Kube 0 Report post Posted August 9, 2005 Just wondering, does anyone know how it compares to the EMU? Cause right now, I'm witholding buying an EMU, if only to wait for the X-Fi. If it doesn't match up, than might as well get an EMU. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jasonhanjk 0 Report post Posted August 11, 2005 I am itchy to hear them too. As they are not out yet, better wait a few more months before purchasing EMU. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jasonhanjk 0 Report post Posted August 13, 2005 (edited) Guys, more info here... http://www.hardwarezone.com/news/view.php?id=2246&cid=3 MILPITAS, Calif. – August 8, 2005– Creative Technology Ltd announced the future of audio with the introduction of its highly anticipated Sound Blaster X-Fi™ line of sound cards. Powered by the Creative X-Fi Xtreme Fidelity audio processor, the Sound Blaster X-Fi cards introduce Xtreme Fidelity, an entirely new audio standard for music, movies and games. “On May 12th of this year, we introduced the Creative X-Fi Xtreme Fidelity audio processor and the Xtreme Fidelity audio standard, and the response has been phenomenal. People have been contacting us from all over the world wanting to know when they can experience Xtreme Fidelity with MP3 music and games from a Sound Blaster sound card. We gave a sneak preview at e3 in Los Angeles, and the crowds were in awe when they heard the difference that Xtreme Fidelity makes,†said Sim Wong Hoo, chairman and CEO of Creative. “We’re addressing all the excitement in time for the holidays with the introduction of the Sound Blaster X-Fi family of ultra high performance sound cards that can dramatically enhance any music or audio, accelerate gaming, and provide an amazing headphone experience. With Sound Blaster X-Fi’s 24-bit Crystalizer™ and CMSS-3D technologies, all your MP3 music and CD music can sound even better than the original studio recording. The CMSS-3D Headphone Expander technology will blow you away. You will think that you are listening to a super high quality surround speaker system, as the sound will seem to come from external speakers instead of headphones pressing right against your ears.†“Sound Blaster X-Fi heralds the beginning of a new epoch in audio, where X-Fi enabled audio products will eventually and completely replace the old hi-fi equipment in the home,†continued Sim. “With the arsenal of high-end audio products, technologies and intellectual properties that Creative owns, you can expect Creative to release more and more audio product lines that support this new Xtreme Fidelity audio standard.†Man, reading all this is making me itchy.... Edited August 13, 2005 by jasonhanjk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kube 0 Report post Posted August 14, 2005 Compared to an EMU, however, it's way more expansive. Well, the Elite Pro is... That said, can't wait for CNY next year! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Absolute0 0 Report post Posted August 16, 2005 With Sound Blaster X-Fi’s 24-bit Crystalizer™ and CMSS-3D technologies, all your MP3 music and CD music can sound even better than the original studio recording. The CMSS-3D Headphone Expander technology will blow you away. You will think that you are listening to a super high quality surround speaker system, as the sound will seem to come from external speakers instead of headphones pressing right against your ears.†I sense some exaggeration over here. Firstly, it defies the "theory" of "it only gets as good as the source material really is". Secondly, even many high-end and expensive cans can't reproduce the effects of speakers, so I don't see how a sound card can make el cheaper headphones sound better than Stax or the Omegas. Nevertheless, some home-produced technology worth getting excited about. Hopefully they live up to the hype. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jasonhanjk 0 Report post Posted August 17, 2005 Sometimes Creative always like to bullshlt but you gotta like the CEO... Those words are written by marketing people that bullshlt for a living. No offence. Just like a Zen Micro having a SNR of -98dB... Just treat it like listening to tube, alot of distortion but sounds good. As long as it sounds good with my setup, i won't complain. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
purplefish 0 Report post Posted August 26, 2005 very extensive review at toms. http://www.tomshardware.com/consumer/20050818 looks like an exciting product.. but it's an creative... hmm.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kube 0 Report post Posted August 26, 2005 Suddenly reconsidering to get an EMU instead. Cheaper, and more or less suits the equipment I have, which is 2 speakers only. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jasonhanjk 0 Report post Posted August 26, 2005 Went to a demo of X-fi and I think it will be extremely great for gamers... Getting one and put together with my EMU in the same PC. Music wise, the music seems to lighten up a lot but sometimes sounded funny with vocals. If you like rock a lot and new age, get this card. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kube 0 Report post Posted August 26, 2005 Oooo...EMU and X-fi...How'd you get to demo it? Hmm...what's the difference between the EMU and the X-fi in terms of how they process music? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jasonhanjk 0 Report post Posted August 26, 2005 Just say that I got some contact to able me to hear the demo... There are already a lot of reviews around the web, just look at hardware zone and tomshardware. Mainly 0404 is for audiophile and X-fi for music lover. X-fi has the capability to tweak your music. For eg, the bass and percussion is only so so in CD format, X-fi actually sort of lighten up these a bit and the music sounds even better. I will buy X-fi mainly on it's 3d headphone 'cos I mainly play games on the web. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kube 0 Report post Posted August 26, 2005 Interesting....hmmm...can't decide now. Lots of people on other forums saying the X-fi can't match up to the EMU line. That's it! I'm going to get a 0404 on impulse! Be prepared to see EMU for sale in the classifieds real soon. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jasonhanjk 0 Report post Posted August 26, 2005 Ha, why don't you wait for Creative fest? It's around the corner. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kube 0 Report post Posted September 4, 2005 Tried out the X-fi for myself...the crystallizer's a bit...wierd. Maybe it's just the sample tracks that I got to listen to...but when the song are 'enhanced', the bass gets more depth, and the highs are shaper...but I don't seem to get any marked improvement from the mids. In the end, it sound bright and boomy at the same time. Wierd combo...so I'm not sure. That said, the CMSS-3d was nice, really give a wider soundstage and percieved direction. Question: Does the EMU use the same technology as the X-fi. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Absolute0 0 Report post Posted September 4, 2005 Bright and boomy... Sounds lethal, first time I'm hearing such a combination. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
