Reddit reviews Creative Sound Blaster Zx PCIe Gaming Sound Card with High Performance Headphone Amp and Desktop Audio Control Module
We found 12 Reddit comments about Creative Sound Blaster Zx PCIe Gaming Sound Card with High Performance Headphone Amp and Desktop Audio Control Module. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Features the Audio Control Module (ACM) which incorporates a built-in microphone array and mic/headphone I/O connections, plus a knob on the ACM to adjust the headphone levelsFeatures Sound Core3D Audio Processor for accelerating advanced audio and voice technologies. Available CD-ROM or DVD-ROM driveSBX Pro Studio sound technologies create unprecedented levels of audio realism including stunning 3D surround effects for your speakers and headsetsScout Mode allows you to hear your enemies before they hear you, from further away, giving you a distinct advantageDTS Connect, connects your home theatre system through a single digital cable and enjoy cinematic DVD movies by transforming any stereo or Dolby Digital 5.1 audio stream into high fidelity surround sound
The Creative Sound Blaster Zx is only $7 more than what the no-frills Z version normally goes for, if that's of interest to someone. I know there was an audio person on /r/buildapc that did an AMA who recommended either this or something of the Asus Xonar line when I asked about sound cards.
There is a lot of denial on this subreddit that a discrete sound card actually has any benefit to the user under normal usage. However, I would gladly argue that any time as I feel they are certainly beneficial.
Without knowing what your current setup is, or what kinds of benefits you want from your audio its tough to make a recommendation. First and foremost, do you have a set of speakers that are hooked up to your computer right now? Without a good set of speakers, a sound card will almost prove pointless. Most users here seem to use headphones and that's why they deny that sound cards are worthwhile, as the sound quality for those has a lot more to do with the actual headphones, than a sound card providing audio to them.
Also, what kind of usage does your computer get? Do you listen to a lot of music? Do you watch a lot of movies on your computer, either streaming or from movies stored on your hard drive? Do you just want a better listening experience for everything you do and want crisper sounds that have better range?
Now, speaking only on assumptions... If you do have a decent speaker setup, then a sound card will certainly be better than on board audio, even if its compared to the Gene or Hero. Although, skimping out on a cheapy sound card that costs $30 probably wont give you better performance than the onboard audio on the listed MB's. You will need to step up to the more "enthusiast" sound cards. Those go from ~$75-150. Id recommend the Creative brand as they make a good product that will last quite a long time. I still have and currently use one of their better cards from back in 2008, and yes, the difference between on board audio and this card is immense with good speakers.
A wonderful deal on a really good sound card -$88 - today only on Amazon. This card usually goes for $110-120 as seen here.
However, if you are wondering if this would help for headphones, then I agree with Metalio, a DAC and AMP would be the way to go, after getting a good pair of headphones, and not the 'in-ear' variety.
I do not understand the differences between DAC, AMP, Pre-Amp, and Sound Card for powering/driving audio at good quality. Would this sound card do the job or do I absolutely need an amp? If I do need an amp can I run that and the sound card? The sound card is important to me for gaming because they have "scout mode" that allows me to hear footsteps way easier in some games.
Here you go
You can do price checks for amazon stuff on that website. Just plug in the link.
EDIT: You can summon the pricezombie bot by linking an amazon, newegg (and a bunch of other sites) product in a comment or an OP.
It can be good, but I've only seen the better chips in ATX motherboard, not MicroATX, and it can be very good if you get a top of the line motherboard. I've never seen audiophile grade integrated audio, people get a decent DAC or a good external sound card if the're richer, and high-end internal sound cards obviously exist as well.
Alternative: buy a motherboard that fits your specs minus the audio, and add a pcie sound card:
Anyone have an opinion/experience on this sound card? I've been meaning to pick one up.
http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Blaster-Performance-Headphone-Desktop/dp/B009XDWUCQ/ref=br_lf_m_565132_1_8_ttl?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&s=pc&pf_rd_p=1976832062&pf_rd_s=center-4&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_i=565132&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1J0QGKDGYCTZAGVHVCX1
I think a sound card might fit my needs more. I do not need it to be portable. Would save me a little money compared to portable dac/amp i think.
Does this one look good?
I am sold. So just plug directly into the external sound card or would it also work with my internal sound card? Link below to internal. Thanks for you help/advice!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009XDWUCQ/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
With my
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B009XDWUCQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1519395122&sr=8-5&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=sound+card&dpPl=1&dpID=41A5R2qbKSL&ref=plSrch
And my Sennheiser stereo headphones, I hear everything pretty perfectly.. if you're using a similar system make sure that you go to Playback Devices -> Speaker Configuration -> Change it from stereo to 5.1. I frequently get wallbangs just from hearing someone walking or reloading, I can hear that people are above or below me. I am pretty convinced it's probably the best sound setup there is. I've been using a similar setup since playing Americas Army, a game that having a good sound setup was much more important in. Also, after trying several "surround headphones", they just are not good. Get a dedicated sound card. Use a good pair of stereo headphones with them. It's expensive but you'll never go back to anything else.
With this said, the sound does need work. I think sometimes I hear people run in a house, but the footstep sound fails to change from gravel to wood, which can be pretty confusing. If I'm not playing with the 5.1 option set it's pretty aweful. Even tryed using a couple virtual surround sound processors that I guess are built into windows? They were better than stock but still pretty garbage.
So, I did some research and I can have this, new.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B009XDWUCQ?cache=455cf914c984f65d1773834a05c519dd&pi=SY200_QL40&qid=1409681684&sr=8-1#ref=mp_s_a_1_1
That's free two day shipping included.
With that said, can you come down in price? If not I'll just buy her brand new for the same cost.
ya but i want a switch, so i dont gotta replug and unplug them.
something like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Blaster-Performance-Headphone-Desktop/dp/B009XDWUCQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425847779&sr=8-1&keywords=sound+blaster
just without the soundcard of course.
No you don't need more power for it. I personally use the Sound Blaster Z from creative because it works really well.
The Sound Blaster Z from Creative who have been leading the PC audio from pretty much the beginning
Here Is a youtube video with one of the head guys there and you can learn a lot about PC audio and why it's taken a back seat.