Creative Unveils the Sound Blaster E5 USB DAC and Headphone Amplifier

[Cristian_25H]

Creative Technology Ltd today launched the Sound Blaster E5 - Flagship of the "Sound Blaster E-Series", and a new audio solution for USB DAC and headphone amplifier. Boasting audiophile-grade specifications and components, the Sound Blaster E5 is designed to deliver bit-perfect audio, allowing mobile users to experience audio as the artists intended.

The new flagship product is an extension of Sound Blaster's E-Series line of compact portable USB audio solutions. Launched in May 2014, the Sound Blaster E-Series includes the Sound Blaster E1 and Sound Blaster E3.





Retailing at an amazing price of USD199.99, the Sound Blaster E5 will be showcased and available for pre-order at COMEX 2014 from 28 - 31 August 2014 at the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, Hall 601, Booth 6141 and 6801.

"We have always believed that everyone and anyone should have access to great audio quality and be able to share it, while supporting audio source from various devices - including iOS and Android devices, PC, and Mac. While the video experience of many users today have greatly advanced from HD to 4K resolution, the audio experience on the other hand is still sub-optimum - if 4K TV is four times clearer than Full HD, CD-quality audio, which many listen to today, is at least six times poorer than what 24-bit/192kHz high-resolution audio can offer. This is why we have introduced a top-notch audio solution featuring only the best audio components to provide the "4K TV" experience of audio," says Low Long Chye, General Manager for Sound Blaster Audio at Creative. "Listen to your favorite tracks with a good pair of headphones through the Sound Blaster E5 and you will be able to pick out finer details and greater depth of music - as if you were listening to the artist or orchestra performing live." he added.

Audiophile-Grade Components and Specifications
Designed to deliver pristine audio quality, the Sound Blaster E5 is packed with premium-grade components and supported with top-notch specifications:

• Cirrus Logic (CS4398) 120dB DAC supports high resolution audio playback of up to 24-bit/192kHz when connected to PC/Mac, including 24-bit/88.2kHz and 24-bit/176.4kHz
• Cirrus Logic (CS5361) 114dB ADC delivers high quality, low noise analog line-in audio playback and audio recording of up to 24-bit/192kHz
• Texas Instruments (TPA6120A2) 600Ω headphone amplifier is capable of driving audiophile-grade headphones, with full and detailed clarity
• USB 2.0 Host connectivity allows streaming of high quality, lossless digital audio from Android and iOS (up to 24-bit) devices while on the go
• Asynchronous Mode USB Audio greatly reduces jitter and allows accurate high-resolution audio data transfer from the computer
• Features a convenient switch that allows users to select a high gain output required for high-impedance headphones
• Gold-plated audio connectors create precise contact for low signal loss

Connectivity Options
The Sound Blaster E5 boasts a full range of connectivity options for smartphones, tablets, PCs and Macs.

• Digital High-Speed USB 2.0 connectivity to PC/Mac as a powerful external Sound Blaster
• Digital USB Host connectivity to select iOS/Android models for direct high quality, lossless audio streaming
• Built-in rechargeable 3200mAh lithium polymer battery provides users up to 8 hours^ of playtime while on the go
• Features wireless Bluetooth 4.1 Low Energy connectivity and Near Field Communication (NFC) technology for one-touch Bluetooth pairing and control
• Supports HD audio codecs such as aptX Low Latency and AAC for a wireless connection as good as a wired connection
• Connects to entertainment devices such as televisions and game consoles via the optical input jack
• Features a line-in option for analog connectivity to other various audio sources
• Dual headphone jacks allow for simultaneous audio listening

Other Great Features

• For additional real-time audio enhancement for music, movies and games, the built-in multi-core SB-Axx1 multi-core audio DSP allows users to activate Sound Blaster's intelligent processing capabilities via the SBX Pro Studio suite of technologies - all at a touch of a button. It can also be switched off when listening to lossless audio
• Built-in beamforming CrystalVoice microphones for audio recording and calls
• Supports dual orientation mic recording - automatically detects and reacts to landscape or portrait orientation of the device, allowing for better audio recording
• Total audio control over Sound Blaster E5 on any platform - PC, Mac, iOS or Android. The Sound Blaster E-Series Control Panel for PC/Mac users, while the Sound Blaster Central mobile application for iOS and Android devices gives users full access to customise their audio settings, like a remote control right in the palm of their hand.
• ASIO support allows for reduced latency for a higher resolution audio experience
• Comes with a detachable holder to prop the Sound Blaster E5 up for Skype calls or mounted onto a mic stand for recording

Pricing and Availability
The Creative Sound Blaster E5, priced at USD199.99, will be available from October 2014 at the online store at sg.store.creative.com.

View at TechPowerUp Main Site

 

[bogami]

CS4398-Dynamic Performance is 114-120dB- 24bit -max Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise 107-100dB at 0 dB and 57 dB at -60dB with 24 bit .16 bit 37dB-60dB THD- on converter and how much the additional loss is difficult to assess.
So you want praising with the best results and i does not know which standard is used.
Sound good to my ears not eyes , and only through listening is possible to estimate
sound quality. Do not fall victim of false advertising.

 

[MadMan007]

...the audio experience on the other hand is still sub-optimum - if 4K TV is four times clearer than Full HD, CD-quality audio, which many listen to today, is at least six times poorer than what 24-bit/192kHz high-resolution audio can offer.

*facepalm*

 

[1c3d0g]

No, no and...no. For a real "upgrade", consider iFi's Nano iDSD or newly released Micro iDSD. These are examples of equipment reaching true audiophile DAC's/AMP's territory:

http://ifi-audio.com/

For those crazy enough to want the best of the best, money-is-no-object machine, so far nothing beats Chord's HUGO:

http://chordelectronics.co.uk/products-info.asp?id=92

 

[Mescalamba]

Heh, compared to ASUS Essence One? This is just mainstream at best..

 

[Bansaku]

No, no and...no. For a real "upgrade", consider iFi's Nano iDSD or newly released Micro iDSD. These are examples of equipment reaching true audiophile DAC's/AMP's territory:

http://ifi-audio.com/

Without even listening to, or at the very least read a review, which impossible considering the product isn't even out yet, you make a judgement. What are you 16? iFi make killer gear, no doubt there, but you look like a troll/fanboy by making this statement...

 

[Jetster]

The question is what does BumbleBee think?

 

[Nordic]

The question is what does BumbleBee think?

You did it wrong. The question is what does @BumbleBee think?

 

[sifu]

No, no and...no. For a real "upgrade", consider iFi's Nano iDSD or newly released Micro iDSD. These are examples of equipment reaching true audiophile DAC's/AMP's territory:

http://ifi-audio.com/

For those crazy enough to want the best of the best, money-is-no-object machine, so far nothing beats Chord's HUGO:

http://chordelectronics.co.uk/products-info.asp?id=92

The E5 does use a very high end DAC(CS4398), companies like ALO audio use this chip, comparable to the ESS9018, time will tell how well they implemented it, I don't see any output information, all we get to know is 600ohm, into what? 30mW would be realistic if they aren't showing proper stats, anyway this is the first time i've seen one of these gaming peripheral companies use such a high end chip.
Interesting product the Micro iDSD, quite a powerful amp inside, would be interesting to see how it handles hiss though, silent background noise is important to me.
P.S i own the Chord Hugo, without a doubt the best portable device money can buy.

 

[damric]

I just need a little something to boost the volume of my music from my motherboard to my Audio Technica headphones. Is this a good option?

 

[erixx]

So these sort of niche devices are for some sort of niche headphones that do not work "well" out of the box? And people walk around with...wait three high end gadgets (player, dac, headphones).... to just listen music??? The Alien space invaders are not in outer Space, they have already landed! Djeezus...

 

[BumbleBee]

The question is what does BumbleBee think?

I think this is a bad press release lol

this is a really cool portable device

http://www.practicaldevices.com/

 

[jagd]

Hard to know without a review from a credible audio expert /review site .You may want to look Fiio products also , may be fiio E09K if you want desktop , or E07K or E17 for portable ,they have a lot of model with good price to performance ratio.

I just need a little something to boost the volume of my music from my motherboard to my Audio Technica headphones. Is this a good option?

 

[1c3d0g]

Without even listening to, or at the very least read a review, which impossible considering the product isn't even out yet, you make a judgement. What are you 16? iFi make killer gear, no doubt there, but you look like a troll/fanboy by making this statement...

Odd. I have one in my possession (Micro iDSD). The Nano iDSD has been out for ages. If you frequent high-end audio forums (Head-Fi), you'll read about first-hand experiences from the owners of the above-mentioned devices, too.

No, I'm not 16. But judging from your ill-informed comment, YOU must not be that far off the mark...

 

[Mussels]

I think this is a bad press release lol

this is a really cool portable device

http://www.practicaldevices.com/

i came here just to find your comments on this.