Right?! I remember my first pc with a Sound blaster card. The software was really cool, even though it caused my PC to crash frequently - I had so much fun playing with all the sound effects and tweaks you could add. It was actually really good audiophile training when they introduced EQ to me. I tweaked it all the time to match the music/game, my tastes on a given day, and so on.
Great review, Lachlan. I still remember the massive improvement to PC sound when the early Soundblaster internal cards appeared. They were my go to for many years and were always a quality solution, for gaming especially. I dont game much these days and use a Topping DX3 Pro feeding a tweaked Fosi BT 20A Pro. I dont listen to music a lot at my desktop ( I have a Burson Conductor 3x elsewhere for that ) but for general computer use and light gaming the Topping and Fosi do an admirable job. I think if I got back into gaming again, this unit would fit the bill nicely.
Glad you liked the review! It's a really solid device now and the fact that it can double as a good music playback solution at the price is very welcome. 🙂
The Creative Sound Blaster X5 can be connected via RCA to AV receiver or SPDIF. I believe you are using RCA because it's analog and it will let you utilize the Equalizer and the rest of the settings including Super X-Fi, however when you use SPDIF to your AV receiver it's Direct Mode and the Equalizer blanks out including the rest of the settings. I just wanted to point out, you didn't do a test with SPDIF mode.
My understanding was that the DSP functions continue to work even when using via digital connections to a downstream receiver. I had to limit this video to focusing on the features and functions (not the many connectivity options) to keep the video to a reasonable length. I went into additional detail in the X4 review.
The many connectivity options matter with this type of external sound card. It's more than just a DAC, it's also an AMP, but it's unique because it allows the Audiophile to plug in either by SPDIF or RCA or even both and switch from one option to the other. I just wanted to point out that people missed the opportunity to view it's muscle. With SPDIF connected to a reciever it can still use all speakers including 7.1 setup. Aside from the rest of the DACs it's software allows it to use an Equalizer which you showed. An Amazing product that most Audiophiles been missing out and it's not just for music, it's also for gaming. Cheers! @@PassionforSound
The DoP support on this thing alone has me wanting to finally upgrade from my Xfi USB HD. Its blatantly clear with this product that theres people at Creative who understand the demographic. Make a version of this with a nice power amp built in like the x7 and you got a grand slam!
X4 is still the best with analogue 7.1 outputs... i was planning to get it but luckily i have figured out by watching your video and review that, they removed the discreet & physical 7.1 onboard connections because i always use those analogue outputs directly into my AV Receiver 7.1 Multichannel inputs.
I do believe the X5 does have internal BT enabled for connecting to iPhones and MacBooks etc but the dongle is needed for connecting to wireless headphones with specific codecs.
@@PassionforSound I took delivery of it today and it definitely has but it's a basic BT setting but still nice to be able to have access to my iPhone when connected to my PS5 or MacBook. The only issue I'm presently finding is changing the acoustic engine settings on my MacBook Air via the creative app does not seem to make any difference to the sound?
Hi, I’m a Dj and thinking of using the X5 instead of my MacBook headphone jack ! I like the left/right out on the back. I was using the old SBX soundblaster which was great… Do you think it’s overkill? I just want a great sound. Thanks Phil
It sounds like it might be a really good option if you want the front and rear outputs. You're buying some features ou don't need (the DSP stuff), but there aren't other devices that stand out to me as better options.
great review! I have x3 and use it for music listening and especially love eq flexibility as I can fine tune sound for different headphones. Would x5 provide much better sound quality enough to upgrade from x3? thank you
great video, I would like to ask if the bass changes with balanced output on headphones, is the bass stronger, more dynamic, deeper, more pronounced on balanced output or is the bass the same on both outputs, thank you very much for your answer. Slovakia
Both outputs are essentially the same. A balanced output doesn't automatically mean better sound than an unbalanced device, but on devices with both balanced and unbalanced outputs, the balanced one is often better.
Excellent material! I personally liked very much from Creative the Audigy 2ZS Video editor model (I still own this model and I made it minimally functional with difficulty on Windows 10) and the software part and the fact that it had remote control but unfortunately there are no drivers from Windows XP upwards only something very basic and the software part is as non-existent. By the way! Why don't they make these soundboards with remote control anymore?
I can't answer that question with any real insight, but I suspect it's just a lack of demand - probably a very small group of people who need that function.
can you stream audio from a USB drive with this? Is it tied down to it's own software? I'm trying to find something that is similar to the Fiio R7 that I can plug directly into my Prima Luna Tube amp that will replace my RPi Volumio setup. Oh and cheaper!
No, this won't do that for you. You'd probably need to look into a Raspberry Pi based device for the functionality you're looking for. Maybe one of the entry level Volumio streamers?
@@PassionforSound Hi Lachlan, yes I already have that, using an Innomaker DAC card.. I want to upgrade, looks like the Fiio R7 is the best bet, maybe Wiim might add it to one of their streamers? I'm just curious out what has the best audio quality.
Great video! Awesome studio! One of the most in depth reviews I have seen in a long time and presented beautifully! Will the X5 drive my HD800's the way their high impedance ass want to be driven? They can handle a full watt.
Is it good for connecting optically to a separate amplifier? Not specifically for headphones? Or is this really only for headphones in any configuration?
I want a good dac for gaming. And I was initially targeting the Schiit hel plus. But the are out of stock and they don't know when it will come back in stock. I need a good quality dac with a mic input that will drive a good quality pair of IEMs. Looking at creative at the GC7. But I'm not sure if that's a good product. The X5 seems to be overkill though. So I don't think it's right either.
if you want it for a external DSP device, I use the Soundblaster gc7 which costs a fraction of the price when on sale. with the same dsp and optical in and optical out. saves the dsp on-board as well, and has a knobs for even more extra control like bass and treble increase/decrease. I use it with in tandem with another dac with balanced outs, does the job.
Lachlan, please do me a favor and look up the rogers HS-90a planar headphones. It's a hidden gem and really under the radar for the head-fi community. The HS-90a planar rivals Hifiman HE1000se and Final audio D8000pro at 1/7 the price ! I think it's on sale for like $656 right now.
@@PassionforSound it's rogers-japan..... the owner of the website also runs a store in tokyo called "sound base". If you go to their website, it's on sale for 98,000yen. Not sure if they ship it outside of japan but it's worth asking. I think it was sold in HK as well a few years back. The easy to drive HS-90a has this realistic and natural sound and timbre that I haven't heard in high end planars. A few weeks back, I had auditioned the Yamaha YH5000se and the Meze 109 pro and thought they were pretty good but not really TOTL level like the Susvara or the T+A solitaire P. Somehow I feel like the HS-90a's realism and natural sound kind of reaches TOTL level and am mind blown that something that's relatively inexpensive can offer this quality of sound. Unfortunately, the HS-90a is just really unknown in the Head-fi world.
Unfortunately, even high end motherboards don't have great sound due to all the other stuff happening in a computer that generates noise. You're definitely better off with an external DAC of some sort.
Hello. Need your help cause i am lost in choice. Got a 600 dollars ( euros ) budget to buy a portable dac/dongle and iems. My librairy ( london grammar charlotte cardin ) is on a smartphone. Many thanks to you.
Take a look at the links in the video description. There's a database of all the dongles I recommend and one for all the IEMs I recommend. They're sorted by price (in USD which roughly equates to Euro). I also have a review coming soon with about 4 IEMs around $300 USD. Finally, the new Klanar IEM from new brand, Kefine, is also sounding very impressive.
I didn't go hunting for that, but I also don't remember seeing any true multichannel options - just the virtual surround. Best to check the website to confirm though because it wasn't a focus point for me.
Hey i got aquestion, im considering to buy the X5 just for the USB host so i can connect my wireless audio gears, does the X7 USB host able to send audio output like the X5 as well?
I agree that separates are better, but they don't offer the functionality of the X5. Of course, you can always add a DAC and amp after the X5 and just let it handle the DSP.
Wut!! Did I heard below, even 500mW Ha3 sure just Go 4 gaming n movie sorta thing Cuz I knew sound blaster by PC 20yrs ago..anyway go on bro sorry..Ha 256dsd? Dis r frm caves or somewhere..o pls..go on sory2..Sorry can't do dis..outy Peace!
is this a good solution for me for connected this X5 to my new LG ELED 2023 evo, to use my good wired headphones for sound ?? There is NO jackstick as on my oled TVS now. I like to have wired headphones on long time, watching films, tv and youtybe. I often like to used my wired headphones on past tvs, and I dont like to use the bluetooth, as it more pressure on the head, and endless charging up again. I got several good wired overear wxpensive headphones, like denon 7200 wired, but often use Bose quiet comfort. Not interested in gaming, but essencial just want a good sound from my oled and through my wired headphones and abilty to control volume bottom wheel and some ajustment setting in good old style to sit under the tv. I used the earlier version of the portable sound blaster for phone and computer and it was great sound... The oled tv has ofcourse optical arch and all other things except jackstick ! Anyone casn recommend this as good buy for the challange of wired headphones ! cheers ! The even smaller mini dacs is not for me here in fixed place under tv, as I would rather have more option. Is there a medium good soundbar WITH JACKSTICK that also does this well ? What the nearest device of other brands to compete with this 5X ? With a old fasioned volume and also abilty remotely to control level of volume. I would be happy to be able to add a soundbar or 2 speakers later as well.
I can't help with the sound bars because I don't review those. The Sound Blaster X5 has a lot of features that you won't use in a TV only setup so I'd recommend looking at something like a Topping DX5 or similar device that's a DAC and headphone amp with remote control. Or, find a sound bar if that can do what you need. Good luck!
seems like my Sound Blaster x7 with Sparkos Op amps still beats out these newer devices....Hopefully they make a x7 v2 at some point soon...
Upgrading to the Sparkos would definitely help!
awesome nice to see some sound blaster around these days!
Yeah, it's a bit of a throwback brand, isn't it? 🙂
Now that’s a name I haven’t seen for over a decade!
Yes. They've been still around all this time, but really fell out of popularity it seems
Right?! I remember my first pc with a Sound blaster card. The software was really cool, even though it caused my PC to crash frequently - I had so much fun playing with all the sound effects and tweaks you could add. It was actually really good audiophile training when they introduced EQ to me. I tweaked it all the time to match the music/game, my tastes on a given day, and so on.
Great review, Lachlan. I still remember the massive improvement to PC sound when the early Soundblaster internal cards appeared. They were my go to for many years and were always a quality solution, for gaming especially.
I dont game much these days and use a Topping DX3 Pro feeding a tweaked Fosi BT 20A Pro. I dont listen to music a lot at my desktop ( I have a Burson Conductor 3x elsewhere for that ) but for general computer use and light gaming the Topping and Fosi do an admirable job.
I think if I got back into gaming again, this unit would fit the bill nicely.
Glad you liked the review! It's a really solid device now and the fact that it can double as a good music playback solution at the price is very welcome. 🙂
The Creative Sound Blaster X5 can be connected via RCA to AV receiver or SPDIF. I believe you are using RCA because it's analog and it will let you utilize the Equalizer and the rest of the settings including Super X-Fi, however when you use SPDIF to your AV receiver it's Direct Mode and the Equalizer blanks out including the rest of the settings. I just wanted to point out, you didn't do a test with SPDIF mode.
My understanding was that the DSP functions continue to work even when using via digital connections to a downstream receiver. I had to limit this video to focusing on the features and functions (not the many connectivity options) to keep the video to a reasonable length. I went into additional detail in the X4 review.
The many connectivity options matter with this type of external sound card. It's more than just a DAC, it's also an AMP, but it's unique because it allows the Audiophile to plug in either by SPDIF or RCA or even both and switch from one option to the other. I just wanted to point out that people missed the opportunity to view it's muscle. With SPDIF connected to a reciever it can still use all speakers including 7.1 setup. Aside from the rest of the DACs it's software allows it to use an Equalizer which you showed. An Amazing product that most Audiophiles been missing out and it's not just for music, it's also for gaming. Cheers! @@PassionforSound
I think the X7 Limited Edition is also a good choice.
I haven't tried that one 🙂
i got a question, can the USB host send audio output to a wireless headphones that have 2.4ghz receiver?
I haven't tried the USB host because they didn't send me the additional dongle required.
X5 is $280 in the US. Geshelli Labs J2S socket with USB cost $310. Does that make the X5 even better value in the US?
I think it all comes down to what you need it to do.
when it comes to gaming hands down to creative sound blaster, currently i have x1 more than enough for me. but thank you
The DoP support on this thing alone has me wanting to finally upgrade from my Xfi USB HD. Its blatantly clear with this product that theres people at Creative who understand the demographic. Make a version of this with a nice power amp built in like the x7 and you got a grand slam!
X4 is still the best with analogue 7.1 outputs...
i was planning to get it but luckily i have figured out by watching your video and review that, they removed the discreet & physical 7.1 onboard connections because i always use those analogue outputs directly into my AV Receiver 7.1 Multichannel inputs.
That's a good point for those using the analog multi channel inputs
I do believe the X5 does have internal BT enabled for connecting to iPhones and MacBooks etc but the dongle is needed for connecting to wireless headphones with specific codecs.
Hmmmm... I don't remember if I checked for inbound connectivity. You might be right.
@@PassionforSound I took delivery of it today and it definitely has but it's a basic BT setting but still nice to be able to have access to my iPhone when connected to my PS5 or MacBook. The only issue I'm presently finding is changing the acoustic engine settings on my MacBook Air via the creative app does not seem to make any difference to the sound?
@Silver-h5d I haven't used it with a Mac so I can't help. Sorry.
@@PassionforSound No worries - it's seems to have been fixed by using a 4.4mm balanced audio cable but thank you for getting back to me - sub'd
Hi, I’m a Dj and thinking of using the X5 instead of my MacBook headphone jack ! I like the left/right out on the back. I was using the old SBX soundblaster which was great… Do you think it’s overkill? I just want a great sound. Thanks Phil
It sounds like it might be a really good option if you want the front and rear outputs. You're buying some features ou don't need (the DSP stuff), but there aren't other devices that stand out to me as better options.
Thanks for that :) I could use DSP features with my Mac Mini Cheers
great review! I have x3 and use it for music listening and especially love eq flexibility as I can fine tune sound for different headphones. Would x5 provide much better sound quality enough to upgrade from x3? thank you
I haven't tried the X3, but based on the steel up from the X4 to the X5, I think it would be a really nice upgrade for you.
@@PassionforSound thank you
great video, I would like to ask if the bass changes with balanced output on headphones, is the bass stronger, more dynamic, deeper, more pronounced on balanced output or is the bass the same on both outputs, thank you very much for your answer. Slovakia
Both outputs are essentially the same. A balanced output doesn't automatically mean better sound than an unbalanced device, but on devices with both balanced and unbalanced outputs, the balanced one is often better.
@@PassionforSound thanks
Excellent material!
I personally liked very much from Creative the Audigy 2ZS Video editor model (I still own this model and I made it minimally functional with difficulty on Windows 10) and the software part and the fact that it had remote control but unfortunately there are no drivers from Windows XP upwards only something very basic and the software part is as non-existent.
By the way!
Why don't they make these soundboards with remote control anymore?
I can't answer that question with any real insight, but I suspect it's just a lack of demand - probably a very small group of people who need that function.
@@PassionforSound thank you for the answer.
A good sound test between this, Schiit Hel and a Burson Playmate would be great.
PS. I see those Utopia's
Unfortunately, I don't own either the Hel or Playmate to try. ☹️
The Utopia review is getting close now. 😁
Hey Great review! can i plug in the optic out to my sound blaster katana V2?
If it has an optical input then yes!
@@PassionforSound hey thank you, i already purchased it on its website
can you stream audio from a USB drive with this? Is it tied down to it's own software? I'm trying to find something that is similar to the Fiio R7 that I can plug directly into my Prima Luna Tube amp that will replace my RPi Volumio setup. Oh and cheaper!
No, this won't do that for you. You'd probably need to look into a Raspberry Pi based device for the functionality you're looking for. Maybe one of the entry level Volumio streamers?
@@PassionforSound Hi Lachlan, yes I already have that, using an Innomaker DAC card.. I want to upgrade, looks like the Fiio R7 is the best bet, maybe Wiim might add it to one of their streamers? I'm just curious out what has the best audio quality.
The FiiO is excellent. I'd definitely go with that as it's a fair way ahead of the WiiMs still and is super versatile and with a great interface!
I use Sound BlasterX G6 with my gaming PC, it is a great little device for games.
Yep, they're still making solid gaming devices and now they're not bad for music too
I wish the volume knob was in fact motorized, that would have been sweet
True. That would be cool, but a lot more expensive too. 🙂
Thanks for covering this. But, Is that the new baby Enleum I'm spotting in the background?
Wow! You were looking closely. Yes it is and yes, the review is coming soon 🙂
This DOES have built in Bluetooth...
Great video! Awesome studio! One of the most in depth reviews I have seen in a long time and presented beautifully! Will the X5 drive my HD800's the way their high impedance ass want to be driven? They can handle a full watt.
Creative don't seem to list power output specs, but they do rate the amp for 16-600 ohm loads so the HD800s should be just fine.
Is it good for connecting optically to a separate amplifier? Not specifically for headphones? Or is this really only for headphones in any configuration?
No, it will work well via optical to a separate receiver or amp too.
@@PassionforSoundThanks 👍🏽
does the fact that it is powered only via the data cable hold it back?
As a pure audiophile device? Yes. As an excellent multi-purpose audio device? Not at all.
I want a good dac for gaming. And I was initially targeting the Schiit hel plus. But the are out of stock and they don't know when it will come back in stock. I need a good quality dac with a mic input that will drive a good quality pair of IEMs. Looking at creative at the GC7. But I'm not sure if that's a good product. The X5 seems to be overkill though. So I don't think it's right either.
Not sure what to suggest. Can you get the X4 somewhere perhaps?
@@PassionforSound Is the X4 prone to hissing or noise distortion in any way?
Not that I recall
if you want it for a external DSP device, I use the Soundblaster gc7 which costs a fraction of the price when on sale. with the same dsp and optical in and optical out. saves the dsp on-board as well, and has a knobs for even more extra control like bass and treble increase/decrease. I use it with in tandem with another dac with balanced outs, does the job.
This drive the HIFIMAN arya ?
Yes, it will 🙂
Lachlan, please do me a favor and look up the rogers HS-90a planar headphones. It's a hidden gem and really under the radar for the head-fi community. The HS-90a planar rivals Hifiman HE1000se and Final audio D8000pro at 1/7 the price ! I think it's on sale for like $656 right now.
Thanks for the tip. I'll take a look.
@@PassionforSound I will have to contact you through email or something cause I posted a link to their website and it gets deleted.
That's ok. I found them with a bit of googling. Sorry about the deleted links - that's outside of my control.
@@PassionforSound it's rogers-japan..... the owner of the website also runs a store in tokyo called "sound base". If you go to their website, it's on sale for 98,000yen. Not sure if they ship it outside of japan but it's worth asking. I think it was sold in HK as well a few years back. The easy to drive HS-90a has this realistic and natural sound and timbre that I haven't heard in high end planars. A few weeks back, I had auditioned the Yamaha YH5000se and the Meze 109 pro and thought they were pretty good but not really TOTL level like the Susvara or the T+A solitaire P. Somehow I feel like the HS-90a's realism and natural sound kind of reaches TOTL level and am mind blown that something that's relatively inexpensive can offer this quality of sound. Unfortunately, the HS-90a is just really unknown in the Head-fi world.
Anyone knows if the ASIO drivers are exclusive, non-exclusive, multi-clients ?
It will run exclusive, but I haven't tried to see if it is multi-client capable (if I'm understanding that properly)
@@PassionforSound Thank you very much for the info :)
Most high end motherboards just as good or iFi DAC or Cambridge better.
Unfortunately, even high end motherboards don't have great sound due to all the other stuff happening in a computer that generates noise. You're definitely better off with an external DAC of some sort.
LoL Something my dad would say
Which thing is that?
@@PassionforSound He probably meant when dads say, "The cheap one is just as good."
Hello. Need your help cause i am lost in choice. Got a 600 dollars ( euros ) budget to buy a portable dac/dongle and iems. My librairy ( london grammar charlotte cardin ) is on a smartphone. Many thanks to you.
Take a look at the links in the video description. There's a database of all the dongles I recommend and one for all the IEMs I recommend. They're sorted by price (in USD which roughly equates to Euro).
I also have a review coming soon with about 4 IEMs around $300 USD. Finally, the new Klanar IEM from new brand, Kefine, is also sounding very impressive.
Thanks. Do you think cayin ru7 will match well with Thieaudio Hype2 to enjoy female vocals?
@@PassionforSound
No multichannel? Odd, the X4 has 7.1.
I didn't go hunting for that, but I also don't remember seeing any true multichannel options - just the virtual surround. Best to check the website to confirm though because it wasn't a focus point for me.
About 20 years ago
1. Buy a PC
2. Install Sound Blaster 😁
Yep. A bit of a change these days! 🙂
Is it Linux compatible?
I don't know - sorry
♥
These days, the device, esp sound processing device, esp for gaming and movies... comes without HDMI input and with only stereo analog outputs... 😑☹️
I think it's focussed mostly on desktop audio setups for headphones and PC speakers. You can take an optical output though, not just stereo analog.
is a vintage design, probably was ok 20 years ago.
Creative Soundblaster? It's 1997 all over again...
Yep. Real blast from the past (pun slightly intended)
👍👍👍👍👍
No SFXI, no SBX, no 5.1 / 7.1 input. It's not for gaming on headphones or on multi-speaker setup.
It's for gaming setups that don't already have the 5.1/7.1 capabilities and the SXFi wasn't great and overcomplicated things IMO.
Just received SB ZxR..love it
Creative X7 is better.
That would make sense if it's a higher model and more expensive.
@@PassionforSound I would love to see you review one.
We'll see. Sound Blaster videos don't perform so well on my channel so I need to prioritise other content first generally.
Hey i got aquestion, im considering to buy the X5 just for the USB host so i can connect my wireless audio gears, does the X7 USB host able to send audio output like the X5 as well?
I can't answer this for you. Hopefully the OP can
Go separates. Much better
I agree that separates are better, but they don't offer the functionality of the X5. Of course, you can always add a DAC and amp after the X5 and just let it handle the DSP.
Wut!! Did I heard below, even 500mW Ha3 sure just Go 4 gaming n movie sorta thing Cuz I knew sound blaster by PC 20yrs ago..anyway go on bro sorry..Ha 256dsd? Dis r frm caves or somewhere..o pls..go on sory2..Sorry can't do dis..outy Peace!
wut?
is this a good solution for me for connected this X5 to my new LG ELED 2023 evo,
to use my good wired headphones for sound ??
There is NO jackstick as on my oled TVS now. I like to have wired headphones on long time, watching films, tv and youtybe.
I often like to used my wired headphones on past tvs, and I dont like to use the bluetooth, as it more pressure on the head, and endless charging up again. I got several good wired overear wxpensive headphones, like denon 7200 wired, but often use Bose quiet comfort.
Not interested in gaming, but essencial just want a good sound from my oled and through my wired headphones and abilty to control volume bottom wheel and some ajustment setting in good old style to sit under the tv. I used the earlier version of the portable sound blaster for phone and computer and it was great sound... The oled tv has ofcourse optical arch and all other things except jackstick ! Anyone casn recommend this as good buy for the challange of wired headphones ! cheers !
The even smaller mini dacs is not for me here in fixed place under tv, as I would rather have more option.
Is there a medium good soundbar WITH JACKSTICK that also does this well ?
What the nearest device of other brands to compete with this 5X ? With a old fasioned volume and also abilty remotely
to control level of volume.
I would be happy to be able to add a soundbar or 2 speakers later as well.
I can't help with the sound bars because I don't review those. The Sound Blaster X5 has a lot of features that you won't use in a TV only setup so I'd recommend looking at something like a Topping DX5 or similar device that's a DAC and headphone amp with remote control. Or, find a sound bar if that can do what you need. Good luck!