Overall, we were quite impressed with the new SoundBlaster ZXR. This source offers crystal clear sound quality while still presenting an impressive organic signature. The fact that this card offers high end converters on all channels is a big step in the right direction as generally some companies...

They cancelled my order (a $205 Creative ZxR sound card), saying it was out of stock. I then find out they re-list the item right back on Rakuten.com for double the price, $410. What concerns me more is that Rakuten is still using this "seller".

In 2011 Creative introduced the Sound Core 3D audio chip, and recently a new series of Sound Blaster cards was released using that chip. We tested the most high-end ZxR version, which is available for 200-250 euros.

If you think of your PC as a lifeboat full of components floating in the Atlantic Ocean after one of those ARM-based subs put two fish into the side of the PC's troop transport, you can better understand the plight of the sound card.

Far better gaming audio than onboard

Default audio settings are far too heavy handed

The new Creative Labs Sound Blaster ZxR sound card is a behemoth of audio goodness. Un-boxing everything from the package, I was very impressed with the design style Creative Labs put into their new, flagship sound card.

I was lucky enough to grab one of the first few from OcUK. I primarily got it for the quality DACs, and i did not even bother installing the extras. The audio quality is slightly better than my previous X-Fi Titanium Fatality Champion (which is already way above average).