Creative Labs Sound Blaster Extigy Sound Card

Features:

• Hook-up to your PC or notebook with the hassle-free external USB connection
• Experience high-definition audio with 24-bit multi-channel performance with 100dB SNR clarity
• Transform your PC into a home-theater system with Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound
• Enrich your listening experience with innovative EAX ADVANCED HD music enhancement tools
• Works with Windows 98 SE, 2000, Me, or XP with USB functionality

Accessories:

Creative Labs Inspire 5200 5.1 Computer Speakers (6-Speaker, Black)

Customer Reviews:

Very happy with it but software could be better [Posted on 2003-11-29]
I have owned the extigy for well over a year now and I must say I am very happy with it. I use it on a COMPAQ PRESARIO windows xp desktop along with Creative Inspire 5.1 speakers.

I have used the Creative Recorder Utility to record scores of albums from my casette tapes and even from free streaming Mp3s available in the web.

The Creative play center is not intuitive at all to use. It is a pain to keep the media library updated as my MP3 collection grew or shrunk.(specially since most of us store our mp3 collections in distinct sub-folders which the play center does not automatically recognize) Windows Media Player was easier to use. But Creative Play Center had two uses for me:

1. It saved me the trouble of buying an mp3 codec to Windows media player. I could convert wav files into mp3.
2. It allowed me to access the mp3 media library using the included Remote control.

Speaking of remote control, it is a handy thing but the remote control interface in the computer needs much to be desired.

I use a Belkins USB 1.1 Hub in my setup and have not thus far encountered any bandwidth limitation that we hear about in the other reviews.

Also bundled is a basic wave editor and a minidisc center. Havent used either to comment on their performance.

Wish they could improve the creative play center and the remote control interface. These are small glitches in an otherwise impressive product.

problems with midi in extigy.help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! [Posted on 2004-05-12]
I bought recently Extigy USB card, and I have a huge problem with midi. When I connect my midi controler trough this card, the midi recording is totally wrong. It changes rytms and records wrong music notes...does anybody know what`s wrong. Is it card, WinXP or maybe some settings?

Excellent!!! Creative, sell me another one! [Posted on 2004-08-24]
I have had the Creative Extigy for over a year, and I must say I'm extremely pleased with it. I use Creative's 4.1 speakers with it, and they work flawlessly and the sound is great. I can't think of many drawbacks for this device. It has practically every connection an audiophile could hope for. The only problem is the software... in that I mean that it is not updated for at least 6 months after the device is released. All in all, this is a smart investment and a supberb choice, especially if you use a laptop and want better sound. By the way, I run it on a Toshiba laptop with Windows XP Pro SP2.

An Excellent Product [Posted on 2006-02-01]
I've owned my Extigy for three years now and, knock on wood, it's working just like the day I bought it. I use it to interface optical and coax devices with my laptop, and it has yet to let me down.

I would recommend it unqualifiedly.

Clean sound, perfect for laptops! [Posted on 2006-10-12]
I use this sound card for my laptop since it's easy to setup. It sounds great and the installation process is hassle-free. Just put in the install CD and plug it in! An unexpected bonus is that it makes my games run a bit faster since the sound is no longer being processed through the CPU!

It supports Dolby digtal, 5.1 surround sound and EAX Advanced HD. What more could you possibly want? I would gladly recommend this card to everyone, gamers and non-gamers alike.

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