I think the Prodigy 7.1e is a really good value. The discreet audio card market has quite a lot of competing products these days, and it’s really become a little bit difficult to choose a card, especially when all motherboards come with 7.1 HD audio built in. However, the Prodigy 7.1e is way above anything stuffed into a motherboard, even another X-Fi. The combination of features, quality DACs, headphones friendly, upgradable, and great sound quality, come together and make the Prodigy 7.1e a very good sound card, even though it is no-frills in terms of bundle.
However, sound performance is very good, according to RMAA. While not at the highest levels we’ve measured for 24-bit/96 KHz playback, it is better than most cards out there, and better than a good range of Creative’s own products. In listening tests the Prodigy has a very clean and clear high-end sound, no doubt attributed to the AKM DAC’s, with excellent detail, but slightly shy in bass oomph. Otherwise, the Prodigy is a snappy and cheerful sounding card.
It is also upgradeable with a socketed OPAMP, so if you have a preference, you can change it out. Speaking of, the dedicated headphone output is actually very good. Just for fun, I plugged in a pair of AKG K701 headphones and was pleasantly surprised at just how good the extra output is. If you have a pair of high-end headphones that otherwise might need an external amplifier, save a little cash and just use the Prodigy 7.1e!
I did encounter one problem with the card during installation, the PCIe stabilization tab is not a standard size, and of course, my DFI motherboard uses PCIe connectors with the stabilizing tab. It was a quick job for Mr. Needle Nose pliers, but double-check your motherboard for PCIe connectors that have the stabilizing tabs on them or not.
The X-Fi driver is very mature at this stage, and even though I'm pretty good at crashing things, the Creative driver was very stable. It also had one of the best Karaoke players I've yet seen, which is always a bonus in my book. I'm joking. But I'd like to sing the last bit of this review...
Since I'm a headphone gamer, the Prodigy 71e would be on my short list for the next build. Being one of the more rounded sound cards on the market means it also has plenty of bases covered for Home Theatre, just gaming, or just music; it's in there.
Bottom Line: I'm buying better headphones, to go with the Prodigy 7.1e!
Stuff That Is Always At The End Special thanks to AudioTrak for providing the Prodigy 7.1e, and to Hilbert for letting me write all these years.
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