[wadec22]

Anyone read/see anything on when we can expect to see this guy?  Looks like the closest thing to an Essence with cmss-3d, I want one.

 

[Dalamar]

Why would you want to give Creative money? They have only recently started making acceptable cards, and they've always had crap drivers.
They actually threatened to sue the guy that posted the fixed driver mods. Such an ungrateful, former monopoly don't deserve anyone's money.
 
At least their profit isn't as large when you buy an Auzen x-fi.

 

[majestic12]

I've seen them for sale here in Japan, and they don't look too bad.  While it is nice to have switchable op-amps and most of the components on the card are better than anything else they've had in the way of an X-fi card (well, the Creative ones at least, with exception to the plastic shielding), at best it would only be comparable to a Xonar Essence for most uses.  I am currently using an Elite Pro, but my next sound card of choice will be the Essence.  If you really want one, you can always get one imported though!   Do you have any friends in Asia (preferrably military so they can ship it at domestic rates)?

 

[Dalamar]

Uh, the card apparently costs $100 more. Sorry bro but an X-FI dsp chip is not worth $100 over the ASUS.
Not even when you consider how fail ASUS's drivers are.

 

[RadiatedAnt]

forget the whole lot, I went with HT Omega Claro+ and haven't looked back

 

[majestic12]

Here in Japan, their costs are the same (19,800円+/- approx. 210-220 USD).  For an extra hundred bucks, it would be a terrible deal for sure.  Even at the same price, the Essence is a better value.  It's hard to argue with a better card, even if the other has the CMSS feature.

 

[pmc64]

I think a mod on Creative's forum said there might be some available in September.

 

[wadec22]

thank you for  a helpful post.
Quote:

I think a mod on Creative's forum said there might be some available in September.