Creative Labs Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 USB

Comment:
I was looking for a convenient source for plugging, unplugging headphones, mics and volume control. It works for that (as opposed to getting behind the computer tower everytime). Also, quieter than the onboard sound card. Less 'computer' noise. The software is overkill for my needs. Wish the equilizer was easier to find.

Comment:
Only con: lack of coaxial digital output. Other than that, great card. Easy to install, great sound and control over it.

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This was the worst piece of garbage I have ever tried to use in my life. It gives stereo sound but when you install the drivers, from their website, they crash your OS. I had to install my OS 5 times and because of that, my BRAND NEW HDD has failed after a week, all because of the drivers. The sound was absolutely terrible as soon as you install the drivers. One review reported only getting 2 channels, FL and FR and that is it; same here, but also killed my OS multiple times. Literally poison for your OS, the drivers kill some system config files to the point you cannot boot your OS at all, not even safe mode. Check the forums as well, tons of people are having problems with these cards. TERRIBLE!!

Comment:
The card works OK if you're using the analog outputs. I bought it specifically to use the digital output to my reciever, and it will only give me the front LR speakers, no center or surround. I've been trying to figure out a fix for it but no luck so far.

Comment:
Very east to install on Vista and it has been working perfectly for months. I didn't bother with the installation disk. Just download the latest driver from Creative's website, install it, then plug in the device. Too easy! I bought this device as my laptop produces a serious whining tone when the audio is linked into a TV/stereo. (Though the sounds is not present when I unplug the power supply.) This device totally eliminates the whining. I'm very impressed!

Comment:
this is one of the best purchases i have ever made. simple set up and works perfectly. I have pure 5.1 surround when hooked up to my onkyo recever. Sounds great

Comment:
I received my X-Fi external USB device about a week ago. When used with the provided software, it is not acceptable. After downloading the software from the website and reinstalling, it now sounds good. I get all 6 outputs, as advertised. It replaced a Live! 5.1 adapter card which would not give center channel. Now, I have it all. The annoyance is when the computer is powered off, there is an ungrounded situation and the speakers put out a very noticeable hum until you power the computer back on. I am used to leaving the sound on but now have to turn it off and then wait until deep into the boot process to power back on. This is a silly slip-up by Creative. They should have shorted the outputs with no signal but that might have added a dollar to the price so it was not done. It is the only time I have had this problem in many years. Otherwise, recommended if you need an external 5.1 sound ''card'' with acceptable features and a nice software package.

Comment:
the convenience of this thing is GREAT! I would have given it a full 5 if not for one reason. When I use it to plug in to my home speaker receiver I cant get sound out of all the speakers. worked at it for almost an hour and gave up. that is going through the optic connection. Might work with one of the other connections.

Comment:
I didn't have any BSOD issues, ifact I really have not had any issues with this off board sound card. It works great, and I trully can hear things I missed before when gaming. I do wish that I could crank up the output a bit more. I use a set of Sennheiser 151's, and I really rely on my sound now for gaming...

Comment:
This sound card has one flaw!!! I had a audigy 2nx and IT CAME WITH A POWER SUPPLY ADAPTER!!! This one doesn't and it gave me the blue screen of death until it fried my motherboard!! I bought a new case, MOBO and all the other goodies and more powerful power supply....750 watt as opposed to 450 in my old clunker!! IF you don't have a powerful power supply...u will fry your MOBO or windows will crash like other two reviews said!! I have new PC and this card is AWESOME AND THE SOFTWARE IS AWESOME BUT BUT BUT TECH SUPPORT REALLY SUCKS AT CREATIVE!!!!!! Mike

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I installed it to my wifes desktop and it work just fine.

Comment:
worked fine great sound! easy install