Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium HD review

Soundcards and Speakers 106 Page 8 of 12 Published by

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Listening Tests

Listening Tests

Analog

  • Speakers: AV123 ElT525m
  • Amplifier: TCA Gizmo ClassD
  • Headphones: Sennheiser 595's

Digital

  • DAC: Beresford TC7520 DAC

Cables:

  • S/Pdif (optical): bundled Mini Toslink
  • Speakers: JPS Ultraconductor2
  • Interconnects: JPS Ultraconductor2

We built a few different systems types for testing.  Analog stereo speakers and headphones were tested in the various driver modes.  We also tested S/Pdif optical to an external DAC to verify feature availability such as CMSS-3D and EAX features over digital connection.

Notes: Audio is subjective; the results are from our systems using our media and listening with our ears.  Please take them as our impressions and understand that others will vary.

Music

Playback: We were interested in testing the new THX studio routines and although not fans of audio enhancers these routines have something to offer if used judicially.

The Tru-Studio surround sounds different then CMSS-3D.  This routine does offer a convincing surround field for headphones.

We will note that many feel CMSS-3D is better suited to games so these new routines for entertainment may be a welcome addition by some.

We tested many different styles of music and our tested tracks offered excellent soundstage and stereo imaging.  This card has a very big, powerful sound that is very musical.  We noted loads of detail and clarity while still maintaining warmth and emotion.  The bass region can punch and kick without becoming washed out or boomy in presentation.  The THX Tru-Surround speaker may be of great interest to bass heads as these settings enhance bass effects further. 

Recording: When considering the quality of the ADC on this card, we decided to check out the recording quality.  We tested a couple systems built from a guitar and Digitech multi-effect pedal and vocal tests using a studio microphone and preamp.

The guitar tests were great fun as we used the effect system connected to the cards line input to essentially turn the test system into a guitar amplifier with built in DSP effects.  We also used some effect present in the Audio Creation panel to add some extra flavor such as reverb and delay.

All in all the inputs tests were excellent, the recorded tracks sounded great and the modeled guitar sounded very realistic over the speakers and headphones.  Vocal audition was also impressive, although we had no singers in the test; the quality of the recording voice was impressive.  We also connected the microphone and monitored through a headset and the real-time recording sounded exceedingly true to life.  These tests were basically for some fun and to flex some of this cards new ADC muscle.

Movies

Ozzy Osbourne: Live from Budokan Live Concerts are great for audio testing as they are anything but perfect.  Great sources allow you to hear what you have, both good and bad aspects of your audio.

A little volume and this card produce excellent imaging for a live concert.  Bass, mids and treble all sounded really good and the card again brought out the musical aspects of the material.

We actually watched this DVD all the way through instead of just a few selected tracks as it sounded that good!

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

This is a fantastic movie, loaded with great audio effects and exceptional surround sound.  This movie was watched using headphones and the THX options to provide virtual surround.  Explosions offered overly loud effects but didnt bottom out or wash out.   All the weapons and effects in this movie sounded excellent and impressive.  The battle scenes offered very immersive effect with blasts and explosions coming from every direction. 

The THX Dialog setting was also tested and helped a bit but we feel it may be better suited to digital output connected to external digital surround hardware.

Gaming

Call of Duty: Black ops

Creative Labs SB X-Fi Titanium HDGreat timing, we ended up with the card and this game around the same time.  We don't want to spoil this game for those of you still waiting for their copies but this game has some impressive game play and it was further enhanced by this product.

The action is very fast paced in many places requiring precision directional audio to remain alive.

We found the Titanium HD allowed pin-point directional cues and relayed exceptional surround sound information no matter if we were using analog speakers, headphones or external digital connections.  The in game vehicles offered excellent sound also especially the Hind attack chopper.  This game was exceedingly immersive using this hardware.

Call of Duty 2

Although a dated game, COD2 still makes for some excellent audio testing.  We have always tested and used extensively modified sound packs for this game.  Improved weapon sounds, explosions and vehicles sounds.  Add in the new Titanium HD to the mix and this game produced some excellent, immersive audio.  The weapon sounds sounded brand new, authentic and offering character.  There is a tank sound we use in our COD2 that sounds very loud and mechanical and well, downright scary!

Cranking up the volume and hearing that beast rolling up on you and the gears moving the turret, makes you want to run, Incoming!

Live For Speed

Yes, we are gear heads also and Live for speed is a very fun racing simulator.  The cards detail and clarity allow you to hear layered sounds for the car engines.  Crashes, screeching tires and background music are all impressive.  Many races went by during testing as it is hard to stop playing when you are enjoying what you see and hear.

Yes, this card certainly has some impressive sonic muscle, how about we take a look under the hood and see where all this audio goodness comes from?

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