What is the best alternative to Creative Sound Blaster Z?

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score 5 · Answer 1

Creative Sound Blaster Audigy FX

Top Pro

Can easily fit in compact HTPC setups

This is a low-profile PCI-E card and comes with both a standard PCI bracket as well as a low-profile one. This makes the sound card really easy to fit in many PC builds, including HTPCs which sometimes can only accommodate low profile cards. See More

Top Con

May not be an upgrade over some motherboard audio solutions

The Audigy FX's feature set is quite basic, and some on-board solutions from higher end motherboards may already have similar, if not better features/audio quality. See More

Top Pro

May improve sound over older on-board audio chips

This is a great budget solution if you are having distortion or other audio problems with your on-board audio. The Audigy FX produces rich sound with very minimal distortion. See More

Top Pro

Can power high impedance headphones

Most headphones will be able to output adequate volume levels and good audio quality with this soundcard. The headphone out can provide enough power even for 600 ohm headphones, and can be a significant upgrade over your motherboard's headphone output. See More

Top Pro

Supports 5.1 speaker setups

This soundcard has the necessary analog out connectors for a 5.1 surround sound speaker system. See More

Specs

Audio Bit Rate :24-Bit

Surround Sound Speaker Support:Yes (5.1)

Headphone Amp:600 Ohms

Sample Rate :192 kHz

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score 1 · Answer 2

ASUS Xonar DX 7.1

Top Pro

Supports 7.1 or 5.1 surround sound

This sound card has connectors that can accomodate 5.1 surround sound speaker setups. Asus offers software which allows for virtual 7.1 surround sound for enhanced audio immersion over 5.1 surround. See More

Top Con

Cannot power high impedance headphones

This sound card does not have a headphone amp so high impedance headphones may have less-than-optimal sound quality and low volume output. See More

Top Pro

Produces clear audio with minimal distrotion

The audio from this sound card is clean and with very little distortion. Sound is also much fuller compared to many low-end on-board audio solutions. See More

Top Con

Requires additional power

You will need to connect a floppy-drive cable from your power supply to this sound card for adequate power. This can be an annoyance and can add cable clutter inside your computer. See More

Top Pro

Audio connectors should last a long time

The analog audio connectors in this soundcard are gold plated. Not only does this promote efficient signal transfer, but these connectors do not rust over time, improving their longevity. See More

Top Con

No separate connector for S/PDIF

The S/PDIF is connected to the shared line/mic-in with a separate adapter, which could be a problem for people wanting to use both digital and analog devices simultaneously. See More

Top Pro

Can easily fit in most PC builds

The sound card comes in a half-height PCI-E form factor. Also, a low-profile I/O bracket is included, making this sound card much easier to fit in compact HTPC computers. See More

Top Pro

Compatible with Linux

This is a good sound card option if you are on Linux. Asus has proper Linux drivers for this sound card. See More

Specs

Interface:PCI Express x1

Connections:4x Line-out, Shared S/PDIF Out & Mic/Line-in

Surround:7.1

Measurements: 25 cm x 17 cm x 8 cm

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