I wish creative would bring back their CMSS 3D virtual surround configuration. You could adjust reverb, orientate the speakers, set individual speaker volumes/ distances to fit how your ears work. Honestly Steelseries sonar is the only one that lets you control reverb, distance and speaker position nowadays.
This is the best review of this product I've found, thank you! I have a couple areas of inquiry I'm hoping you or a (knowledgable) member of the community might be able to help with. 1) I'm always a bit confused why all the PC/soundcard reviews these days seem to focus almost solely on headphones when it comes to sound quality and even features. So many of us gamers and audio enthusiasts use decent quality stereo speakers, usually paired with a sub (or even a 5.1 setup, which I know for this product is a moot point.) It would be great to know how the DAC output quality works with stereo speakers or speakers + sub... especially compared to other options or previous Creative options like the ZXR, AE9, etc. And since you do such a stellar job of running through all the hardware and software options and giving some explanation and use cases, there are scenarios that would be useful to know here like when the software crossover setting for a sub can be used or not (previous creative sound cards/drivers had strange limitations like you could use the software crossover when you had 5.1 chosen but not 2.1???) 2) This is probably too much to expect of a product review, but I've NEVER seen a single video or article that explains, practically speaking via use cases, the output sample rate settings and how/why you'd use them. There is plenty out there about what they TECHNICALLY are, but little in the way of explaining use cases for audio enthusiast PC soundcard products and associated software. Often the main question presented is: "Which setting should I use?" Everything I find on this subject is discussed by those that know just enough to be dangerous, so an authoritative explanation is hard to come by. Anyway, a bit of an aside, but maybe a good educational content opportunity.
Been waiting for a proper review and you delivered 👍🏽 I’m interested in this one, but will wait a few more firmware updates to see if things improved before I decide. Thanks for the in-depth video!
I ordered this, and I'm getting it in just a few days, cannot wait to try it out. Never got an advanced or premium audio card or DAC or anything like that. Thank you so much for your clear and extensive review. I was very confused about how it all works, it's a lot more clear now. Liked and subscribed.
Easily the best audio tech critic on RU-vid. I’m so glad that I recently discovered your channel. Pretty much binge watched all your past videos and always looking forward to watching your new content. Keep up the amazing work!
The surround feature is AWESOME with the logitech z906 5.1 speakers and I keep both it and the crystaliser feature on 100% for everything, I also keep my custom EQ setting on and set with one profile for everything too.
@@tigerleon10 Nah Bro, The Logitech Z906 speakers are the highest quality 5.1 speakers logitech had at the time, I don't know if they've been replaced yet, But if you can't notice an improvement with crystalizer then it's likely the speakers and headphones your using are poor quality even if you paid alot for them. If your using surround with stero speakers or headphones you shouldn't be. You only have a left and right speaker.
@@mrtwinky2007 You do know that crystalizer boosts treble and bass in real time EQ. If you have it too high its going to be piercing. Never said there was no "improvement". I have the AE-9 soundcard and the Tygr 300Rs fyi. And no the virtual surround isn't good for almost anything but it is the best implemented I've tried so far. Compared to Dolby and DTS
Thanks for the review! I almost bought it actually did but requested a cancel, because I wanted to wait for more reviews. This would be an awesome followup review in a year!
Thank you so much for this just-in-time review of this equipment. Mine is on the way, and I hope it meets my gaming needs. All the very best, and thank you for your time and effort to share this with us all.
Thanks for commenting on the ps5 support! I didn't know steelseries finally put their dac up for sale. I'll probably just wait for a deal on those and get that.
Omfg this was exactly what i needed moving away from gaming headsets. I was going down a rabbit hole of mixers and all this jjst so i could play bluetooth source + pc source through one headphone. Amazing review. Thank you
I been using Sound Blaster products here and there since early 1990s and the only issue back then was drivers combability, of course we talking about stone age before Microsoft implemented the plug and play system, but in moderns products are top notch. If the price tag is a problem the G6 still a very solid option.
Great Review! I got this device a couple of days ago and I love it. I haven't run into any popping noises but I'm using it on my PC not on a PS5. I also bought a power conditioner for my system recently and that really improved my overall system stability and performance.
@@opheliumzone4671 a power conditioner takes the power coming from the wall and filters out electronic noise and things that can cause power instabilities. I'm sorry I don't know exactly how they work but you can do a search for power conditioners for audio on Google
I thought my X3 died on me but I updated the firmware and everything so it works now. Before I did all of that I found out the warranty was only 12 months on the X3 and saw the X5 for sale, so now I'm looking at making a switch.
Thank you for the review, I ordered this DAC and will give it a try. I am currently rolling with Mayflower Mk2 for years, and this review is very helpful. I also noticed there is a summer sale with this DAC (there is a coupon for that) which knocks off an additional $70 off from the retail price of $270. It may be worth it.
GAMERS - Unlike the X-3 and X-4, you cannot set the Windows driver for this device to 7.1 or 5.1. For whatever reason they only allow stereo with this device, so it's never fed the surround channel info from movies and games. This is why, as mentioned in the review, the Surround feature is close to useless, and there's no SX-FI. On the X-3 or X-4 the same Surround feature can do excellent virtual surround. Super disappointing finding this out after purchasing it. Edit - The Dolby Atmos app has the same limitation, but it can still process surround channels in most games due to how it's implemented vs this device's driver.
@@foxgodgamings7117 For gamers who use virtual surround, yes. Actually, I'm not even sure who the X-5 is for. With the Surround just being stereo all it's offering is a "wide" stereo. I tested in game, and a fire burning directly infront of my character sounded the same as turning and placing it behind my character. It's just in the middle of my head, basically. You'd be better off using a Schiit Dac and Amp, or some other offering with a good stereo crossfeed. If you want all the Creative DSP features you can get an X4 or X3 and have about 95% of what the X5 offers, but WITH the ability to set the speaker configuration to 7.1 channels (Playback screen in the Creative App, or in the Configuration area of the Windows driver). Using that same exact "Surround" feature with the Playback set to 7.1 creates a very distinct 360 virtual sound field. It's one of the best next to the Sennheiser GSX 1000 / Epos equivalent (but those can't power high impedance headphones).
@@drayth9076 Thanks. I am currently using a beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X, was comtemplating to either get a Creative DAC AMP or another brand. I will look into Schiit brands as well. As I was doing some research, would you think that the TOPPING DX1 would be good enough?
Thanks for a detailed review which highlights some of the issues/problems that you can sometimes run into on some of the sound blaster products. I was going to buy the X5 recently as a replacement for my X7 which sounds great but has the same loud popping noise when changing inputs and the X7 also has problems controlling the sound levels which can change to 100% upon powering down and restarting my PC, plus various other issues. I decided to go with the Sound Blaster G6 headphone DAC amp, I use the USB and Optical in ports connected to my Windows 11 gaming laptop and LG C2 television respectively I use the line out on the G6 to output to my Douk Audio ST-01 Pro desktop Amp via RCA cable, the Amp drives Creatives E-MU XM7 bookshelf speakers which now sound great with no loud popping noises or sound level problems, no software bugs it all works flawlessly with a very detailed sound using the G6's headphone outputs or via the Douk Audio Amp.
300$ DAC has same application than 30$ DAC. In video is clearly seen how things are delayed, mixer sliders unresponsive. With no virtualization, no 5.1, no encoder X5 is a DAC with EQ. You can get a similar thing for half price of the X5.
I have this product. I can’t understand their decision to have Sound Mode, Acoustic Engine and Equalizer separate. First, Sound Mode and Acoustic Engine can’t even be configured via the mobile app, so if you have this connected to the TV (like me), you can only change Equalizer settings. Secondly, it should all be ONE thing, just Equalizers with extra settings for Surround and whatnot. They over complicated this for no reason. The volume knob should also be infinite, since you can change volume on the app/connected device, and the knob will just misrepresent the actual volume. Also, no Super X-Fi, like they have on other products. I still consider it a great product, but it could’ve been great.
Great overview of the product 👍🏻 Thanks, I’ll try it out I can always return it 😉 What do you think about FiiO products ? The new FiiO K7 it’s using same chip as the K9 and it’s THX, have you used FiiO before ? And JDS Atom+ stack, everyone is saying it’s amazing, u agree ? Thanks again, great overview. PS: Do You have a Great place to buy balance cables ? I would like for my Hifiman and my AKG’s but I need 10ft cables.
It would be nice if Creative supported Dolby Atmos and put a hdmi eARC output on there for Atmos passthrough since optical connection taps out at 5.1 audio
It's a good step in the right direction, but they need to get with the times more. Many people stream these days and require XLR input. And as you mentioned, it could have used an external power brick for a better amplification. And the software is complete trash, imho.. I have the X4 and user Sonar etc.. Lastly, they love to put all their connectors at the front, but this is supposed to be a desktop unit, so naturally will sit in the back, near the monitor. Therefore, for a clean desktop setup, you would want the connectors (or optional extra ones) at the back, so you can route all the ugly cables under the desk, instead of over the desk. Finally the display is probably the cheapest they could find.. This would sell a lot better with a small OLED in higher resolution. I think we gotta wait until X6 for them to get it right.
Samsung odyssey neo g9 57. Creative sound x5 DAC and SXFI Carrier speaker. Play RPGs. Fallout, Skyrim, RDR2, Kingdom come deliverance. Nothing can compare to this experience.
The RMS voltage values indicate significantly higher specifications, which could potentially damage the headphones. Please explain how these RMS voltage values impact the end-user experience, given that they are nearly three times higher than those of the predecessor, the Soundblaster X4. What is the valid need for this great power, and why very significant power difference suddenly from X4 -> X5
I received it today, and I have been playing around with it. I first connected it to my PC via its USB-C cable and the audio seems fine. However, when I connect it to my PC via optical, I think the audio is cleaner. But I'm confused if using Optical will prevent me from using the features built into the device. I play audio mainly from my Logitech Z625 2.1 Speaker System, so the PC is connected via optical to the SoundBlaster X5's Optical IN, then the Logitech speaker system is connected via the optical OUT on this device. So in short, I can hear audio either from what shows as the SoundBlaster audio source in Windows 11 Control Panel (via USB connection). Or by selecting Optical Audio out which as explained above is also connected to the SoundBlaster X5 DAC device. I really can't make up my mind. For all the audio experts out there, should I connect this via the USB (I know I still need that for power), or should I select Optical from the Windows input/output source settings in Control Panel? Thanks in advance!
For me the best feature of the Sound Blaster X5 and similar products (I've got the X4 right now) is the ability to switch between headphone and speaker output using a physical button on the unit - it even keeps track of the volume on each output, despite being the same audio device in Windows! I've been considering upgrading to the X5 but I am wondering if there are alternatives available with the same feature.
This looks like a great concept for $279 as it can be used on the PlayStation 5 since I am starting find out some dacs doesn't get recognize by the PS5 as an audio source. Thanks for the great review!
Excellent review! If you get the chord mojo 2 in for review please do some testing with the cross feed feature while gaming. Would be very interesting to hear your thoughts.
I just bought an SB X AE-5 and all those cool features you spoke about 15 minutes in are on that sound card but my problem is my headphones cable is too short to plug into my new fancy sound card so I’m thinking what better way to make it a shorter distance to plug in than this device I just don’t want to loose any quality. I don’t know any other way of doing this plus I think this will also give me an amp and I’m going all out on this PC build anyway so hey why not. 😊
What a let down, it doesn't REALLY have Virtual Surround, it says it has on its page, but it just takes stereo input and adds some weird effect (as mentioned in the video at 13:15, it doesn't have the sound engine for virtual surround). I want an external sound card with balanced input and optical output in order to combine the other hardware I already have, and I thought this was it.
Hey GadgetryTech! Thanks for the awesome review! I have purchased x5 and now I'm wondering which wireless over ear headphones shall I pair with this sounblaster to get all advantages on FPS gaming?(I have seen your last headphones review but still not sure which headphones will perform the best with this sounblaster) Answer is apprecciated!
Amazing detailed content as usual, thank you so much for this and all your other reviews! Would love to see some comparaison with the new Fosi K5 or even a review if possible. Also, will you have a review of the Meze 109 Pro? Lots of hype arround them so I'm curious to hear what you think of them.
I've been waiting for an update for the X7 LE for a few years now since nothing really offers the same feature set with the integrated stereo amp and 5/7.1 capability. Mine is still working but I do fear the day it dies or no longer works with current systems. I have mine hooked up in 3.1 with a Mirage UniTheater soundbar and KLH active sub. Center channel powered by a single channel/sub amp.
I personally use the X7 and I'm extremely pleased with it. It's bit disappointing to see the X5 being a downgrade in some regards. It doesn't have the option for external power for example or swappable op-amps and has more limited connectors on the back. To be fair though it's a lot cheaper than the X7 which cost $400 at launch. My favourite feature is something you didn't seem to like, the surround sound. I do agree that it obscures positioning a bit, so for competitive games it's not ideal, but for everything else I think it sounds absolutely fantastic. It expands the sound stage and makes it a lot more natural in my opinion, so it doesn't seem like the sound is coming from speakers inside your ears. I can listen to music all day and it's not fatiguing in the slightest. It's even better for movies where the sound comes from all around you. For games even though you might lose some positional accuracy it does create a far more immersive sound stage which is brilliant for single player games. I was considering the X5 mainly for the balanced audio output which should cut down on the static, but I'm not sure that's worth it. The one feature I wish it had is HDMI passthrough so I can connect my consoles to it without disconnecting it from my PC.
Yeah there are pros and cons to the X5 for sure. Considering the price, I wish it was "perfect" for my use cases, but it is what it is. I think if I had two requests, is it would have external power for better output, and multiple digital inputs for multiple platforms.
I am currently deciding on the X5 or the GSX 1000 - my problem with any interface so far - white noise with direct monitoring. Will the two of those have that as well? When I play a game, I want to hear my voice also through the headset - but I am quiet talker so I have to turn up the gain on the mic input in most cases - that always results in white noise and is very annoying. I just don't want to buy something again and have the same experience...
Hi, great Review! Question because you said its optical pass through. So when I come with a Sound from a PC via TOSLINK and connect another TOSLINK to the Output and with that I connect a HifiSystem. Does this work? And do I get the Sound from optical Input also over USB C to my other PC or Mac? You know what I mean/need? I have only 1 TOSLINK Output from my GamingPC but I need the same Audio on my Hifi over TOSLINK Input and on my Mac over USB-C for recording. Does this work???? Thanks for any response
I've been using the creative G3 for years on PS5 because the mobile app eq is so easy to use, even vs my more expensive G5, SMSL, Topping, and Steelseries dac/amps. I assume it uses a lower end amp chip than the X5, and doesn't have a bluetooth mixer, so this thing is interesting.
Thanks Joe! Quick question, if I wanted to drive HD800S for footstep/Warzone positional accuracy on PS5 should I get this X5 or Schiit Hel or something else? I don't mind upping the price point as long as it's compatible with PS5 and gives me at least fractional improvements on footstep positional accuracy.
@DrJLF, did I ever respond to your question elsewhere?!? If not, I am so, so sorry. Thank you for the super thanks, as that was extremely generous of you as well. I'm not sure if you went with either yet, but the Schiit HEL has a lot more power and a lower output impedance. On PS5 though, the X5 has the ability to provide custom EQ in case you want to adjust the sound profile at all. They are both great with imaging performance. Email me if you need anything else! joe@gadgetrytech.com
thanks for the detailed review. Have you tested it with a Powered USB C Hub to check how it impact the performance? If this doesn't cause distortion it could extend the usability to mobile devices like smartphones
Great review. Do you know if direct mode and the 3 eq preset settings work if it’s not plugged into a PC or PS5? I was thinking of using it on Xbox but taking the sound from the controller with a splitter and sending the audio through the RCA cable provided to the back of the X5. Headphone output to the headphones of choice and have a separate microphone going into the splitter at the controller. A workaround for Xbox users. Only thing that is making me hesitant is the popping noise you mentioned.
We can’t implement a function similar to the game/chat mix on the PS5 on the X5, not via pc app nor mobile app. It requires the ability to separately adjust the volume of sound from USB and optical sound. I can see the optical channel adjustment in the app, but there is no separate audio adjustment from USB of PS5. It's a shame, it kills this card as a gaming card if you play in parties with optics on PS5. G3 can do that, G6, X4 and GC7 can. But the flagship cannot.
Hi,may I ask a question ？ ,Because I wish to buy ×5 for singing use the loopback function recording music. So I need to know ×5 will support loopback function？？ Microphone and stereo mix(what u hear) will work together same time or can not? And the ×5 use sidetone headset will support mic monitoring? ？hope reply me. Thank you so very much.🙏🏽
Thank you for this. I have the x4 and am fairly happy. Just curious anyone know if a firmware update fixes the popping noises mentioned here and other reviews?
Is that good for connecting a PC to a Stereo Amplifier? How good is the audio quality through the RCA at the back of it? Is it the same quality as the headphone outputs on the front? How does this compare to the Creative Soundblaster AE-9, the only other soundcard with an RCA output. Or is it best to use a 3.5mm to RCA and connect the headphone jack to a stereo amplifier?
I do not use headphones, I want to use passive bookshelf speakers, and I don't have any amplifier. I want to solve the problem of having a crappy integrated sound card in my computer, and not having an amplifier to power my passive speakers. Is the Sound Blaster X5 an adequate solution for this? Remember: I do not use nor will ever use headphones.
No, I would not consider something like this for that. You would want something with an integrated speaker amp. The suggestion would vary greatly depending on speaker selection and other needs, as well as cost.
Greetings again. Having now used Sonar for COD MW2 and this amp, would you still recommend Sonar and Direct Mode on the amp or use this amp EQ for the game?
I ordered one device at release and it had weird noises coming out the 3.5 mm headphone jack. But it was only audible when turning on the EQ, which was really odd. IT also had an extremely loud hiss, which confused me a lot. So I ordered two more devices to make sure, that I haven't gotten a broken device. It had the same weird noises coming out of thatheadphone jack, but each device had a different level. I also plugged it into different usb ports on my high end pc and into other rigs as well. Nothing changed. Also ASIO didn't work at all. Couldn't select it most of the times and when it was recognized by the plugin, I couldn't change the sample rate at all, which lead to a huge delay. Is that problem solved by firmware updates by now? I still want to buy this device, because it would be a nice upgrade from my CG7.
Thank you so much for this review, I'm not sure if I understood correctly the point about the USB power cable, Did you say that you got better sound quality with the original USB cable than with another cable? or otherwise? thanks so much for the clarification. I connected my SB-X5 with the original cable to a USB 3.2 gen 2 port, with Sennheiser HD 560s headphones and EQ adjustment I am very happy with it (Gaming and Music)
Man I got an X5, and I really wish I didn't. My audio degrades into static after several minutes of use. Firmware update did not fix it and now I am stuck with a 300 dollar stand for my G6.
I didn't find any sugarcoating here. You just tell it how it is in a detailed way. Most channels are the opposite, and I never watch them again. Will you review the X5 vs. the X G6 for music?
HELLO I HAVE A QUESTION , hope u help me : i have mac mini m2, monitor samsung neo g8 , logi dock to use audio and the creative X4 , and a playstation 5. i connect my logi dock to mac with usb c , but how to use audio from the ps5 ? because if i connect the ps5 to thelogi dock i have to disconnect my mac from the dock . i thought to solve it buying the creative x4 , but i cant understand how to solve the problem . can u help me ?
Nice review. What is the best sounding headphone amplifier to use with a PC for maximum 800US$. Going to use it with my Sennheiser HD-800S for gaming and listening to Hi-Fi
I have the dt990 headphones and I have to have the volume turned up to 85 percent to feel like there’s enough volume is there a way to turn it on high gain or something?
I honestly just love your content Joe, keep em coming! Sidenote - have you ever thought about doing a footstep EQ video with multiple headsets for a few popular titles? Personally I have the h6pro closed back, VZR model one, and Maxwells on the way and would love to see your EQs for Battlefield 2042, Warzone, etc. thanks!
kind of odd that creative went with the echo/reverb processing for virtual surround.. i have the x7 le, i dont hear that processing on my model.. i know how this fake surround, sounds like.. i have the astro a40 with astros soundcard "older gen" that also uses the echo/reverb approach and IT DOES NOT SOUND GOOD.. it almost sounds metallic and muddy, ruins the whole audio landscape..
Such a shame that the smart volume no longer works as a real time dynamic compressor. Was hoping to retire my Sound Blaster Z and fully move to an external solution. I guess im still stuck with the SBZ + Topping DX3Pro
Smart volume still work on the sound blasterx g6. But you have to make sure you’re running it with the earliest firmware update. For some reason in 2020 they changed the way the smart volume slider works. It only brings quite sounds up and down with the slider. I’ve tested it on the gc7 and the new x5. Also has the same problem.
Great review. I just had my third Sound Blaster E5 battery swell up and die on me and it looks like they discontinued that thing. My favorite thing about it was having a decent EQ and the battery helped stiffen it for better bass etc. This X5 would have ticked all the boxes but only running on USB power is a big turnoff. Any suggestion for a DAC that has some solid EQ functionality that I could plug into something like a Schiit Magni? Looks like I'm outta luck with all-in-one options. Just using it for my PC so portability isn't an issue and I don't need the footsteps modes etc.
the review is amazing cause we love tech, but omg is so many things for at the end people lose so much time adjusting and lost in so many things and forget to play/listen music. I was in this hole in my Sound Blaster Dac, EQ and all, now for me is no, my time worth more, i just never trust in Creative products.
I at the very least wished it had more power for better sound, and more inputs like an X4, because other than that, seems like it's ***almost*** there, and it frustrates me for that reason.
Hi, I love your reviews and explanations. if I activate scout mode or other optoins that are activables on the pc/Mac only, it Will reamain activated after switched for ps5, or they Will Reset as default automatically? thank you in Advance
When X5 is connected to a console you can only use the functions present on the app: Equalizer, Direct Mode and Mixer. Maybe the other functions need software drivers to work.
Chipstead sound is identical it's only plus is its a true desktop multi in device that sits on tne desk all the time the dac amp set up are basically the same
thanks for the review - to much junk on a device and I'm looking for a more gaming specific device. I have the GX 5 since it came out - got the GX 6 but sent it back as it did not sound as good, it was like a down grade. The new X5 looks really big as well.....to big. My Son has the X7 and he told me to stay away from it due to numerous sound issues. My GX 5 still sounds very good and I hear foot steps real good in Apex Legends along with easily switching to movie settings for movies. It's so old though was really just looking for something new but it seems the sound side of things really don't change much in terms of upgrades like graphics cards. Again thanks for the review.
