Auzentech X-FI Prelude 7.1 Review

Key Components
• Creative X-Fi CA20K audio processor
• One AKM AK-5394 super high performance 96kHz 24-bit ADC for analog input
• Four AKM AK-4396 96kHz 24-bit advanced multi-bit DAC for analog output
• 64Mbytes of memory for audio processing
• High fidelity audio OPAMPs for analog input and output (TI OPA2134)
• Front L/R output OPAMP is replaceable by end-user (National LM4562NA)
• Dual mode S/PDIF receiver and transmitter
• Audio Performance (Rated Output @ 5Vrms, Typical Value)
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (20kHz Low-pass filter, A-Weighted)
• Stereo Output : 120dB (part spec)
• Front and Rear Channels : 120dB (part spec)
• Center : 120dB (part spec)
• Subwoofer and Side Channels : 120dB (part spec)
• Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise at 1kHz (-3dBFS, A-weighted) : 0.001% - part spec
• Frequency Response (+/-0.01dB, 24-bit/44.1kHz input ) : 20khz (part spec)
• Frequency Response (+/-0.01dB, 24-bit/96kHz input ) : 43.5 kHz (part spec)
• 16-bit to 24-bit recording sampling rates: 32, 44.1, 48 and 96kHz

I/O Connectors
• One 3.5mm MIC input connector in rear panel
• One 3.5mm line input connector in rear panel
• One 4-pin AUX connector on board
• Four 3.5mm 8 channel line output connectors in rear panel (FL/FR/C/SW/RL/RR/RSL/RSR)
• One S/PDIF combo input connector in rear panel for receiving either coaxial or optical digital
• One S/PDIF combo output connector in rear panel for transmitting either coaxial or optical digital
• One 10-1pin front panel connector on board for MIC input and headphone support
• One 40-pin digital extension header on board to support AD-Link and other digital functionality

The Auzen X-Fi Prelude contains the Creative Labs X-Fi DSP Processor (20-KX) which features over 51 million transistors and can output over 10,000 MIPS of power. The 20KX series of DSP processors are 24 times more powerful then earlier designs (10KX series Audigy 2-4).

The X-Fi DSP features “Active Modal Architecture” allowing the user to easily switch between audio modes for specific audio tasks and puts the processor’s considerable power where it is needed. The audio drivers feature dedicated audio modes for Gaming, Entertainment and Audio Creation. The Prelude features hardware acceleration for the latest in 3D gaming technologies such as EAX 1,2,3,4 and 5 as well as support for OpenAL 1.1. There is also 64MB of dedicated X-Ram on the card for existing and future gaming. The X-Ram is used as a buffer for game audio samples which improves load times if they are already on the card for processing. All features and standards run into a high resolution output section. The card can handle 24/96 output in 7.1 or 24/192 output in 2 channel mode. Auzen packed a lot of features into one card and promises more features to follow with high resolution digital standards such as Dolby Digital Live, DTS connect (which is DTS Neo:Pc) and DTS Interactive. The card is also expandable with the existing X-tension Din card. The X-Tension Din card adds additional TRS 5.5mm MIC input an additional Midi I/O, Coaxial and optical 24/192 I/O and a G9 Digital connector for certain digital speaker models from Creative Labs. This X-Tension Din card is sold separately and it is aimed more at the home recording artists and possibly HTPC users and not really needed for general users.