Creative Technology launched Sound Blaster X5, its latest USB DAC and amplifier sound card that ticks all the boxes on a discerning audiophile's gear wish list. Decked with class-leading components, breakthrough audio technologies, a comprehensive connectivity profile and sporting a premium look and feel in a sleek build, the X5 simply pulls out all the stops as a compelling audio solution like no other.

Sound Blaster X5 personifies the best of Creative's audio engineering and design expertise, equipped with audiophile-grade components to achieve exceptional audio quality. It is the first Sound Blaster to feature a dual-DAC design - 2 Cirrus Logic CS43198 DACs deliver high-resolution lossless playback in 32-bit / 384 kHz over PCM with ultra-high dynamic range of up to 130 dB SNR. These DACs can also decode audio formats in DoP128 and DSD256 for high-fidelity audio streaming. Audio distortion is practically non-existent with an oversampled multi-bit modulator for an incredibly low Total Harmonic Distortion rating of 0.00018%.

Last year, HiBy released the revolutionary RS6 digital audio player. The player laid the foundation of premium R2R-based Darwin Architecture for portable digital audio players for the brand. Bringing the legacy set by the RS6 forward, HiBy has released the latest RS2 portable digital audio player. With HiBy's in-house developed Darwin audio architecture, RS2 brings the goodness of R2R DACs with modern functions like adjustable FIR filter, Harmonic controller, NOS/OS Switch, etc. It is a pure audio player with the HiBy OS PureAudio version.

There is no Android, just pure musical pleasure awaits you with the latest RS2. HiBy has designed the RS2 with a compact form factor, packing a complete R2R array in a retro design. The player comes loaded with a specially tailored pure OS for a simplified user interface and menu structure. Based on the same Darwin Audio Architecture, the latest RS2 brings the R2R Resistor Ladder Network DAC Array to a more pocket-friendly segment. It is launched officially for $479 and is currently available on pre-order.

Creative Technology today launched Sound Blaster X1, the ultimate USB DAC and headphone amplifier which offers the heralded Sound Blaster Acoustic Engine technology, together with the multiple award-winning Super X-Fi Headphone Holography first seen in the iconic SXFI AMP. As small as a finger, it serves up a huge treat of multi-channel, high-resolution and immersive audio, with authentic reproductions down to the last detail, powered by a high-end 128dB AKM4377 32-bit DAC and Ti/Burr-Brown INA1620 dual audio operational amplifier.

Sound Blaster X1 is best used with PC and Mac, and with the Creative desktop app, users gain access to the Sound Blaster Acoustic Engine, where they can tap on the full suite of sound processing technologies to enhance their experiences for both work and play.

Creative Labs is a name that's as old as PC gaming itself—pioneering PC audio since its formative years. The Creative Sound Blaster line of sound cards helped generations of gamers realize the power of high-quality audio in competitive gaming—when you can hear what your rivals don't. Your GPU will only show you what's on the screen, but not enemies hidden around the corners. Most competitive games have audio cues such as footsteps, reload sounds, or taunts. This is where Creative's engineering steps in—the highest quality DACs, paired with the best DSPs fine-tuned for various genres of games; and a purpose-designed set of analog components that present that best possible sound-stage for gaming, as well as high-resolution lossless music listening for audiophiles.

Creative Labs partners with TechPowerUp to bring gamers special discounts on its entire range of gaming DACs and sound cards. The Sound BlasterX G6 is best suited for game consoles, such as the Xbox One/Series, PlayStation 4/5, Switch, and PCs. It takes in analog or digital (optical) input from your device, and processes it for high-quality amplified analog output, along with Game Voice Mix, Scout Mode, and more. The Sound Blaster GC7 supercharges game streamers' desktops, with studio-quality audio mixing controls right at your fingertips, along with Creative's top-of-the-line Super X-Fi audio circuitry. The Sound Blaster X4 is a powerful, well-priced USB DAC that works with all consoles and PCs, including most essential DSP controls right on the device. Still in two minds about whether you even need special gaming audio hardware? Check out our post on the topic aptly named USB Sound Cards Explained: Tech, Benefits, Do I Need One?.

Use the TechPowerUp-exclusive coupon code POWERUP15 to avail 15% Off on the entire range of DACs and sound cards from Creative, on the Creative United States online store. Offer valid until July 31, 2022.

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Sharkoon Technologies, an international supplier of high-performance quality PC components and peripherals, now presents the SB2. This is a successor to its popular sound card and features an accessible microphone mute and the quick and simple control of the volume. The sound card requires no drivers, enabling fast and easy use on all computers and laptops. In addition, thanks to the sound card, any headset or headphones with 3.5 mm audio plugs can be connected. The personalized configuration of the audio is made possible using the 10-band equalizer available with the software. The extra-large buttons allow quick and simple volume control and microphone mute.

An optional software to configure the audio according to personal taste and requirements can be downloaded from the manufacturer's website. In addition to virtual 7.1 sound, configurations can also be made using a 10-band equalizer. In addition, quick settings are available in the form of 12 preset equalizer modes. These can be used to tailor the audio to, for example, different styles of music.

ORICO unveiled a pair of innovating new storage and connectivity products over the last week. These include the TB3-S2 portable Thunderbolt docking station, and the PSSD portable SSD featuring fingerprint-based biometric security. The TB3-S2 is a compact multi-function docking station that measures 188 mm x 95 mm x 24 mm (WxDxH). It takes in a Thunderbolt 3 (40 Gbps) connection, and can daisy-chain it onward to another Thunderbolt 3 port with full 8K @ 60 Hz capability (depending on the input).

The box draws power from a 120 W power brick. Inside, you'll find two M.2-2280 NVMe slots that can hold up to 4 TB of storage. The display input from the Thunderbolt 3 port is put out as a standard DisplayPort 1.3. There are a boat-load of downstream connectivity options, which include two 10 Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (from which one is type-C), two 5 Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 1 type-A ports, a 60-Watt/15-Watt USB-PD port (purely for power delivery), a 1 GbE wired Ethernet interface, and a 2-channel audio with mic-input (USB DAC). Available now, the TB3-S2 is priced at USD $399.99.

Although we're going to try and cover all the newly launched Intel Z690 based motherboards more thoroughly before the retail availability date, we had a quick look already on what's on offer and we were struck by something rather odd when it comes to Gigabyte, most of their new boards only have two 3.5 mm audio jacks around the back. This is not limited to their cheaper SKUs, but is found through the entire product stack.

We're not entirely sure what's going on here and will check with Gigabyte once someone is awake that we can talk to about it, but we're fairly certain that this is going to cause a bit of a backlash from their customers. This was actually something we kind of saw in the leaked image of one of the Aero boards, as it didn't look like it had any audio jacks at all, but that wasn't the case. Instead, it seems to have something to do with Gigabyte's move away from the Realtek ALC1220 Intel HD audio based codecs that the company have been using for the past few generations of boards.

HyperX today introduced a new trim of its Cloud Stinger Core Wireless 7.1 gaming headset in Sony's favorite colors - glossy white with deep blue accents, matching the color scheme of the upcoming PlayStation 5 console. Compatible with both PS5 PS4 (all variants), and PC, the Cloud Stinger Core Wireless 7.1 features a USB DAC that processes virtual 7.1 surround audio, which it then passes on to the headset over 2.4 GHz RF. The headphones component uses 40 mm stereo drivers with 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response, 16 Ω impedance, 103 dB SPL/mW @ 1 kHz sound pressure level, and less than 2% THD. The uni-directional, noise-cancellation microphone does 50 Hz - 18 kHz response. On a full charge, the Cloud Stinger Core Wireless offers up to 17 hours of use. The headset weights 244 g. HyperX is pricing it at USD $79.99.

GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co. Ltd, a leading manufacturer of motherboards and graphic cards, continuing the success co-branding their Z390 product line with G2 Esports, is launching the latest Z490 AORUS ULTRA G2 motherboard. In order to satisfy the high-performance low temperature needs of professional gaming teams, the Z490 AORUS ULTRA G2 uses direct 12 phases digital power design and tantalum capacitor array, providing strong and stable power delivery and minimizing oscillation, bringing you the 10th gen Intel Core i9-10900K excellent high-class processor.

Daisy Chain memory routing and anti-interference design deliver improved memory overclocking and stability. As for Fins-Array II, Direct-Touch Heatpipe II and 7.5 W/mK LAIRD thermal conductivity pad alongside G2 Esports optimizations, we bring you an improved efficacy stabled user experience. In addition to ESSential USB DAC's vocal cohesion and immersive sound, it makes the Z490 AORUS ULTRA G2 Motherboard a must have for every pro player, even more so the best pick for any gamer at home assembling their own gaming PC.

Cougar today rolled out the Immersa Pro Prix gaming headset. A variant of the Immersa Pro from 2017, the Pro Prix features an upgraded C-Media sourced CMI6533X1 USB DAC with Xear3D 7.1-channel virtual surround, an upgraded pair of 50 mm drivers with a wider 10 Hz to 20 kHz frequency-response range (vs. 20 Hz to 20 kHz on the original), an upgraded headband design with better cushioning, an improved microphone muffler, and a slightly longer 2.5 m cable (vs. 2 m on the original). The headset is still driven by Cougar's UIX software that provides audio- and RGB lighting control. The headset's dimensions are otherwise unchanged. The company didn't reveal pricing.

Cougar finally got around to releasing the Phontum Pro gaming headset to the market, having unveiled it way back at the 2018 Computex, and announced it in December 2019. The Phontum Pro is an upscale variant of the Cougar Phontum, featuring a USB DAC in addition to the 4-pole 3.5 mm jack input. When plugged into USB, a single cable provides audio I/O and ARGB LED illumination around the cans.

The Cougar UIX software provides Azalia-USB class audio drivers, and a centralized application for audio- and lighting control for the headset. As a pair of cans, the Phontum Pro is stereo, with a pair of 53 mm drivers. A C-Media Xear3D DSP provides virtual 7.1 surround. The drivers provide 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response, 98 dB ± 3 dB sensitivity, and 32 Ω impedance. The mic features 9.7 mm of active noise cancellation, 100 Hz to 10 kHz frequency response, and -47 dB ± 3 dB sensitivity. The mic stock is detachable from the rest of the headset.

ASUS today rolled out the ROG Theta Electret, a premium stereo variant of the ROG Theta headset from 2019, featuring a hi-fi grade 120 mm electret driver in charge of reproducing extremely precise high and mid frequency sound; while a conventional 45 mm neodymium driver handles lows (bass). Both drivers sit in an airtight chamber. The headset is purely analog, and features conventional 3.5 mm jacks, and ASUS made sure to get rid of all digital components, such as the USB DAC and even the RGB-illuminated ROG logo. Thanks to the electret driver, the headset enjoys a wide frequency-response of 20-40,000 Hz. The detachable microphone, too, is fully analogue. The headset supports both single headphones+mic jack, and split 3.5 mm jacks. ASUS didn't reveal pricing.

At the 2020 International CES, Thermaltake unveiled a plethora of new gaming peripherals that include keyboards, mice, surfaces, and headsets. The star attractions here were the TK5 RGB keyboard and mouse. The keyboard has a dual-tone face-plate design that looks refreshingly new. You get a detachable cushioned palm-rest. The face-plate around the main key cluster and function keys are silvery aluminium, while one surrounding the numerical cluster, arrow and editing keys is contrasting dark aluminium. The TK5 uses a floating keycap design, with RGB LED element of each individual key producing a glow around the key. There's an acrylic RGB LED diffuser that runs along the periphery of the keyboard, too. Thermaltake is using Cherry MX Blue or MX Speed Silver switches.

The TM5 mouse is wireless, but can also be used as a wired mouse. As a wireless mouse, it supports 2.4 GHz RF (needs a dongle, but provides 10 m range and lower latency) and Bluetooth 5.0 (no dongle needed). The mouse features a palm-grip optimized ambidextrous design with 8 buttons in total. RGB LED embellishments include the scroll-wheel and an RGB element that runs along the periphery of the underside of the mouse. Under the hood is a 16,000 dpi PixArt PMW3335 sensor and Omron-made switches.

Creative Technology today announced the release of Sound Blaster G3, a portable gaming USB DAC Amp that marks the latest addition to the Sound Blaster revolution ignited 30 years ago. Designed and built with game console users in mind, Sound Blaster G3 is the first Sound Blaster that works directly on PS4 and Nintendo Switch via a driverless plug-and-play format, and is also compatible with PC and Mac. Palm-sized and weighing in at a mere 32 grams, it boasts a great balance of the fabled Sound Blaster audio signature, on-the-go customization and other nifty gaming features at an attractive price tag.

Creative Technology today announced the release of Sound Blaster X3, its latest addition to the illustrious Sound Blaster line-up of sound cards which ignited the PC audio revolution 30 years ago. A high-resolution USB DAC with multi-channel audio playback, it combines Creative's multiple award-winning technological breakthroughs - the famed Sound Blaster digital processing technology and game-changing Super X-Fi headphone holography - for a compelling solution which audio enthusiasts simply cannot ignore.

Sharkoon appeared quite ready to take a bite out of the competition at Computex 2019. They came to the show with a full assortment of cases, keyboards, mice, gaming chairs and even a mini USB DAC for gamers which was quite nice to see as it was unexpected and unique coming from Sharkoon. Dubbed the Gaming DAC Pro S, it packs a powerful high-resolution gaming DAC with TRRS microphone input. It can also act as a USB soundcard with headphone Amp for an immersive crystal clear audio experience. It is worth noting that it is compatible with Android on top of the Windows and macOS.

We were invited to take a look at the Kanto Audio suite at CES by their PR firm, and the brand itself has been on my mind for a while now- offering good quality powered monitor speakers at various price points. This year they are bringing out their new high-end TUK powered speakers, which were first shown off last year, and the entire spec sheet reads like a must-have for many audio enthusiasts, including yours truly. The TUK comes in white or black color schemes, is rated at 130 W RMS for the pair, and features AMT tweeters with 5.25" aluminium concave cone drivers coupled with an on-board DSP and a Class D amp.

I/O includes Bluetooth 4.2 with Qualcoom AptX HD and AAC codec support for those who need it, but most will end up using one of the several wired options encompassing optical TOSLINK, RCA and Phone inputs, a USB DAC for us PC users, subwoofer out, and a headphone jack. So if you fancy connecting a turntable to it to play some old vinyls, go for it! Oh, it also has a USB charger to use with portable media players as well. Read past the break for more on the TUK and other Kanto Audio products we saw this past week.

Cooler Master, a global leader in designing and manufacturing innovative gaming peripherals and computer components, today announces the addition to its audio line with two new gaming headsets, the MH751 and MH752. "We wanted to create a headset with a focus on audio quality, mic quality, and comfort. The MH751 and MH752 are a result of this vision. Both are light weight and can be worn hours on end providing unparalleled sound for all types of use." says Bryant Nguyen, Peripheral General Manager.

The MH751 headset offers high quality sound and a comfortable fit through its light weight yet durable and flexible construction. Leatherette ear cushions provide good sound isolation and a comfortable fit during extended gaming sessions. Its 40mm neodymium drivers provide full, well-balanced sound, while the removable mic keeps communication crystal clear.

Cougar launched three new gaming headsets and an external DAC this Computex, including the Phontum Pro, Immersa 2, Havoc BT, and Dive. The Phontum Pro is a step up from the original Phontum headset the company launched at CES 2018. While its design is practically unchanged from the original, the Phontum Pro features a circular RGB LED diffuser that lights up the grille of the cans. You also get virtual 7.1 surround DSP. It's compatible with Cougar's proprietary UIX software, which gives you virtual 7.1 processing, a graphic equalizer, and controls for the RGB LED illumination. The audio specs are otherwise unchanged from the original.

The Havoc BT is a pair of wireless in-ear gaming headphones, which you can use over Bluetooth 5.0. You get up to 8 hours of listening on a full battery charge, with each of the two earbuds embedding its own battery. Under the hood, these pack 10 mm graphene diaphragm drivers. The tips are made of memory foam that retain the unique shape of your ears. The Immersa 2 is an evolution of the original Immersa headset, which got an RGB LED upgrade with last year's Immersa Pro launch. What's changed are the new titanium-coated diaphragms inside the 50 mm drivers which produce a "unique" sound-stage; 35 mm thick ear-pads that are now made from memory foam, and a larger 9.7 mm microphone.

Zorloo is pleased to introduce its second-generation portable USB-DAC product, ZuperDAC-S, today. It builds on its wildly praised ZuperDAC to enable computers or mobile phones an unprecedented HiFi music experience. Today, computers and mobile phones are powerful enough to handle different audio protocols. However, the last but most critical step in the entire digital-to-analog conversion process, i.e. turning musical data 0 and 1 into audible sound waves, always sucks. Constrained by the limitation of this internal conversion process, audio may also have to be re-sampled to fit the pipeline.

Bypassing the internal conversion with ZuperDAC-S drastically improves sound quality to a new level. It supports up to 192kHz sampling frequency and 24-bit depth, which eliminates unnecessary sample rate and bit depth conversion. The music output from ZuperDAC-S is exactly what was recorded. ZuperDAC-S uses the ESS Sabre 9018 audiodac and delivers a stunning 120dB SNR and 0.0005% THD+N performance. It delivers a balanced, clear and articulated sound in a wide soundstage. The integrated headphone amplifier output can connect directly to headphones, or go through the amplifier systems.