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Creative Sound BlasterX AE-5 PLUS

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Creative Sound BlasterX AE-5 PLUS
Suitable for:gaming
Number of channels:7.1
Interface:PCI-E
DAC bit depth:32 bit
ADC bit depth:24 bit
The sound card is based on the ESS ES9016K2M SABER32 Ultra DAC. The DAC supports a maximum bit depth of 32 bits and a sampling rate of up to 384 kHz, a dynamic range of 122 dB, a THD plus noise of 0.00032%.
The BlasterX Acoustic Engine sound processor consists of two chips: CA0113-4AG HF and CA0132-4AN HF. The Xamp amplifier, assembled from four L4562 chips, uses a dual mono circuit with four discrete BD139 transistors and four capacitors.
All specifications
Specifications Sound BlasterX AE-5 PLUS
Main
Featuresgaming
Specs
Typeinternal
InterfacePCI-E
Channels7.1
AudiochipSound Core3D
ASIO
Additional power / for RGB lighting /
DAC
DAC resolution32 bit
Max. sampling rate384 kHz
Dynamic Range122 dB
ADC
ADC resolution24 bit
Max. sampling rate96 kHz
More featuresheadphones amplifier / 16 - 600 Ohm /
Inputs
mini-Jack (3.5 mm)1
Outputs
mini-Jack (3.5 mm)4
Optical S/P-DIF1
Added to E-CatalogMay 2020
The information in the model description is for reference purposes.
Always clarify the specifications and configuration of the product with the online store manager before purchasing.
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Creative Labs Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus Internal 5.1 channels PCI-E

Hi-res PCI-e Gaming Sound Card and DAC with RGB Lighting. Dolby Digital Live. and DTS EncodingUPGRADE PROGRAM FOR SOUND BLAST... moreERX AE-5 CUSTOMERSCustomers who purchased the Sound BlasterX AE-5 (non-Plus version) directly from creative.com in the last 90 days now have the option of returning the product back to us. This option is only available to those who would like to upgrade to the Sound Blaster AE-5 Plus for additional Dolby Digital and DTS support.Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus-Now with Dolby Digital Live and DTS Encoding for more surround sound delivery options!Be one of the proud OPs showing off their gaming rigs on r/battlestations! The Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus is a perfect convergence between aesthetics and performance that features a SABRE32 ultra-class hi-res PCI-e gaming sound card and DAC with customizable RGB LEDs on its body. and comes with an included RGB LED strip. It also features our award-winning Xamp discrete headphone amp that utilizes a bi-amplification technology. as well as our full suite of industry-leading audio processing technologies including Surround Virtualization.Custom Xamp Discrete Headphone Bi-ampMaximize your prized headset's potential! Powerful headsets require audiophile-grade headphone amplifier to drive outstanding audio performance. and that's where Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus comes in. The hi-res sound card features Xamp. our custom-designed discrete headphone bi-amplifier.Typical Headphone AmpIn a typical headphone amp. your left and right channels are amplified all at once using the same amplifier IC.Xamp Headphone AmpIn Xamp discrete headphone bi-amp. each audio channel is individually amplified. allowing the Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus to deliver pristine audio fidelity in an unaltered lossless model to each earcup regardless of demand.It also features an ultra-low 1Ω headphone output impedance that can drive studio-grade headphones of up to 600Ω. including high-end planar-magnetic headphones.The end result? Silky smooth audio regardless of how dynamic or demanding the current audio scene may be. From times when you need a break from gaming. the Xamp also satisfies even the most demanding needs of audiophiles seeking for music in its original form. and appreciate music the way it is intended to be.SABRE-class DACThe Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus is a SABRE-class PCI-e DAC that is perfect for high resolution audio for games. music and movies. It delivers extremely clean 122 dB DNR audio stream at up to 32-bit / 384 kHz playback with ultra-low distortion and jitter.Aurora Reactive Lighting SystemEnjoy a symphony of lights and sound with the Aurora Reactive Lighting System! The Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus has customizable RGB LEDs on its body. and also features an included RGB LED strip. Program up to 16.8 million colors in different patterns with the free downloadable Sound Blaster Command software for PC.Surround Sound TechnologiesTransform your gaming audio into immersive. theatrical audio! On top of support for Dolby
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Creative 70SB174000003

SOUND BLASTERX AE-5 PLUS.High-resolution PCI-e gaming sound card and DAC with RGB lighting, Dolby Digital Live and DTS encodi... moreng.Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus:Now with Dolby Digital Live and DTS encoding to give you more surround sound output options.Be one of the OPs who can proudly show off their gaming rigs at r/battlestations Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus has a perfect combination of aesthetics and performance offering a high-resolution SABRE32 ultra-class PCI-e gaming card and DAC with customizable RGB LEDs in its structure, also including an RGB LED strip.It also offers our award-winning Xamp discrete headphone amplifier using bi-amping technology, plus the full collection of industry-leading audio processing technologies, including surround sound virtualization.Custom discrete Xamp headphone biamp.Unlock the full potential of your award-winning headphones.Powerful headphones need a high-quality headphone amplifier to deliver extraordinary audio performance, and this is where the Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus comes into play.The high-resolution sound card features Xamp, our custom-designed discrete headphone bi-amplifier.Typical Headphone Amplifier.In a classic headphone amplifier, the left and right channels are amplified at the same time with the same amplifier IC.Xamp discrete headphone amplification.In the discrete a very low output impedance of 1 Ω, which supports studio-quality headphones up to 600 Ω, including high-end headphones with planar-magnetic technology.The end result? Silky smooth audio in any audio scene, no matter how dynamic or complicated.For those occasions when you need a break from gaming, -classSound BlasterX AE-5 Plus is a SABER-Class PCI-e DAC perfect for high-resolution sound for games, music and movies.It delivers extremely clear 122 dB DNR audio streaming at up to 32-bit/384 kHz playback with ultra-low distortion and jitter.Aurora Reactive lighting system.Enjoy a symphony of light and sound with the Aurora Reactive lighting system.The Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus has customizable RGB LEDs on its housing and also includes an RGB LED strip.Program up to 16.8 million colors in different patterns with the free downloadable Sound Blaster Command software for PC.Sound Blaster Acoustic Engine.The Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus builds on the Sound Blaster legacy of audio processing and enhancements, available through Sound Blaster Command software.Sound Blaster Acoustic Engine is a fully customizable suite of audio processing technologies that delivers new levels of audio immersion and precision for the ultimate competitive advantage.These sound technologies create unprecedented levels of acoustic realism, including fantastic surround sound effects for your speakers and headphones.Scout Mode.Are you prepared for an unfair advantage? The Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus features Scout Mode, a technology that enhances important audio cues in games, such as footsteps or weapon switching sounds.This will allow you to determine the location of your
Tradeinn.com
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£104.99

CREATIVE Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus PCI-e Sound Card - Black

Scan.co.uk
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Creative Labs Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus Internal 5.1 channels PCI-E 70SB174000003

Hi-res PCI-e Gaming Sound Card and DAC with RGB Lighting, Dolby Digital Live, and DTS Encoding UPGRADE PROGRAM FOR SOUND BL... moreASTERX AE-5 CUSTOMERS Customers who purchased the Sound BlasterX AE-5 (non-Plus version) directly from creative.com in the last 90 days now have the option of returning the product back to us. This option is only available to those who would like to upgrade to the Sound Blaster AE-5 Plus for additional Dolby Digital and DTS support. Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus—Now with Dolby Digital Live and DTS Encoding for more surround sound delivery options! Be one of the proud OPs showing off their gaming rigs on r/battlestations! The Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus is a perfect convergence between aesthetics and performance that features a SABRE32 ultra-class hi-res PCI-e gaming sound card and DAC with customizable RGB LEDs on its body, and comes with an included RGB LED strip. It also features our award-winning Xamp discrete headphone amp that utilizes a bi-amplification technology, as well as our full suite of industry-leading audio processing technologies including Surround Virtualization. Custom Xamp Discrete Headphone Bi-amp Maximize your prized headset's potential! Powerful headsets require audiophile-grade headphone amplifier to drive outstanding audio performance, and that's where Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus comes in. The hi-res sound card features Xamp, our custom-designed discrete headphone bi-amplifier. Typical Headphone Amp In a typical headphone amp, your left and right channels are amplified all at once using the same amplifier IC. Xamp Headphone Amp In Xamp discrete headphone bi-amp, each audio channel is individually amplified, allowing the Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus to deliver pristine audio fidelity in an unaltered lossless model to each earcup regardless of demand. It also features an ultra-low 1Ω headphone output impedance that can drive studio-grade headphones of up to 600Ω, including high-end planar-magnetic headphones. The end result? Silky smooth audio regardless of how dynamic or demanding the current audio scene may be. From times when you need a break from gaming, the Xamp also satisfies even the most demanding needs of audiophiles seeking for music in its original form, and appreciate music the way it is intended to be. SABRE-class DAC The Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus is a SABRE-class PCI-e DAC that is perfect for high resolution audio for games, music and movies. It delivers extremely clean 122 dB DNR audio stream at up to 32-bit / 384 kHz playback with ultra-low distortion and jitter. Aurora Reactive Lighting System Enjoy a symphony of lights and sound with the Aurora Reactive Lighting System! The Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus has customizable RGB LEDs on its body, and also features an included RGB LED strip. Program up to 16.8 million colors in different patterns with the free downloadable Sound Blaster Command software for PC. Surround Sound Technologies Transform your
CCLonline.com
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£110.99

Creative Labs Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus Internal 5.1 channels PCI-E 70SB174000003

Hi-res PCI-e Gaming Sound Card and DAC with RGB Lighting Dolby Digital Live and DTS Encoding UPGRADE PROGRAM FOR SOUND BLA... moreSTERX AE-5 CUSTOMERS Customers who purchased the Sound BlasterX AE-5 (non-Plus version) directly from creative.com in the last 90 days now have the option of returning the product back to us. This option is only available to those who would like to upgrade to the Sound Blaster AE-5 Plus for additional Dolby Digital and DTS support. Sound BlasterX AE-5 PlusNow with Dolby Digital Live and DTS Encoding for more surround sound delivery options! Be one of the proud OPs showing off their gaming rigs on r/battlestations! The Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus is a perfect convergence between aesthetics and performance that features a SABRE32 ultra-class hi-res PCI-e gaming sound card and DAC with customizable RGB LEDs on its body and comes with an included RGB LED strip. It also features our award-winning Xamp discrete headphone amp that utilizes a bi-amplification technology as well as our full suite of industry-leading audio processing technologies including Surround Virtualization. Custom Xamp Discrete Headphone Bi-amp Maximize your prized headset's potential! Powerful headsets require audiophile-grade headphone amplifier to drive outstanding audio performance and that's where Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus comes in. The hi-res sound card features Xamp our custom-designed discrete headphone bi-amplifier. Typical Headphone Amp In a typical headphone amp your left and right channels are amplified all at once using the same amplifier IC. Xamp Headphone Amp In Xamp discrete headphone bi-amp each audio channel is individually amplified allowing the Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus to deliver pristine audio fidelity in an unaltered lossless model to each earcup regardless of demand. It also features an ultra-low 1 headphone output impedance that can drive studio-grade headphones of up to 600 including high-end planar-magnetic headphones. The end result? Silky smooth audio regardless of how dynamic or demanding the current audio scene may be. From times when you need a break from gaming the Xamp also satisfies even the most demanding needs of audiophiles seeking for music in its original form and appreciate music the way it is intended to be. SABRE-class DAC The Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus is a SABRE-class PCI-e DAC that is perfect for high resolution audio for games music and movies. It delivers extremely clean 122 dB DNR audio stream at up to 32-bit / 384 kHz playback with ultra-low distortion and jitter. Aurora Reactive Lighting System Enjoy a symphony of lights and sound with the Aurora Reactive Lighting System! The Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus has customizable RGB LEDs on its body and also features an included RGB LED strip. Program up to 16.8 million colors in different patterns with the free downloadable Sound Blaster Command software for PC. Surround Sound Technologies Transform your gaming audio into immersive theatrical
Quzo.co.uk
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£112.80
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Model overview based on user reviews  
The Creative Sound BlasterX AE-5 PLUS is a high-performance internal sound card designed primarily for gamers and audiophiles. Users appreciate its excellent sound quality, with many noting the enhanced audio details compared to built-in sound solutions like Realtek. The card features a 32-bit DAC with a 384 kHz sampling rate, providing a rich and dynamic sound experience. It supports Dolby Digital Live and DTS, making it ideal for gaming and movie watching. However, some users report issues with the card's stability, such as random disconnections and the need to reinstall it in different slots. The software offers extensive customization options, including equalizers and virtual surround sound, although it can occasionally glitch. The card also requires additional power for its RGB lighting, which some find unnecessary. Overall, while the AE-5 PLUS is praised for its sound quality and features, it may be considered overkill for casual users who do not require high-end audio capabilities.
Pros

Cons

0
3
3
6
don't fall for the marketing. It's better to choose the Z SE.
5 September 2024 
i am not an audiophile and thank you I can't hear how electrons run through oxygen-free copper wires. I like the sound card. But I succumbed to the influence of marketing, otherwise I would have bought a creative Z SE and even its parameters would have been enough for me to have fun for an hour or two listening to music. I practically don't play games, but the positioning is praised on the Internet, I don't argue with the excellent sound in games, new details, volume. Sound that lies beyond 16 bit 44 kHz is needed for those who work professionally with sound and need additional information for recovery and recoding.
two words good devil
32 bits is too much. Even 24 is too much unless you are a dolphin or a bat. The card heats up and the sound may disappear because of this. Reinstalling the card in another slot restores the sound.
music should be loved and listened to and not collected figures. I agree to purchase.
4 August 2023 
a bitter pill of truth, if you are not a music lover, then no matter how cool sound-reproducing iron you have, you will have dissatisfaction, you will not be inserted and pinned by music. there are people who are still rooting for patifons and gramophones, but I dare to notice you a little 32 bit 384 kilohertz. better buy a video card and shred the monsters.
pleasant sound for a person with normal ears. clever Linux silently picked up the sound from the speakers to the headphones switches to alsamixer /
this sound card does not know how to cross-stitch and erase. everything else for which it was done, it performs with a bang.
use Creative Sound BlasterX AE-5 PLUS week
good choice. Worth the money.
21 July 2023 
it's pleasant to listen to and replay music. There's no wow effect because good speakers are needed, but still, the sound is better compared to Realtek. I don't regret the purchase. I don't know if I would recommend buying it since everyone has their own hearing, so don't place the responsibility of your purchase on me. I like this sound card. If you're not an audiophile and can't hear electrons running through the wires, take a look at this sound card. And yes, there are sounds that weren't present on the Realtek. The sound in games has become richer. This card needs good speakers or headphones that are selected by listening in a store; only then will there be a wow effect.
good sound. Good detail. Fairly understandable software. Dynamic sound in games through headphones.
it's better to use direct mode, otherwise, the sound repeats.
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3 out of 12 user review(s) shown
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Video reviews

A new beginning

Creative Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus is an updated version of the basic sound card of the eminent Singaporean brand. Compared to the previous AE-5, it received support for hardware encoding of Dolby Digital Live and Digital Theater System multi-channel digital audio, which is widely used, for example, in computer games. As before, AE-5 Plus is made in the form factor of a single-slot PCI-E 3.0 x1 expansion card.

sound and light

In addition to being powered by a PCIe connector (25 W), Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus is connected to the Molex connector of a computer power supply. But it is needed not to power the audio path, but to operate the Aurora Reactive RGB lighting of the card casing and an additional LED strip supplied in the kit. It is with this in mind that Creative has listed the AE-5 Plus as part of its Sound BlasterX gaming line. In addition to the decorative function, the casing also performs shielding of electromagnetic interference.

Well-coordinated tandem

The audio processor of the BlasterX AE-5 Plus is Creative's own Sound Core3D. And the digital-to-analogue converter from the American company ESS, respected in the audiophile environment, is Saber 9016. This tandem results in solid even by the standards of a music lover, not to mention a gamer, 32-bit and 384 kHz of the maximum resolution of Hi-Res sound reproduction, quite wide dynamic range of 116 dB and at the same time a very low coefficient of non-linear distortion of 0.0009%.

Analogue and digital

The BlasterX AE-5 Plus interface panel has five analogue 3.5mm audio jacks: headphone, microphone, front speakers, rear and subwoofer. The headphone jack is made with four pins and allows you to connect headsets with a twin plug, the microphone will also work in this case. The sixth connector is digital S/PDIF. As a result, the Creative Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus is a top-end internal sound card by gaming standards and sound by audiophile standards. If you definitely need an external sound system with approximately the same functionality and sound quality, take a closer look at the Sound BlasterX G6.