The alleged features are USB, 24 bit resolution, and
96 kHz data rate. These are prominently mentioned
on the device itself, on the box, and in the
advertising.

But in fact, you cannot send 24-bit data via the
USB to the DACs (digital to analog converters).
Similarly you cannot receive 24-bit data via the
USB from the ADCs.

(Internally the device does contain a 24-bit DAC,
but that's only so they can implement mixer gain
digitally, by sliding 16-bit data around in the
24-bit word.)

The specs claim 100 dB SNR (signal-to-noise ratio).
You would expect 98 dB from a 16-bit DAC, just
based on the mathematics. Presumably the
hype-mongers at Creative Labs rounded this
off in their favor to arrive at the 100 dB number.
In any case, you would expect a much greater number
from a true 24-bit soundcard.

So if you want to input or output 24-bit data
accurately via the USB, do not buy an Extigy.

But wait, there's more.

It is also apparently impossible to send data
via the USB to the DACs at 96 kHz, nor to receive
via the USB from the ADCs at 96 kHz. No reviewer
has every been able to get the device to output,
say, a 30 kHz sine wave via the USB.

(Apparently it is possible to route 96-kHz
data to the DACs, but only from some third
device via an S/PDIF connection, not USB.)

So if you want to play 96-kHz data from your
computer, don't waste money on an Extigy.

Creative Labs is being highly "creative"
(i.e. lying, or at least being highly
deceptive) when they claim "Simply connect it to the outside of your PC or notebook and experience stunning digital audio fidelity with Sound Blaster Extigy's 24bit/96kHz DACs"
http://www.americas.creative.com/products/product.asp?product=251

Thirdly, note that the input port has astonisingly
poor sensitivity. It can resolve a step of 22
microvolts, which is 5 times less resolution than
a typical cheap soundcard, and 100 times worse than
a decent 24-bit soundcard.


Recommended: No

Amount Paid (US$): 119.00