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Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Platinum
Features:- 24-bit Crystalizer enhances MP3s and movies to sound better than they do on their original CD or DVD
- CMSS-3D allows you to upgrade your MP3 music and movies into surround sound with headphones or multichannel speakers
- SuperRip allows you to rip your CDs into Xtreme Fidelity quality
- Delivers the fastest gaming performance ever seen, providing more than a 15% performance boost over motherboard audio solutions while simultaneously delivering full audio effects
- THX certified quality and unbeatable movie sound with DTS-ES and Dolby Digital EX decoding
Customer Reviews
Rating:  - Great sound, bad design
As far as audio quality goes, the card sounds great, but the design is terrible. Initially, I really liked the idea of the front breaker box and being able to use the remote control with it. That is pretty much why I bought it. Now I've realized it's basically useless. There is no reason to have audio outputs on the breaker box. You only need a headphone output and that's it. Inputs should be on the front box so you can plug in your digital camera, DVD player, etc, transfer your files, then remove it. The ONLY optical audio output is on the front breaker box. Since I have a case with a panel that closes, this means I cannot close the front panel. I actually had to take a drill, drill a hole in the case door in front of the optical connection, and then thread the optical input through it to use my case with the door closed. Anytime I want to open the case door, I have to remove the audio connection, open the door, then put it back in. I can't even begin to describe what a huge hassle this is.
Also, to use the remote you'll need line of sight instead of RF, so if you have a case with a front door on it t will need to remain open the entire time. The remote is awful anyway. It has a ton of controls on it, but only a few you'll actually need. I don't need 30 buttons on the AUDIO remote control for my computer. If I want to adjust the levels, I am going to do that from my computer, not from my couch where I can't see what I'm doing. The front breaker box also doesn't sit flush with your case, it sticks out a little bit and is bezeled. Not a big deal, but why not make it flush like the rest of 5.25" components? Lastly, the cable connecting the breaker box to the audio card is not a rounded cable, it looks like an old IDE cable. So it's going to take up space in your box and look bad.
If I didn't have speakers with an optical input and want to use that, I would just disconnect the breaker box completely, but at this price point, this card is designed for audio enthusiasts, and anyone spending that kind of money for the card is likely going to want to use the optical input.
Rating:  - Buying this card is a crap shoot
I'm sure this card is excellent for some people, but the complaints from nvidia motherboard owners holds true for me; I have tried 2 different amd/nvidia motherboards, and in both cases I had horrible crashing/freezing problems. These cards are expensive and I think unless you can verify ahead of time that the card will work in your system you are taking a big gamble.
Rating:  - ETA for drivers
"Due to additional requirements in the Windows Vista driver certification process, the release of the final signed drivers for the Sound Blaster range will move out beyond our initial projected date until early March. The current Beta drivers are still valid for use under Vista and are required to take advantage of the benefits of Creative ALchemy with the Sound Blaster X-Fi range to restore multichannel audio and EAX to your games. We appreciate your understanding for this change to the schedule as we work to bring you the best experience for your Sound Blaster series cards while adhering to the requirements of this new operating system."
From Creative's forums
Rating: - creative blaster X-Fi Platinum
i have not yet been able to fully play around with all of the feature. but from what i have seen so far is top notch. if your sound is not working, then go into your diagnostic and change your speaker setting. also i reccommend their cable for this sound card. i give it a four because i have not fully tested the product out.
Rating: - Creative X-Fi Platinum
I was lucky enough to find this audio component with a generous rebate. It outperformed by expectations under Microsoft XP (SP2), however I am having difficulties with the beta drivers from Creative to integrate this component in Windows Vista Home Premium. The console will not execute. Creative will not support tech questions on a beta product. I am at the mercy of Creative until they finish a final driver for the X-Fi Platinum. Great product when it works.
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