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Creative Sound Blaster X5 review: Unique extras that don't ultimately make a difference
The X5 is a gaming-focused DAC with plenty of versatility, but the shortcomings make it hard to recommend.
(Image credit: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)The Sound Blaster X5 retails for $295 on Amazon, and that puts it squarely in the range of most mid-range DACs sold by Chinese brands. The DAC has a neutral signature and allows headsets and IEMs to shine, but this being Creative, you get adjustable EQ and a good selection of preset modes that change the dynamics of the sound to a significant degree. (Image credit: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)That said, my current recommendation in the sub-$300 segment is the Fiio K7; there's a Bluetooth-enabled version of the DAC that costs $249 on Amazon, and it has a much better design with a metal chassis, sounds great, and includes all the connectivity options you want.
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