Hi guys,
I need to replace my Sound Blaster Z as there is no free pci express slots in my new board at the usable positions.
I'm familiar with the features of the X3 and X4, but which one is more stable software-wise? Are there any major issues with the newer Creative App? I've used Sound Blaster Command with my SBZ, I didn't have any major issues.
Thanks.
Posted Mar 26, 2023, 3:27 PM UTC
The X3 uses an Asahi Kasei AKM AK4458VN DAC. The X4 is using very old CIRRUS LOGIC CS4382 DAC.
They are nearly the same, and the X4 has lesser specs in some minor features.
I am using X3, and I'm happy, that I didn't decide to buy X4.
Wondering myself what the actual difference is.
What Hardware you want to drive anyway? Ive heard so far both are not that great with high Ohm Headphones.
Currently I have a HyperX Cloud Alpha headphone, but I want some speaker set in the future.
Difference is marginal and I've read somewhere that it's using the same audio chip as the SBZ, which was fine for me.
I'm just wondering if there is any major flaws with the newer Creative App as I only used SBC.
Not an issue with those Headphones since they are probably just 16 or 32ohm.
(The SBZ can power higher Ohm Headphones)
Iam looking for a external solution as well (also using a SBZ) where i can use my speakers via optical cable that i can switch simply but iam not quite sure if i get the X3 X4 X5 or something else.
If i would have to guess the usual issues here and there that shouldnt be a huge problem unless you do who knows what.
Maybe even the GC7 is something for you?
According to reviews it's 65 ohm (if I'm not mistaken, I'm not too familiar with audio stuff), is it an issue?
Maybe even the GC7 is something for you?
I don't need it's features, but I'd like a physical button to switch between headphones and speakers. Although I could map somehow that to keyboard shortcuts. And the G6 is on sale for €100. I really don't know now :D
You really don't have to worry too much about driving <100(ish) ohm headphones with pretty much anything. Certainly not with the X3 or X4, which are rated up to 600 ohm.
(Also, when it comes to the GC7 and having a button to switch between headphones and speakers, the GC7 has 4 programmable buttons and output switch is indeed one of the available options. I'm not saying you should get the GC7, but just for the sake of information I felt like mentioning it.)
sxfi amp / sound blaster x1 for your headphones, better amp and no broken software.
If you want the newer SW, go with the X4. It uses the Creative App instead of the older Control App. I just switched from the AE-9 to the X4 due to the same situation (4090 is too damn big). I gave the SXFI a try and didn't care for it, but the 7.1 discrete capability is great for tricking games into sending all 7.1 channels to the X4 for normal 7.1 virtualization into a pair of headphones.
Thanks. Yeah, 4090 here too. :D Also, most of the motherboards with good feature set, doesn't offer pcie slots on the bottom two positions. I'm really sad that I need to ditch my SBZ, but it is what it is.
Thanks for the info. What headphones do you use?
Sennheiser 650.
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