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X-Fi XtremeMusic - Repair or replace?

post #1 of 5
1/23/10 at 5:41pm
Thread Starter 
I have an X-Fi XtremeMusic (not Xtreme Audio) that I purchased ~3-4 years ago. It crapped out for some reason which I could never discern, so I ended up going back to onboard sound.

I just built a new rig and tried to use it--no luck again. I get error code 10--Device cannot start.

I've done some digging and found no solution...I reinstalled the drivers more times than I can count (this is a fresh install of Windows, too!) New chipset drivers, disabled onboard sound...etc.

So, I have two options:
1) Send it back to Creative for "Repair/Replacement." There's a $25 fee for this, which (if I opt to) will be applied toward a new model or the cost of the repair.
2) Scrap the card and buy something new.

The frugal part of me is leaning towards the first option, mainly because there's a chance I'll get by spending less than the replacement cost. That said, I might end up having to replace it anyway...and if that's the case, I'd STRONGLY prefer not to use another Creative product.

Any ideas on the cost ballpark for repair (or info on the Creative out-of-warranty repair service, in general?) Suggestions (<$100?)

Thanks.

TC
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post #2 of 5
1/23/10 at 5:56pm
Depends what you do, gamer? Auzentech or Creative (yes I don't prefer this as well but their drivers still the more stable of the 2 in the newer Windows atm). Some games but more music listening? Go with Asus, especially Essence line. Music and nothing else? Get a DAC, lots of suggestions on the Computer Audio forums here.

Less then $100? even for a sound card it's hard to get a good one, Auzen sometimes have deals with their cards and can be bought new under $100. Asus are usually expensive. Some of the external DAC can be bought less then $100, but there will be lots of reading on those, some off my mind are uDac and Monitor 02 US (cost a bit over $100).
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post #3 of 5
1/23/10 at 7:03pm
Return and repair has always been obscenely expensive. If you want to buy Creative again, however, it's not a bad idea to send it back and get an estimate.
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post #4 of 5
1/24/10 at 2:43am
You can easily buy a used X-Fi XtremeMusic on ebay for $25, a lot of recycling center selling them.
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post #5 of 5
1/25/10 at 6:52am
If you don't know what's wrong and you're not willing to fix it yourself, don't have it repaired. If it was as simple as a bad cap or a loose solder joint, I would say go ahead and do it yourself but you're going to waste money having someone else diagnose and repair it, you're much better off putting that money into something newer and better.
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