Dolby Digital and DTS encoding, for a one-step single-cable connection to home entertainment systems. The device also boasts the Creative Alchemy technology, which restores EAX and surround sound that is otherwise lost in DirectSound game titles running under Windows Vista and Windows 7. This product is powered by the Creative X-Fi Xtreme Fidelity audio processor.
The Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi HD USB digital audio system comes with the THX TruStudio PC and, through the USB connection, will bring advanced, HD audio to both desktops and laptops. It can play back audio at up to 114dB, 24-bit/96kHz (through the RCA Line Out) and, like the PCI Express card, also comes with Creative Alchemy. This product is also described as "the only USB digital audio system that includes an analogue phono input, as well as standard audio inputs." This allows end-users to convert analogue audio from records or tapes into MP3, AAC, FLAC and other digital formats.
Both products will be available starting March 2010 at retail prices of US $299.00 for the Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium HD and of US $149.00 for the Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi HD.