The Creative Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus is a SABRE ultra-class hi-res PCIe gaming sound card and DAC with customizable RGB LEDs on its body, and comes with an included RGB LED strip. It has also been built with an Xamp discrete headphone amp that uses bi-amplification technology, as well as a full suite of audio processing technologies, including Surround Virtualization.
Compatible with 32- and 64-bit versions of Windows 10, 8.1, 8, and 7, the AE-5 Plus features an ESS SABRE Ultra DAC that delivers a 122 dB DNR at up to 32-bit / 384 kHz PCM playback, plus a low Total Harmonic Distortion of 0.00032%. It also features a 1 Ohm headphone output impedance that can drive studio-grade headphones of up to 600 Ohms, 5.1-channel discrete surround, and up to 7.1-channel virtual surround. It requires an Intel Core i3 or AMD equivalent processor, and an Intel, AMD, or compatible motherboard. On the back of the card there are three 3.5mm 5.1 line outputs for front, rear, and center channels, a TOSLINK optical output, a 3.5mm headphone output, and a 3.5mm mic/line input. There is also an Intel HD Audio front-panel connection.
Note: 32-bit playback is only available in Windows 10 or higher.
Key Features of the Creative Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus Hi-res PCI-e DAC RGB Gaming Sound Card
Hi-Res PCIe Sound Card and DAC
Supports 5.1- & 7.1-Channel Surround
ESS SABRE Ultra DAC
Playback: 32-Bit / 384 kHz PCM
DNR/SNR: 122 dB DAC
Output Impedance: 1 Ohm
Supports RGB Aurora Lighting
Dolby Digital Live / DTS Encoding
Sound Core3D Audio Processor
Windows 10, 8.1, 8, and 7 Compatible
Custom Xamp Discrete Headphone Bi-Amp
Maximize your prized headset's potential. Powerful headsets require an audiophile-grade headphone amplifier to drive outstanding audio performance, and that's where Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus comes in. The hi-res sound card features Xamp, Creative Labs' custom-designed discrete headphone bi-amplifier. It also features an ultra-low 1 ohm headphone output impedance that can drive studio-grade headphones of up to 600 ohms, including high-end planar-magnetic headphones.
The end result? Silky smooth audio regardless of how dynamic or demanding the current audio scene may be. From times when you need a break from gaming, the Xamp also satisfies even the most demanding needs of audiophiles seeking for music in its original form, the way it is intended to be heard.
Typical Headphone Amp vs. Xamp Headphone Amp
In a typical headphone amp, the left and right channels are amplified all at once using the same amplifier IC. With the Xamp discrete headphone bi-amp, each audio channel is individually amplified, allowing the Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus to deliver pristine audio fidelity in an unaltered lossless model to each earcup regardless of demand.
SABRE DAC
The Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus is a SABRE-class PCIe DAC that is good for high-resolution audio for games, music, and movies. It delivers an extremely clean 122 dB DNR audio stream at up to 32-bit / 384 kHz playback with ultra-low distortion and jitter.
Aurora Reactive RGB Lighting System
Enjoy a symphony of lights and sound with the Aurora Reactive Lighting System. The Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus has customizable RGB LEDs on its body, and also features an included RGB LED strip. Program up to 16.8 million Colours in different patterns with the free downloadable Sound Blaster Command software for PC.
Surround Sound Enhancement Technologies
Transform your gaming audio into immersive, theatrical audio. On top of support for Dolby Digital Live and DTS Connect Encoding, the Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus also features discrete 5.1 on speakers and up to 7.1 virtual surround on both speakers and headphones.
Sound Blaster Acoustic Engine
The Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus rides on Sound Blaster's long legacy of audio processing and enhancements, available through the Sound Blaster Command software. The Sound Blaster Acoustic Engine is a suite of fully customizable audio processing technologies that deliver new levels of audio immersion and precision for the ultimate competitive advantage. These sound technologies create unprecedented levels of audio realism, including stunning 3D surround effects for your speakers and headsets.
Scout Mode
Activate Scout Mode to give yourself a distinct tactical advantage. This tried and tested technology enhances important in-game audio cues, such as footsteps and weapon switching sounds, allowing you to quickly and accurately pinpoint your opponents' location before they pinpoint yours.
We ship all products with Australia Post Parcel Post service so our coverage and delivery timeframes are in accordance with the timeframes provided by Australia Post. Delivery varies by location, a general guide is outlined below:
Same state: 2-4 business days
Interstate: 3-6 business days
Please refer to Australia Post for more information.
Returns Policy
Faulty Products:
We accept faulty returns in accordance with manufacturer warranty terms. Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure.
If you find the product is faulty, please get in contact with us. We will provide a Return Authorization number and instructions on where to return. Item will be checked and fault verified before a remedy is provided. If fault is verified, we will refund the item and reimburse you for the cost of return shipping, if a receipt is provided. If the item is not faulty, you will be responsible for the cost of receiving your returned goods back to your nominated address.
Change of Mind:
Change of mind returns are also accepted in accordance the terms outlined here. We will allow a return for store credit or exchange product where you have changed your mind, provided that the item in question is:
a) returned within 14 days of receiving order;
b) as new and is not used, worn, or opened and has all original packaging and tags in-tact (including any package seals (if any) being unbroken);
c) is not an excluded item as outlined following
d) in a resalable condition; and
e) not damaged in any way.
We cannot accept change of mind returns on items that come in sealed packages or boxes where seals are damaged or broken. To return your item for change or mind, you must follow our returns process.
You will be responsible for the cost and risk of returning goods, including the cost of return shipping. If the item is not received by us, you will not be eligible for a credit or exchange. We recommend you insure high value items that you return for change of mind.
You may be provided with a product exchange, refund or store credit (at our discretion) only when the returned product is received, and it complies with the requirements outlined here.
If the returned item does not meet the conditions of this policy, you will be responsible for the cost of receiving your returned goods back to your nominated address
Change of mind returns are not accepted for intimates, which includes underwear, hosiery, socks, swimwear and adult toys due to hygienic reasons. Remedies for defective goods are still available. Under no circumstances can change of mind returns for digital access codes or downloadable software be accepted.
The following goods are excluded under this policy:
• Cosmetics & Beauty products (If hygiene seal is broken)
• Pharmaceutical/Health products
• Perishable Goods & Food items
• Personal Care Items
• Hosiery
• Underwear & socks
• Swimwear
• Pierced jewellery
• Mattresses, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors
• Gift cards, phone recharge or third party gift cards
• Media - Books and unsealed CDs, DVDs & Video Games
• Adult toys/sexual health products
• Assembled furniture
• Digital Goods (download codes etc.)
• Personalized/Made to order Goods
• Earphones/Headphones (if package has been opened)
• Large/Bulky Appliances
• Any merchandise where the GST has been claimed under the Tourist Refund Scheme, unless proof of repayment of the GST upon return to Australia is provided
Estimated Delivery Time Frame: 2 - 5 business days