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Creative Sound Blaster AE-X Hi-Res PCIe Sound Card

Exceptional audio quality and personalisation features for PC setups.

Frowse Rating8.6/10

The Creative Sound Blaster AE-X is a high-resolution PCIe sound card designed for audiophiles and gamers alike. It features an ESS ES9039Q2M DAC that delivers exceptional audio clarity and detail, supporting 32-bit/384 kHz playback. With a built-in headphone amplifier and flexible connectivity options, it’s perfect for demanding audio setups.

  • 130 dB SNR for superior audio quality
  • High-performance amplifier drives studio-grade headphones
  • Coaxial output and optical input for versatile connections
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Frowse Rating 8.6/10

Best for: audiophiles and gamers

Our Review

Equipped with the ESS ES9039Q2M DAC, it delivers reference-grade hi-res audio with a remarkable signal-to-noise ratio of up to 130 dB. This ensures exceptional clarity and detail that significantly exceeds that of onboard audio, making it an ideal choice for audiophiles and gaming enthusiasts alike.

This sound card stands out with its powerful headphone amplifier that can drive demanding studio-grade headphones with ease, delivering up to 350mW at 32Ω. This feature, coupled with low-latency performance support for DSD256 and ASIO 2.3, positions the AE-X as a perfect solution for music production and immersive gaming experiences. Whether for music production, gaming, or general PC audio, its robust performance and flexible connectivity make it a stellar addition to any desktop setup.

What we like

  • Exceptional 130 dB SNR for clear audio
  • Drives demanding headphones with 350mW @ 32Ω
  • Supports DSD256 and ASIO 2.3 for low-latency playback
  • Features a highly customisable 10-band parametric EQ
  • Robust connectivity options including coaxial and optical in/out

Our verdict

Exceptional audio quality and personalisation features for PC setups.

Product Details

Product Details

The Creative Sound Blaster AE-X is engineered to provide reference-grade high-resolution audio. It features the ESS ES9039Q2M DAC, allowing for a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of up to 130 dB, and supports playback resolutions of 32-bit/384 kHz. This high-performance sound card is suitable for music enthusiasts and gamers, ensuring superior clarity and detail in sound reproduction.

Key Features

  • Power for Demanding Headphones: A built-in headphone amplifier provides up to 350mW at 32Ω, capable of driving studio-quality headphones with ease.
  • Low-Latency Performance: Compatible with DSD256 and ASIO 2.3 for low-latency audio playback, making it ideal for various PC audio workflows.
  • Precision Sound Personalisation: Equipped with a 10-band parametric EQ and AutoEq in Creative Nexus for tailored audio tuning and control.
  • Flexible Connectivity: Offers coaxial output and optical input for seamless integration with desktop audio systems.

Specifications

  • Product Dimensions: 11.18 x 7.11 x 2.29 cm
  • Weight: 263 g
  • Manufacturer: Creative Labs
  • Model Number: SB1960
  • Country of Origin: China
ASIN:
B0H1PZ7ZGF
Brand:
Creative
Model:
SB1960

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