Soundblaster E3?

[Deedot78]

Anyone purchase or ever demo an Sounblaster E3.  Seems to have respectable components, uses PCM5122 and MAX97220.  112db SNR and  capable of driving 600ohm headphones, and uses bluetooth for streaming from phone/tablet to cans?

[BoredErica]

Now is the time where I will pull a Creatip on you.

 

Specs are *very* tough to read for this kind of stuff. There are many ways to game the data, by listing specs measured under loads that would never be used IRL, or listing incomplete data on how the spec was measured.

 

Check out what NWavguy said about SNR ratings:

 

 

• Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR or S/N) – This is a more open ended method where both the noise figure and the reference signal level must be provided for it to be a meaningful number. The correct unit is dBr where the “r” means “relative” but it’s often just given in dB. Unfortunately, many manufactures don’t specify the reference level. When just SNR is specified with no reference you should assume it’s referenced to whatever the absolute maximum output level is for the device--the same as a Dynamic Range measurement. Sadly, that’s often not specified either (see: More Power).

 

Components are like dick size. It doesn't matter what you have, it's how you use it. ( :P )

 

"Driving 600 ohm headphones" means nothing and it's marketing bull. Basically all the specs you listed are marketing fluff because true specs are tough to read and the vast majority of consumers have no clue what any of it means. (And even if they did, they have no comparison because all the other companies are listing BS specs.) Measuring the specs yourself is very tough and parts of it require expensive equipment, and if you're in a position to understand all the fine details you already know what gear you should be getting before you started dissecting this card.

 

In the end though, what matters is achieving audible transparency - meaning the gear has low enough distortion/etc to the point where humans cannot detect it. Fortunately, a competently designed amp/dac can do this for under $500 easily. Even more fortunately, for most people onboard is a good solution. It's dirt cheap and most people can't hear a difference or don't care about the difference.

[Guest]

I'll also add that components are largely irrelevant. What matters is the implementation, which can have a greater effect on the sound than the components.

Point is, this thing is overpriced and the specs are not useful.

[BoredErica]

I'll also add that components are largely irrelevant. What matters is the implementation, which can have a greater effect on the sound than the components. Point is, this thing is overpriced and the specs are not useful.

 

Components are like dick size. It doesn't matter what you have, it's how you use it.

[Guest]

 

tldr

[creatip123]

Anyone purchase or ever demo an Sounblaster E3.  Seems to have respectable components, uses PCM5122 and MAX97220.  112db SNR and  capable of driving 600ohm headphones, and uses bluetooth for streaming from phone/tablet to cans?

 

Those 2 chips are child's toys compared to the PCM7152 and MAX8250 of the Asus Xonia (not Xonar). 130db SNR. Superb sound reproduction, crystal clear across all frequencies, big power/driving ability.

 

Only 1 weakness: they don't exist...

 

That's precisely my point. How did you judge that those 2 chips in the E3 are respectable (and presumably high quality output), when they just throw in some random part codes? Granted, by the big name Creative is, they won't be lying about the existence of those 2 chips (not like me), but are they really that good? Are they really that respectable, hi-end, audiophile grade (whatever that means), luxurious chips that guarantee bliss hearing experiences to the device?

 

The $800 AK120 uses Wolfson WM8740 DAC chip, which, judging by the prestige and the price, one would think it's a higher than high end super DAC chip. Turns out the $70 Fiio E10 also uses the exact same WM8740 chip.

 

Chips are actually dirt cheap:

- PCM7152: $6.64/pc http://www.ti.com/product/pcm5122/samplebuy#thisclick 'buy from TI'

- MAX97220: $0.75/pc http://www.mouser.com/search/refine.aspx?Ntk=P_MarCom&Ntt=195805943

Needless to say, they're significantly cheaper when bought in bulk.

[EndlessOyster]

My experience with creative is terrible, I personally refuse to purchase any of there products. A large amount of there products are just not as good as other companies for the same price.

[Deedot78]

Those 2 chips are child's toys compared to the PCM7152 and MAX8250 of the Asus Xonia (not Xonar). 130db SNR. Superb sound reproduction, crystal clear across all frequencies, big power/driving ability.

 

Only 1 weakness: they don't exist...

 

That's precisely my point. How did you judge that those 2 chips in the E3 are respectable (and presumably high quality output), when they just throw in some random part codes? Granted, by the big name Creative is, they won't be lying about the existence of those 2 chips (not like me), but are they really that good? Are they really that respectable, hi-end, audiophile grade (whatever that means), luxurious chips that guarantee bliss hearing experiences to the device?

 

The $800 AK120 uses Wolfson WM8740 DAC chip, which, judging by the prestige and the price, one would think it's a higher than high end super DAC chip. Turns out the $70 Fiio E10 also uses the exact same WM8740 chip.

 

Chips are actually dirt cheap:

- PCM7152: $6.64/pc http://www.ti.com/product/pcm5122/samplebuy#thisclick 'buy from TI'

- MAX97220: $0.75/pc http://www.mouser.com/search/refine.aspx?Ntk=P_MarCom&Ntt=195805943

Needless to say, they're significantly cheaper when bought in bulk.

 

Point well made.  Use case would be portable audio, during flights. NOT as primary audio, as i have a more than sufficient PC systems that serves me well.   I don't just automatically not check out new products just because the have a certain brandname (xfx,creative, PNY, ocz etc) you miss out on products that may change the trend and perceptions.  I asked had anyone ever listened or demoed the unit.  Not calling it a great product.  And i did a little digging and found a couple of reviews.    

 

http://www.head-fi.org/t/735438/creative-labs-sound-blaster-e3-review

http://www.inearmatters.net/2014/11/impression-creative-sound-blaster-e3.html