From the X-fi to Z - worth it for stable drivers, especially under Win 8.1

I had enough of my X-fi Music (SB0460). A little hanky and it worked - until recently. Even previously installed some Windows Updates and since then no sound, ask yourself if everything is as usual detected. With drivers invested enough time - it had something new here and I decided for the Sound Blaster Z (SB1500).

Test Equipment

I've a bit for testing needed because I changed not only map, but also the output device. At first I was annoyed over the map, then I realized, however, that the new Logitech Z3 used despite the high sales figures of yesteryear sounds pretty bad. Otherwise, however, I still have my newer Tritton AX180 Headphones and was able to compare the sound.

Version

First, the question arises in the Sound Blaster Z whether bulk or retail. Retail is a clear visual improvement with a beautiful red chassis and red LEDs and also offers a desktop microphone. The 10eu charge it was me but not worth it.

Appearance

Compared to the Music (SB0460) card looks the much smaller and less populated. The research revealed that even the sound Prozesser in "3D-core" is nicely packaged, but not cooled and is also less powerful. The red-bordered Plastic is so just marketing. In this respect, the Sound Blaster SB1500 Z is a downgrade.

Settings

The settings in the Console are somewhat scarce. In 0460 you could adjust especially the bass well. Nevertheless, the possibilities of SB1500 are quite effective. Personally, I noticed the set of the regulator rarely immediately change the sound. Only when I heard AX180 with the high points of the bass negative Nebengeräsch (as if someone purely blow). When Z3 I had in front Into the subwoofer completely shut ask because this pops otherwise unpleasant (but now is still clearly audible). By SB1500 with its bass control, I now have a bass that I like.
The Sourroundeinstellung is commendable. I am erwisch me to turn again, because I meant a speaker in the corner listening to.
Dialog Plus: Well, I've been hoping for more. I once David Guetta live @ iTunes Festival belongs (which of course does not fit) and then I heard the crowd as the music. That was an interesting phenomenon. In a series I've noticed no big difference. If one of the regulator too high, the sound very distorted.
Krass was the scout mode with the AX180. In Unreal Tournament 2004 Onslaught I heard the hidden enemy behind the objects. The sound is much more detailed and also the Bas I liked. With the Z3 no trace was left of it.
Instgesamt I need to create five profiles. With the X-Fi I had settings that always fit. With the Z I find no general attitude. I'll have a profile on the wrong content, it sounds to me disgusting.

Driver

The installation went very smoothly, incidentally (Win 8.1 Update 1 without).

Conclusion

I am now happy in. The money was worth it, though not excessively. I would be satisfied even with X-Fi, might have been even more pleased.