X-fi Elite Pro - $189.99 AR

[Sederien]

So buy.com has the Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Elite Pro Sound Card (http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=204959669) for $189.99 after $70 MIR and free shipping.

...

And I'm actually considering it for hooking up to a MIDI keyboard. Certainly a nice deal -if- you use most of the features. (Which is something I have yet to decide.)

[Sederien]

Note to potential buyers:

This is not the same card as the XtremeGamer or Music with a larger breakout box. It is a better overall card with a range of connection options. Though I haven't been able to figure out how it compares to the Prelude or X2.

http://www.nvnews.net/reviews/creative_sb_xfi/images/x-fi_comparison_chart.jpg

[vixro]

The prelude has much better sound, but less features if you want a *very* simple way to understand it. The Prelude is like the Fatal1ty xtremegamer without the bay, remote control, but with much better sounding opamps, dac, caps, and other parts.



Specifications

Key Components

Creative X-Fi CA20K audio processor
One AKM AK-5394 super high performance 96kHz 24-bit ADC for analog input
Four AKM AK-4396 96kHz 24-bit advanced multi-bit DAC for analog output
64Mbytes of memory for audio processing
High fidelity audio OPAMPs for analog input and output (TI OPA2134)
Front L/R output OPAMP is replaceable by end-user (National LM4562NA)
Dual mode S/PDIF receiver and transmitter
Audio Performance (Rated Output @ 5Vrms, Typical Value)

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (20kHz Low-pass filter, A-Weighted)
Stereo Output : 120dB (part spec)
Front and Rear Channels : 120dB (part spec)
Center : 120dB (part spec)
Subwoofer and Side Channels : 120dB (part spec)
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise at 1kHz (-3dBFS, A-weighted) : 0.001% - part spec
Frequency Response (+/-0.01dB, 24-bit/44.1kHz input ) : 20khz (part spec)
Frequency Response (+/-0.01dB, 24-bit/96kHz input ) : 43.5 khz (part spec)
16-bit to 24-bit recording sampling rates: 32, 44.1, 48 and 96kHz

IO Connectors

One 3.5mm MIC input connector in rear panel
One 3.5mm line input connector in rear panel
One 4-pin AUX connector on board
Four 3.5mm 8 channel line output connectors in rear panel (FL/FR/C/SW/RL/RR/RSL/RSR)
One S/PDIF combo input connector in rear panel for receiving either coaxial or optical digital
One S/PDIF combo output connector in rear panel for transmitting either coaxial or optical digital
One 10-1pin front panel connector on board for MIC input and headphone: more
One 40-pin digital extension header on board to support AD-Link and other digital functionality



The prelude is purely for audiophiles that like to game too. Your music producing features are limited.