A phonetic difference but I could not make out. In my configuration is invalid anyway because the entire sound output is sent as DD stream via SPDIF to a receiver. Unlike the processor of my Asus Z87 Gryphon dominates the Sound Blaster Z Dolby Digital and DTS. This was my reason to buy.
Sonically are even with analog connection in stereo mode (tested on Magnat Supreme 800 with Sony DH540) yet worlds between the onboard sound and the Sound Blaster Z. This is not about me to the volume - which is in sound cards often confused with quality - but the pure sound. My hearing sensitivity after the SB cuts here better.
The configuration has passed without any problems with me. Nevertheless, I have to deduct one point here. Once you get to decide the supplied tool for updating display appears a download window will obviously be at 100% and but otherwise does nothing. Neither in the taskbar or anywhere else on the screen there is an indication that under the Download window confirmation screen will appear in which you will be asked if you want to start the installation. This window is small and hidden behind the Download window, who - as I first tingelt only by the Bude and besides still do some housework and therefore only back and again glances at the screen, could the error are not installing anything agrees. The programmer ever come up with the idea to put a window behind a window would never come to my mind.
My conclusion: In the rather poor micro, the LED laser fire and the cover I can do without. The card makes (at least for me) not qualitatively worse impression than the retail version. Since I like to forgo the colorful cardboard handed me the card along with CD. If the software even easier to use gäbs still a fifth star.
### Addendum: 08/01/2015 ###
Who plays with the idea of this sound card to buy, this should operate with Windows 10 know that it 10 (07.29.2015) has no function driver available for the release of Windows. This is been announced for August 2015 Creative Labs calls exact date yet, however.
Who continues to work on Windows 7 can still access safely, but who would like to upgrade on Win10 should first visit the support page of Creative Labs, now if a driver is available.
