The E10K is basically the opposite: much fewer features and options but it's simpler and mobile.Īs far as just the DAC capabilities are concerned (if speakers are to be used) they are both more than good enough. The above aside, the next question is if you need all the added features of a sound card: multi-channel speaker outputs, microphone input, various DSP options in the driver (equalizer, 3D simulation, upmixing, etc.). Overall the E10K is the better amplifier because the number of headphones it would not be able to power are few, and usually expensive, and I doubt you have such, otherwise you wouldn't be looking at sub-$100 devices. This is why it is rated for around 150 Ohm headphones. However, its limitation is the lower output power, as it is USB-powered. The FiiO on the other hand has very low output impedance so from that perspective it is suitable for any pair of headphones. Here in terms of sound card zxr no sound Windows 10, you can also notice Fix No Sound feature in Driver Booster. This makes them better for hard to drive/inefficient headphones (around and above 160 Ohm and 320 Ohm respectively). Update Creative Sound Card Driver: To finish that, you may as well turn to Driver Booster, which boasts of millions of drivers and the functionalities like rolling back drivers and scheduled driver scan. The Sound Blaster Z cards have rather powerful amplifiers but also higher output impedance (around 20 Ohm for the Z and Zx, and around 40 for the ZxR). The input lag for external DAC/Amps is also non-existent.īasically it boils down to what headphones you are going to use. The 'internal sound card is more prone to problems due to PSU and/or other components' issue is actually a non-issue.

Rated 5 out of 5 by Deamonski from A great choice, as this card has an exciting and enjoyable sound The ZXR is an expensive sound card, but has dropped in price recently. Both the Sound Blaster Z and the FiiO E10K are perfectly fine. Creative Sound Blaster ZxR PCI-Express Sound Card 5.1Ch + Headphone Jack is rated 3.5 out of 5 by 2.

Creative sound blaster zxr sound card