Final thoughts and HEXUS.awards
Reviewing the Sound Blaster X-Fi has been an interesting experience, though deciding on the scope of the review was difficult. The X-Fi Elite Pro has such an extensive range of feature that a Ryszard-style, 34-page beast could have been produced. However, being time-limited, we tried to focus on key points that would most interest site visitors, considering the user experience rather than technical figures. Conveying the quality of an audio product can be difficult. However, we approached the key features of the X-Fi with a level of cynicism. This, we hope, prevented us from imagining improvements that were not there; expect no change and witness it, rather than anticipate change and be convinced that it's really there.
So, ultimately you want to know whether X-Fi is worth buying? The Elite Pro version has such a huge range of features it's almost mind-blowing. But we'd say you'd have to use a fair few of them to get value for your £250. If you listen to the odd bit of music and play a game now and then through stereo speakers, X-Fi Elite Pro isn't for you. However, if you've clung on to your old sound card for too long and it's letting down your swanky speaker system - or you're still running onboard audio when, really, you use your sound system enough to justify an add-in solution - then chances are X-Fi will have an appeal.
For the gamer, there's the new EAX, which will no doubt be appearing in new offerings within a short space of time. The surround-sound headphone effects also mean you can avoid waking the parents/neighbours/whoever while still experiencing a quite realistic 3D audio gaming experience. Game mode on the X-Fi Elite Pro also proved apt for music playback, given its support for the 24-bit Crystallizer and stereo up-mixing. But choose Entertainment mode for a few more entertainment-specific tweaks. Then, there's Music Creation mode. This looks to have enough functionality to please the wannabe studio-recording-maker. However, this reviewer lacked the tools and skills to evaluate that mode.
What does that all this mean? Basically, the Sound Blaster X-Fi Elite Pro is for those demanding a hell of a lot from their PCs' sound systems, or who must have the most flamboyant, feature-packed solution - to flaunt, of course. The Elite Pro's I/O console is fantastic. Great to use and a wide array of connectivity. X-Fi Elite Pro is one hell of a step up from onboard sound in terms of functionality, and for some it'll be an appealing progression from their existing add-in sound solution. But, at that price, make sure you're going to make use of it.
To keep cost down, you could ditch the external console and go for one of the cheaper X-Fi cards – and still be getting selectable modes, 24-bit Crystallizer, CMSS-3D and so on. The Fatal1ty FPS edition comes with a 5.25in internal console and so does the Platinum. In neither case is there quite the same level of control as with the external console. They also have the remote handset, which we weren't particularly keen on.
Alternatively, go for the card-only Music edition, at around £100, and still with easy-to-use software to help tweak music and your gaming experience.
If you yearn for a better audio experience, particularly if you use onboard audio, then an X-Fi product will deliver noticeable benefits. Which package to choose depends on the features you'll use and how much you're willing to pay. If you already have a good add-in card, the question of whether to get an X-Fi is trickier. If you need and want what an X-Fi family member has, though, it's worth the outlay.
HEXUS Awards
