Creative Labs X5 External Dual DAC USB Sound Card w/ S/PDIF, RCA, 3.5mm & USB I/O Ports

MX00126129 X5 External Dual DAC USB Sound Card w/ S/PDIF, RCA, 3.5mm & USB I/O Ports
MX00126129 X5 External Dual DAC USB Sound Card w/ S/PDIF, RCA, 3.5mm & USB I/O Ports MX00126129 X5 External Dual DAC USB Sound Card w/ S/PDIF, RCA, 3.5mm & USB I/O Ports MX00126129 X5 External Dual DAC USB Sound Card w/ S/PDIF, RCA, 3.5mm & USB I/O Ports MX00126129 X5 External Dual DAC USB Sound Card w/ S/PDIF, RCA, 3.5mm & USB I/O Ports

Product Info

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Sound Blaster X5 External Dual DAC USB Sound Card

Hi-res External Dual DAC USB Sound Card with Fully Balanced Xamp Headphone Bi-amplifier for Audiophiles

Audiophiles & Pro-Audio Lovers:
The Sound Blaster X5 External Sound Card Is Made For You!

Top Notch Components | Leading Audio Tech | Exceptional Audio
In a gist, this external USB sound card fires up to 32-bit / 384 kHz PCM playback at 130 dB DNR, and features dual Cirrus Logic™ CS43198 DACs, our custom-designed, fully balanced Xamp headphone bi-amplifier, and customizable DSP EQ functions!

On the connectivity front, the X5 comes with a USB-A Host port with USB audio that works with USB microphones and headsets, and even wireless Bluetooth® transmitters for wire-free audio.

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This is amongst a plethora of connectivity options such as TOSLINK optical and RCA connectors, so you can connect the Sound Blaster X5 to various platforms, including PC, Mac, PS5, PS4, and even your Sound Systems, AV Receivers, Set-Top Boxes, and DVD / Blu-Ray Players. If you are an audio enthusiast or have a discerning pair of ears, the Sound Blaster X5 is one of the best desktop audio accessories you'll ever need in your get-up.

Zero Compromises In Quality

Featuring not one, but two Cirrus Logic CS43198 DACs on the Sound Blaster X5, be ready for exceptionally high-resolution lossless playback in 32-bit / 384 kHz over PCM with ultra-high dynamic range of up to 130 dB DNR! These DACs are also capable of decoding audio formats in DoP128 and DSD256 to deliver high-fidelity audio streaming and acoustic details you cannot miss.

Features

Boosts Overall Product Performance

To enhance the Sound Blaster X5 for smoother operability, the dual microcontroller unit (MCU) design also serves to minimize inter-dependency between major components, reducing the risk of a single point of failure. This allows for improved efficiency with quicker response time between user interaction and device control, and boosts overall product performance.

Pure Audio, Pure Enjoyment

It also supports ASIO 2.2 playback and recording over USB and S/PDIF, so you can easily access multiple audio inputs and outputs at ultra-low latency, and enjoy audio in its purest form.

Audio Distortion? Almost Non-Existant!

Plus, with an oversampled multi-bit modulator utilizing mismatch shaping technology for incredibly low Total Harmonic Distortion rating of ~0.00018%, audio distortion is almost non-existent with the Sound Blaster X5!

The Perfect Headphone Sidekick

Sure, you have the most coveted pair of headphones, but are you truly maximizing its potential? The Sound Blaster X5 is engineered to bring out the best in any headphones, including yours.

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Exceptional With Studio Grade Headphones

This external sound card works with a wide range of headphones, with the capability to drive studio-grade headphones of up to 600Ω, including the most demanding high-end, open-back planar-magnetic headphones, as well as sensitive IEMs, with an ultra-low 1Ω headphone output impedance.

Silky Smooth Sound

Have a go at silky smooth audio that satisfies even the most demanding desires of pro-audio users! Sound Blaster X5 is equipped with our custom-designed Xamp discrete headphone bi-amplifier technology that drives each earcup individually via 3 stages of amplification circuits.

Fully Balanced Headphone Bi-Amplifier

How? Our Xamp technology works in tandem with the dual DAC ensemble to amplify the audio signals of the left and right earcups independently. This arrangement eliminates noise caused by in-circuit interference and keeps crosstalk to a minimum. The fully balanced audio can then be delivered through a 4.4 mm gold-plated headphones output connector for an accurate reproduction of the original audio content in its purest and authentic form, ensuring nothing but fidelity to satisfy your inner audiophile's desires.

Supports Virtual Surround Sound

The X5 is all about Pure, Clean Audio, but it also supports virtual surround on your Headphones; it deploys HRTF (head-related transfer function) algorithms onto audio streams for immersive, theater-like audio envelopment with realistic spatial audio positioning, to whichever content you choose indulge in.

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Now Wire Free, And More...

Go wireless with Sound Blaster X5? The USB DAC sports a Bluetooth receiver so you can stream high-quality audio from your mobile devices, Windows PC, or Mac to Sound Blaster X5 directly. At the back of the Sound Blaster X5, there is a dedicated USB-A host audio port, for you to connect to an optional wireless audio transmitter such as the Creative BT-W4 (aptX Adaptive) or BT-W3 (aptX HD) - so you can play high-definition audio wirelessly to your optional Bluetooth headset*. This USB-A host audio port** also works with external USB speakers, microphones, and headsets for extra flexibility.
* Optional Bluetooth Receiver must support aptX codec.
** USB Host Audio port supports up to 5Vdc @ 100mA USB Audio Class Device on PC, Mac and Console only.

But Wait, There's More!
Choose from a plethora of RCA and TOSLINK Optical connectors, a gold-plated 3.5mm Microphone-in port with an easy-to-access Mic gain knob, as well as a convenient USB-C audio port that also powers the Sound Blaster X5 via a single cable for fuss-free audio enjoyment. For versatility, the Sound Blaster X5 also features a ubiquitous gold-plated 3.5mm headphones port for easy connectivity to your commonplace unbalanced headphones and a gold-plated 4.4mm port for your prized balanced headphones.

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  • 1) Power
  • 2) Microphone Mute
  • 3) Bluetooth
  • 4) Microphone Gain Knob
  • 5) Display Button
  • 6) Headphone Gain Switch
  • 7) Headphone / Speaker Switch
  • 8) Direct / DSP Switch
  • 9) EQ
  • 10) PC / Console Switch
  • 11) Volume Knob

Make It Truly Yours

You are in full control to take your audio further. Make adjustment to the 10-band EQ frequency graph, select from a list of Acoustic Engine's pre-tuned audio profiles, or switch them off completely for clean, pure, unadulterated sound. Our Creative app offers you full customizability over what you wish to hear.

Download The Creative App

Make EQ adjustments on the 10 Band EQ Curve and save it as a preset on the device itself, manage multiple Acoustic Engine Profiles and presets, and access Sound Blaster technologies to enhance your audio.
Visit the Creative Sound Blaster X5 Download Page

Additional Information:

Visit the Manufacturer Product Web Page for Full Details

Download the Product Quick Start Guide

System Requirements

Windows OS:

  • Microsoft® Windows 11 / 10
  • 4+ GB RAM
  • 4+ GB of storage space
  • USB 2.0+ port

PS5:

  • Firmware Ver 20.02-2.26.00.00-00.00.00.0.1 or later
  • Available USB port

Mac® OS:

  • Mac OS X® 10.15+
  • 4+ GB RAM
  • 4+ GB of storage space
  • USB 2.0+ port

PS4:

  • Firmware Version 5.0 or later
  • Available USB port

Specifications

Make and Model Creative Labs Sound Blaster X5 External Dual DAC USB Sound Card
Part Number 70SB182000000
   
Sound Card Type Hi-res External Dual DAC USB Sound Card w/ Fully Balanced Xamp Headphone Bi-amplifier for Audiophiles
Channel 2.0 Channel Stereo Audio
Audio Technology Sound Blaster Acoustic Engine with Dual DACs
DAC 2x Cirrus Logic CS43198 High-Resolution DACs:
PCM Playback: 32-bit / 384 kHz
Supports DoP 64, 128
Supports DSD 64, 128, 256
THD: -115 dB
DNR: 130 dB
ADC DNR: 114 dB
THD + Noise: -105 dB
   
Headphone Amp Impedance Range: 16 ~ 600Ω
   
I/O Ports 1x TOSLINK Optical In port
1x TOSLINK Optical Out port

1x RCA Line-in port
1x RCA Line-out port

1x 3.5mm Mic-in port
1x 3.5mm Headphones-out (Unbalanced) port
1x 4.4mm Headphones-out (Balanced) port

1x USB Type-C port (from PC / Mac / PS4 / PS5)
1x USB-A Host Audio-out port

   
Headphone Output Unbalanced:
0.98 Vrms (60 mW) @ 16Ω
1.47 Vrms (65 mW) @ 33Ω
4.11 Vrms (112 mW) @ 150Ω
4.14 Vrms (52 mW) @ 330Ω
4.15 Vrms (29 mW) @ 600Ω

Balanced:
1.18 Vrms (86 mW) @ 16Ω
1.90 Vrms (109 mW) @ 33Ω
5.86 Vrms (313 mW) @ 150Ω
8.25 Vrms (206 mW) @ 330Ω
8.28 Vrms (114 mW) @ 600Ω

   
Audio Technologies CrystalVoice
Scout Mode
   
Power USB Type-C Bus Powered
   
Dimensions 129 x 129 x 40.6mm
Weight N/A

Package Contents

  • 1x Sound Blaster X5 External Sound Card
  • 1x USB Type-C to USB Type-A Cable (4.9 ft)
  • 1x Optical Cable (4.9 ft)
  • 1x 3.5 mm to RCA Stereo Cable (6.6 ft)
  • 1x Quick Start Guide
  • 1x Warranty and Compliance Leaflet