My very first SBLive soundcard was the value version that came out a few years ago. Since then, there have been many other releases but I knew I had to get the latest ones that came with 5.1 Dolby Digital decoding built-in. Refer to my earlier review of the SBLive to read about the standard features, which is pretty much the same:

http://www.epinions.com/cmd-review-7250-1FDD7298-39EBA104-prod3

So what's different about this one? Aren't they all based on the same chip and therefore have the same features essentially? Well, since I got the value version, I also added a DVD drive to my computer. While my old 4-speaker setup worked pretty well and PowerDVD could downmix the 5.1 audio to 4 speakers, there was something sorely missing. My DVD player/creative DTT2500 setup in my living room showed me the difference between 5.1 speakers and 4 speakers. With 4 speakers, you get a pretty good immersive effect, but 5.1 speakers further separate the sound sources and create the ultimate surround environment for watching DVDs. You get clearer speech which comes out of the center speaker and also more thumping, non-distorted bass.

Note that PowerDVD also comes with its own DD5.1 decoder, but in order to enjoy 5.1 output, you need a 5.1 card that sends out the center/subwoofer streams as well, i.e. any card in the Creative 5.1 family. You also need a set of speakers that will accept 5.1 input, i.e. the creative DTT2200 or the DTT3500.

Recently I added optical outputs to my mp3+ 5.1 by purchasing an output plate from Hoontech for about $15. This is an absolutely fantastic upgrade, for now I can record songs from my PC to my MD player optically. For those of you who don't want to buy the Platinum just for the optical output, this is a cheap way to do it.

Creative just keeps coming up a more and more complete product, building on the success and quality of its original cards. I won't be surprised if their next line comes with DTS decoding!


Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 90