DAC/Amplifier Sound Blaster X7

 It's amazing how much interesting things managed to fit into the unusual case of the Sound Blaster X7. The digital-to-analog converter/amplifier has a built-in Dolby Digital decoder. Take a closer look at the X7 and it's clear that with its focus on making games sound richer and easier to interact with players, it's aimed primarily at gamers.

Price $600

Decoding limits

We were not quite satisfied with the Dolby Digital decoder. It manages well with simple soundtracks like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on DVD - but home theater fans will find Creative's approach somewhat half-hearted. X7 is not able to decode tracks in DTS, HD soundtrack formats from Blu-Gau discs are also not included in the program.

For multi-channel audio, you need an additional power amplifier or powered speakers; the line outputs are an odd mix of RCA (front channels) and 3.5mm (rear, center and subwoofer) connectors. For those who care about the quality of the surround sound, it is better to choose an AV receiver (for example, the Yamaha RX-V377 for $390).

The stereo quality of the Sound Blaster is also mixed. Our test unit came with an upgraded power supply. The standard version of the X7 will cost you $100 less, but it will be much more difficult for it to “pump” capricious speakers. Oddly enough, the difference in power between the two versions is small: in the standard it is only a couple of units less than the 22 watts per channel declared here.

All the features you need

The built-in DAC supports formats up to 24 bit/192 kHz. To feed a signal from a computer, you need a microUSB port, and from a game console or DVD player - an optical input. Full size USB 2.0 port for connecting Android and iOS devices; for its smooth operation, it is worth downloading the application for X7. Owners of analog equipment will have to limit themselves to one RCA stereo input. For wireless transmission, there is Bluetooth with NFC support.

Sound Blaster X7's connections are all right, but I would like to hear better sound from it. It has no serious flaws, but you will not get the pleasure that the price and the name of the manufacturer promise. The excellent NAD D3020 is comparable to the Creative in terms of features, minus Dolby Digital decoding, and costs the same.

We start testing with the editorial MacBook and Sennheiser Momentum headphones. The sound has tonal balance and a proper measure of sophistication. Detail is not bad, but in such parameters as elaboration, expressiveness of dynamics and rhythmic drive, Creative is inferior, for example, to AudioQuest Dragonfly for $350. We also tried more sophisticated headphones - the $700 Grado PS500 - to see how the Sound Blaster handled them; however, he is not talented enough to make a difference.

Various artists

The X7 is not too capricious when it comes to music of different genres, as evidenced by both Eminem's Mockingbird with 192 kbps and Hans Zimmer's The Dark Knight Rises soundtrack in 24-bit/192 kHz. The sound is quite pleasant and legible, but not quite developed.

The X7 app for iOS and Android gives you access to many useful features, but some of them enhance one aspect of the sound at the expense of another. The SBX switch on the front panel increases clarity and energy, but distorts the tonal balance, increasing the bass level to an unnatural level.

When connecting a variety of speakers - from the Wharfedale Diamond 220 and B&W 685 S2 to the PBX SCM11 - the character of the X7 sound did not change. It is not so bad, but it is not very transparent and meticulous. Even the version with a powerful power supply falls short of the price range standard in terms of dynamics and drive.

The equipment of Creative inspired hopes, but the sound quality did not justify them. If you can't get a big discount, it's better to choose another model.

FOR
Equipment; Bluetooth support; moving and tonally balanced sound; unusual appearance

CONS
Strong competitors in price category; lack of meticulousness and dynamic power

VERDICT Not bad, but inferior to competitors - for example, NAD D3020

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 TOTEM ACOUSTIC KIN PLAY ACTIVE SPEAKER  REVIEW

We present to your consideration a functioning speaker framework Totem Acoustic Kin Play.

Rehashed victor of numerous rivalries, laureate of various honors. Momentarily, it very well may be portrayed as follows - a ton of sound, the broadest exchanging abilities, very reasonable, taking into account that they are planned and made in Canada.

The framework comprises of two speakers, one of them is the expert, the other is the slave, just the expert requirements power, and the latent one is associated with it through a top notch acoustic link three meters since a long time ago, meshed, with connectors at the finishes. Acoustics permits you to associate practically any source; of the simple contributions there are: 2 x RCA (with exchanging either to a normal line input, or to a MM phono stage for interfacing a LP-player), an AUX input, carried out on a smaller than usual jack 3.5. Computerized optical information. You can likewise associate a functioning subwoofer to the speakers through a low-level result. Remote innovation is Bluetooth 4.1 with Qualcomm aptxHD support. During activity, it is feasible to change the HF and LF with the controller inside the reach from - 3dB to + 3dB.

The inherent enhancer with a drawn out force of 2x120W was grown along with the speakers, hence, this guarantees ideal cooperation between them.

 TOTEM ACOUSTIC KIN PLAY  Specification

The cone of the custom 5 "midrange/woofer is made of paper for great acoustics and pitch treated for support and toughness. The outcome is a strong, quick and melodic bass. The licensed vault tweeter permits the high pitch to sound definite, vaporous and exceptional normally.

By and large aspects (WxHxD) - 180x355x235 mm. Weight: dynamic - 7.2 kg, latent - 5.8 kg. Shading: matt dark. Like any self-regarding gadget, there is short out assurance ready.

Listening sources utilized: Bryston BCD-3 CD-player, Cambridge Audio 851N organization media player, Rega Planar 2 turntable, Iphone 6S. The material was paid attention to in various ways and in various characteristics. Incidentally, the ergonomics of this framework are at their best - everything is basic, clear, right. What ought to be noted. Above all else, the speakers require quality material. The best part is that they played FLAC from the Cambridge USB input. With Deezer (with the most recent firmware and establishment of the StreamMagic application, open to tuning in through the 851st became conceivable), obviously, it will be more fascinating than by means of Bluetooth, however! Everything is relative. An arrangement of aloof shelf speakers and a respectable enhancer will previously cost 2-3 times more. From kind inclinations - likely everything with the exception of weighty metal, this isn't their solid point. Jazz, traditional, blues, blues-rock, female vocals playing from a glimmer drive introduced these speakers well, I needed to pay attention to them perpetually. Arrangements from the assortments Rel Test and SPL sounded excellent.

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Klipsch R-28PF Active Floorstanding Speaker Review

Klipsch's new R-28PF speaker bundle goes above and beyond: retailing for $1,200/pair (yet with road costs nearer to $900/pair), this bundle joins a couple of fueled pinnacle speakers with straightforward preamp usefulness worked in to take out the requirement for the sound recipient by and large

The Hookup

Klipsch-R-28PF-back.jpgThe Hookup

Tipping the scales at a little north of 56 pounds each, these speakers most certainly aren't light, yet they were as yet reasonable to heft around and set up without assistance. The R-28PF stands 42 inches tall, and its bureau is a bass-reflex plan with a front-terminating port. Midrange and bass obligations are taken care of by two eight-inch copper turned woofers; and, in longstanding Klipsch design, a one-inch aluminum tweeter is set in the organization's protected Tractrix Horn. All out power is 260 watts; in every speaker, 20 watts go to the tweeter and 110 watts go to the woofers.

The R-28PF's association board highlights optical advanced, USB, and RCA line-level contributions, just as an implicit phono stage that acknowledges a MM phono input so you can plug your turntable straightforwardly into the speaker. A subwoofer yield is accessible, and Bluetooth with aptX is likewise underlying. An included four-pin speaker link interfaces the left and right speakers together to convey the sound sign from the preamp housed in the passed on speaker to the right speaker

Klipsch-R-28PF-remote.jpgKlipsch incorporates a straightforward remote with volume control/quiet, play/stop, the capacity to straightforwardly change the sub level, and committed buttons for each source, including Bluetooth

Performance

I don't regularly involve my telephone much for sound tuning in, as I have different media sources accessible. However, for this situation, I chose to start my survey by exploiting the speakers' inherent Bluetooth. Here, I explored different avenues regarding two or three forms of a similar melody to perceive how the speaker would respond. First up was the MP3 variant put away on my telephone. Michael's voice was smooth yet appeared to be disregarded. I was unable to hear a significant part of the nasally surface that I ordinarily hear.

Conclusion

Actually, I honestly love '80s rock. The huge hair groups were probably the best thing that emerged from the music from that time, and perhaps the most awesome aspect of "Beat It" is that it highlights guitars from not one but rather two of my cherished guitar legends. The cadence track was performed by Steve Lukather of Toto distinction, and the performance was performed by Eddie Van Halen. I haven't audited a speaker with horn-stacked tweeters in some time, and I felt that Eddie Van Halen's solo going through the R-28PF's tweeters would be a decent test. From the outset, the guitar solo sounded somewhat muffled and meager, while Lukather's power harmonies were everything except. Ordinarily sharp, splendid, and a crunchy metallic, here they sounded muddied and dull. Generally, it resembled there was a film overlaid on top of the music.

Website: klipsch.com

Price: $600

Klipsch R-28PF  Specifications

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION   /  Powered Floorstanding Speakers (pair)

FREQUENCY RESPONSE   /  33Hz - 20kHz

MAX OUTPUT   /   114dB @ 1M

TOTAL SYSTEM POWER

260W Total System Power (520W Peak) Bi-Amplified

Tweeter: 20W per channel cont. @ <1% THD+N

Woofers: 110W per channel cont. @ <1% THD+N

HIGH FREQUENCY DRIVER 1” (2.54cm) Aluminum diaphragm tweeter mated to

90° x 90° square Tractrix® Horn

LOW FREQUENCY  /   DRIVER Dual 8” (10.2cm) copper spun magnetically shielded IMG woofer

CROSSOVER FREQUENCY   /  1700 Hz (active)

ENCLOSURE MATERIAL   /   MDF

ENCLOSURE TYPE   /  Bass-reflex via front-firing port

INPUTS

• Bluetooth® wireless technology

• Phono/Line analog (with switch and ground screw terminal)

• 3.5mm analog mini jack

• USB digital

• Optical digital

OUTPUTS Single RCA line level output for connection to subwoofer

Dinmensions

HEIGHT, WIDTH, DEPTH 42” (106.6cm), 9.5” (24.1cm), 15.7” (39.8cm)

WEIGHT   /  56.67lbs (25.68kg)

FINISH   /  Brushed black polymer veneer

VOLTAGE   /  100V-120V / 220-240V selectable 50/60Hz internal power supply

with region specific power cords

INCLUDED ACCESSORIES

• Remote control (with 2 x AAA batteries)

• Magnetic grille

• 5M speaker wire with 4-wire connector

• 1.8M power cord (region specific)

• 2M 3.5mm aux cable

• 3M optical cable

BUILT FROM 2017 

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