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Creative Sound BlasterX AE-5

Photos - Sound Card Creative Sound BlasterX AE-5
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Outdated Product
Type: gaming; Form factor: internal; Interface: PCIe; Channels: 5.1; Additional power; DAC resolution: 32; Max. sampling rate (kHz): 384;
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Creative Sound BlasterX AE-5
Main
Typegaming
Specs
Form factorinternal
InterfacePCIe
Channels5.1 / virtual 7.1 /
AudiochipBlasterX Acoustic Engine
StandardsX-Plus, Scout Mode
Additional power
DAC
DAC resolution32 bit
Max. sampling rate384 kHz
Dynamic Range122 dB
More featuresheadphones amplifier
Inputs
mini-Jack (3.5 mm)1
Outputs
mini-Jack (3.5 mm)4
Optical S/PDIF1
Added to E-CatalogAugust 2018
Operation in 384 kHz/32 bit mode. 122 dB dynamic range. High quality multi-channel sound. High quality headphone preamp. Support for high impedance headphones. Aurora Reactive lighting sync.
The information in the model description is for reference purposes.
Always clarify the specifications and configuration of the product with the online store manager before purchasing.
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Might be a bit pricey, but it will change systems, following the owner.
25 August 2021 
Because of it, now I have a home PC on mITX WITHOUT a video card (its slot is occupied by the sound card). Essentially, the manufacturer positions it as "for headphones." The headphone output is different from the speaker output. The former has a wider dynamic range and power reserve.
Unveils and makes my 20-year-old SOLO-3 work in this mode.
-=- Took the AKG k272 hd based on reviews as headphones that do not introduce distortions to the original sound. Pleasure delivered.
Direct mode + 32/384 + flac...
There is an issue with the microphone input. I haven't looked into it thoroughly because the built-in microphone on the motherboard suits me.
Goliaph nopeuse Creative Sound BlasterX AE-5 more than year
to purchase for lovers of music and games. for those whose acoustics are not cheaper than the card itself
25 May 2020 
Supreme sound! after x-fi xtreme music the sound is amazing. Doesn't strain your ears. balanced throughout the entire frequency range. z didn't listen.
the card itself is a virtue!
i didn’t notice / maybe, but not a single glitch in a week
Ilyause Creative Sound BlasterX AE-5 less than month
normal model, nothing special
18 May 2020 
After the Creative Z, the sound seems too sharp, piercing.... it didn't work for me. I hoped to get an increase in sound quality (the acoustics are Dali Opticon 5.1), and it seems like there's a good DAC, and people praise it in reviews, so I decided to buy it, but in the end, the sound seems somewhat synthetic. I'll go back to the Z or ZxR.
Beautiful appearance
Sound
Maks Kuznecovuse Creative Sound BlasterX AE-5 less than month
3 out of 5 user review(s) shown
2 more user review(s)
Video reviews

Special product for connoisseurs

Sound BlasterX AE-5 is positioned by Creative as a special product designed for the most demanding gamers and just lovers of high-quality sound. The sound card is characterized by advanced hardware, the presence of an RGB backlight system and thoroughly developed software. It costs as much as a professional or audiophile hi-fi card, but it sounds just as good.

High-quality SABER DAC and top-end headphone preamp

The AE-5 is based on the BlasterX Acoustic Engine, which uses a SABER32-class DAC capable of up to 384kHz/32bit with 122dB dynamic range and ultra-low distortion. There is support for 5.1 mode (and virtual 7.1), a chic XAMP headphone preamp (maximum impedance of 600 ohms) and a standard set of inputs and outputs (4 3.5 connectors, an optical output and a headphone output). As bonuses, we have the same Aurora Reactive backlight synchronization, which will come in handy for owners of transparent cases and an excellent set of software with a huge number of settings.

Is it worth it to overpay? Yes!

All things considered, the most controversial part of the Sound BlasterX AE-5 is the $200 price tag. This is 2 times higher than the popular Asus Strix Soar and Creative Sound Blaster Z. Is it worth paying extra for ephemeral sound quality? In general, this is a moot point, someone hears the difference in sound between different wires and distinguishes MP3 from WAV by smell. Most people will have to use an audiophile sound card, elite Hi-Fi acoustics, etc. to hear the difference. And all this costs very decent money.

Completely new gaming experience

But in the case of the Sound BlasterX AE-5, it seems to be worth paying for: even with an inexpensive gaming headset, the Sound BlasterX AE-5 sounds wonderful. In games, everything hoots, bangs and rattles with incredible clarity and positioning in space. Especially if you use the headphone output with a preamp.