Creative Intros Sound BlasterX G5 71 HDA Portable Sound Card and Headphone Amp

[btarunr]

Creative Technology Ltd today announced the availability in the U.S., as part of the Sound BlasterX Gaming Series, the Sound BlasterX G5, a 7.1 HD audio portable sound card with built-in headphone amplifier. The Sound BlasterX G5 is an external sound card that comes with the built-in SB-Axx1 multi-core chipset for hardware accelerated SBX Pro Studio enhanced audio and transforms even basic stereo into 3D positional surround sound on your headset. The Sound BlasterX G5 also supports multi-channel content, delivering true 7.1 audio for ultra-realistic surround sound.

Built with precision audiophile components, the Sound BlasterX G5 is also a 24-bit/192kHz, 120dB USB DAC and headphone amplifier with 2.2 ohm output impedance for high fidelity playback -- driving studio-grade headphones up to 600 ohms and sensitive in-ear monitors. The illuminated volume control knob and dedicated SBX and Scout Mode buttons also allow for quick volume or audio adjustments during gaming sessions.

• USB plug-and-play functionality
• Dedicated SB-Axx1 audio processor
• 120dB DAC for 24-bit/192kHz playback
• Headphone amplifier with low 2.2 ohm output impedance supporting sensitive in-ear monitors and studio-grade headphones up to 600 ohms
• Cross-platform connectivity
• USB port for easy connection to additional USB devices such as mice or keyboards
• Integrated volume and audio enhancement controls
• Backlit 'X' logo and volume control knob

The G5 further expands the inputs and outputs found in today's onboard audio solutions, with the inclusion of options such as line-in and optical connections. The USB-Device port at the back of Sound BlasterX G5 offers another USB port that supplies the maximum output of 100mA, so you can plug in your gaming mouse or keyboard easily. The G5 support headsets with 4-pole connection, in addition to the dedicated microphone jack.

BlasterX Acoustic Engine
The Sound BlasterX Gaming Series also comes with the BlasterX Acoustic Engine software for PC that allows gamers to customize their audio profile to the game genres that they are playing. It is designed to intelligently decrease distractions and enhance essential audio details in games, giving gamers an added advantage. Gamers can now experience unprecedented levels of audio realism with immersive surround sound and bass boost - hear details you never knew were there! The full, customizable version of the BlasterX Acoustic Engine is available for the Sound BlasterX G5.

Pricing and Availability
Sound BlasterX G5 is priced at USD $149.99.

View at TechPowerUp Main Site

 

[FordGT90Concept]

I wonder how that stacks up to the Schiit Fulla. Fulla costs half as much and a quick look shows output impedance is much lower at 0.4 ohms. It looks like Sound BlasterX G5 has more power and is also capable of 192 kHz where Fulla maxes out at 96 kHz.

I wonder if the control knob is analog or digital.

 

[fullinfusion]

I wonder how that stacks up to the Schiit Fulla. Fulla costs half as much and a quick look shows output impedance is much lower at 0.4 ohms. It looks like Sound BlasterX G5 has more power and is also capable of 192 kHz where Fulla maxes out at 96 kHz.

I wonder if the control knob is analog or digital.

Oh good question, its hard to go up against a good Schitt

I've been looking into a good amp myself for a reasonable $$ but this has optical which I'm actually looking for. I think it might be a winner hey!

 

[xvi]

I have the Sound Blaster E5 and I'm curious to know what the differences are between these. One of my main complaints is that I've had this thing die on me while listening to music with it plugged in and charging (and battery life is only somewhat okay compared to a little Fiio E5 I had from back in the day).

Edit:

• General
• Audio ProcessorSB-Axx1™
• SBX Pro StudioYes
• Max. Playback QualityStereo Direct playback/recording sampling rates:
  24-bit / 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192kHz
  DSP playback/recording sampling rates:
  24-bit / 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96 kHz
  Mic recording:
  24-bit / 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96 kHz
  
  Optical In:
  24-bit / 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96kHz
• USB Audio Streaming from Mobile DevicesiOS Playback:
  24-bit / 96kHz
  Android Playback:
  16-bit / 44.1 kHz
• Max. Recording Quality24-bit / 192 kHz
• OutputStereo
• Max. Headphone OutputHigh Gain - 300-600Ω (Gain: up to 15 dB)
  Low Gain - 2.2-300Ω (Gain: up to 5 dB)
• Battery LifeUp to 8 hours
• Included AccessoriesmicroUSB cable
  Desk Stand
  Two Elastic Bands
  Mini TOSLINK Cable
• Key Features
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR)120dB (DAC)
• Connectivity Options (Main)microUSB
  
  Line / Mic / Optical In:
  1 x 3.5mm jack
  Headphone Out :
  2 x 3.5mm jacks
  
  Line / Optical Out :
  1 x 3.5mm jack
  USB Host Streaming:
  1 x Type-A USB Port
• CrystalVoiceYes
• Audio FidelityUp to 24-bit / 192kHz
• Audio CodecAAC
  SBC
  aptX Low Latency
• Bluetooth®Bluetooth 4.0 (Low Energy)
• Bluetooth MultipointTwo Devices
• Bluetooth ProfilesA2DP (Wireless stereo Bluetooth)
  AVRCP (Bluetooth remote control)
  HFP (Handsfree Profile)
• Operating RangeUp to 10m/33ft
• Near Field Communication (NFC)Yes
• Software & Compatibility
• Included / Downloadable SoftwareSound Blaster E-series Control Panel
• Supported Operating SystemsMac OS X v10.6.8 and above
  Windows® 10
  Windows® 8.1
  Windows® 8
  Windows® 7
  Windows Vista®
• Supported Smart DevicesiOS:
  iPhones/iPads running iOS 6.0 or higher for Bluetooth
  iPhones/iPads running iOS 6.0 or higher for USB Host Audio streaming via Lightning Port
  Android:
  Phones/Tablets running Android 2.3 or higher for Bluetooth
  Phones/Tablets running Android 4.1 or higher for USB Host Streaming*
  *Devices must support AOA2 protocol for USB Host Streaming
• Compatible PlatformUSB 2.0
  USB 3.0
  Bluetooth
• Microphone
• Microphone TypeBuilt-in Mic with auto-orientation sensor (Landscape / Portrait modes)
• Additional Features
• Dimension (H x W x D)74.0 x 22.0 x 110.0 mm (2.9" x 0.9" x 4.3")
• ASIOPlayback & Recording
• Mobile Applications
• App NameSound Blaster Central
• Supported PlatformsiOS, Android OS
• Recommended Usage
• Home EntertainmentYes
• Portable EntertainmentYes

• General
• Max. Playback QualityPlayback:
  24-bit / 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192kHz
  
  Optical In:
  24-bit / 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96kHz
• Max. Recording QualityLine-in:
  24bit / 44.1, 48.0, 88.2, 96.0, 176.4, 192 kHz
  
  Mic-in:
  24bit / 44.1, 48.0, 88.2, 96.0 kHz
  ~16kHz (Frequency Response)
• OutputStereo
• Max. Headphone OutputHigh Gain
  150-600Ω
  
  Low Gain
  32-150Ω
• Included AccessoriesmicroUSB cable
  Mini TOSLINK Cable
• Key Features
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR)120dB (DAC)
• Connectivity Options (Main)microUSB
  
  Line / Optical In:
  1 x 3.5mm jack
  
  Line / Optical Out :
  1 x 3.5mm jack
  
  4-pole Headphone-out with Mic:
  1 x 3.5mm jack
  
  Dedicated Mic In :
  1 x 3.5mm jack
• Scout ModeYes
• Headphone AmpUp to 600 Ohms
• Audio FidelityUp to 24-bit / 192kHz
• Software & Compatibility
• Included / Downloadable SoftwareBlasterX Acoustic Engine Pro
• Supported Operating SystemsMac OS X v10.8 and above
  Windows® 10
  Windows® 8.1
  Windows® 8
  Windows® 7
  Windows Vista®
• Compatible PlatformUSB 2.0
  USB 3.0
• Additional Features
• Dimension (H x W x D)110 x 74 x 22 mm (4.3" x 2.9" x 0.9")
• Weight145g (0.31lbs)
• Recommended Usage
• GamingYes

So, uh, just no Bluetooth? I use the Bluetooth feature a lot on mine.