Creative Lab Sound Card
A: Auzentech sound cards challenge Creative Lab sound cards in features and sound quality.
At Auzentech, we began with the goal of creating sound cards that are the equal or better of any cards on the market. So we included surround sound technologies, direct optical connection to home theater receivers, and direct analog connections to multi-channel powered speakers. We wanted CDs and MP3s to sound better than ever before, with greater clarity and channels. With so many features, we are sometimes asked to compare Auzentech sound cards to Creative Lab sound cards.
Comparing features you do not understand can be difficult, or impossible. To help, we list below key technologies in Auzentech cards, and whether these technologies are available in a few leading Creative Lab sound cards. If you don't understand the technology, don't feel bad—just follow the link to the glossary definition.
Dolby® Digital Live real time encoding
The Auzentech X-Mystique sound card, X-Plosion sound card, and upcoming X-Meridian sound card all offer Dolby® Digital Live (DDL) real time encoding. In fact, the X-Mystique was the world's first DDL certified PCI soundcard. What about Creative Labs sound cards? The Sound Blaster ® Audigy ® 4, Audigy® 2 ZS, and X-FI do not support DDL.
Dolby Digital EX
All of the Auzentech and Creative Lab sound cards discussed here offer Dolby Digital EX.
Dolby Pro Logic IIX
Of the cards discussed here, only the Auzentech X-Meridian sound card will support Dolby Pro Logic IIX. Creative Labs sound cards such as Sound Blaster® Audigy® 4, Audigy® 2 ZS, and X-FI do not support Dolby Pro Logic IIX as of this writing.
EAX®
The X-Mystique sound card, X-Plosion sound card, and X-Meridian sound card all support EAX 2.0. The Creative Labs sound cards Sound Blaster® Audigy® 4, Audigy® 2 ZS, and X-FI provide support for EAX 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0.
DTS Interactive™
Of the cards described here, the Auzentech X-Mystique sound card and X-Meridian sound card support DTS Interactive™. Creative Lab sound cards Sound Blaster® Audigy® 4, Audigy® 2 ZS, and X-FI do not support DTS Interactive™.
DTS NEO:PC
Of the cards described here, the Auzentech X-Mystique sound card and X-Meridian sound card support DTS NEO:PC™. Creative Labs sound cards Sound Blaster®, Audigy® 4, Audigy® 2 ZS, and X-FI do not support DTS NEO:PC™.
Toslink optical output
The Auzentech X-Mystique sound card, X-Meridian sound card, and X-Plosion sound card contain an optical interface using Toslink connectors. Creative Labs sound cards Sound Blaster®, Audigy® 4, Audigy® 2 ZS, and X-FI do not support Toslink connectors as of this writing. Coaxial output is available on all the cards.
Conclusion
At Auzentech, we began with the goal of creating sound cards that are the equal or better of any cards on the market. And we think the result was worth the effort. But don’t take our word for it—the Auzentech sound card reviews and awards page will lead you to numerous articles that say how well we have done.
Links
Notes
Our focus has been to help you to compare key Auzentech selling points to a few leading Creative Lab sound cards. We do not contrast all features of all cards. For a more detailed treatment of Creative Lab sound cards, we recommend a visit to the
Creative Lab Web site. We have done our best to be accurate at the time of writing, but it is always important to perform your own research. Auzentech cannot be held responsible for changes in sound card specifications or unintentional omissions.
As of this writing, Creative, Ltd and Auzentech, Inc. are not affiliated. X-Meridian, X-Plosion, and X-Mystique are trademarks of Auzentech, Inc. All other trademarks remain the property of their respective owners.
Category: Soundcards. Date published: May 22, 06
