Question 1

What's the difference between the ZxR and the Zx?

Accepted Answer

in short the ZxR has a better signal to noise ratio (124db vs 116db), better options for connectivity (RCA for speakers in addition to the 3.5mm jacks, daughter board for line in and optical line in and out) Stronger amps to drive the sound (hence better SnR) and they are swappable. If you are using regular $50 pc speakers and some $30 headphone then I don't think you would hear much difference. If you place more of an emphasis on surround sound than stereo sound then I don't think the card is worth it. If you dont record audio using the PC then it's not worth it. The ZxR will give you a lot more options but having them and using them are two different matters.

Question 2

I use a AKG K712 as my headphones for gaming and movies. What would be better this card or the ASUS STX?

Accepted Answer

I don't think you could go wrong either way, but I have to tell you I'm a raving fan of this card.  The sound quality is superb, the feature package allows flexibility you won't find with the Asus, and the software package is waaaaay better than the Asus'.  I have a lot of Asus products and I like them, but the support and continuing upgrades that Creative offers makes this card my overwhelming pick.

Question 3

Does this card sound better than the ZX

Accepted Answer

I have not heard the SQ of the Zx however considering the components used on the ZxR are superior I would say it sounds a lot better. I am currently using the ZxR and is by far the best card I have owned in terms of sound quality.

Question 4

Is this good for music, games, movies, and TV shows?

Accepted Answer

If you go to the input mixer page and select the digital-in gear a  input box will open with a left and right gain adjustment and a listen to this device checkbox.  If you check that box you can listen to the toslink input with your computer.  I use this toslink for audio on computer when I use my Direct tv receiver on a spare HDMI input on my monitor.  This allows me to use my headphones when I'm watching Direct tv for the sound. What's really nice is the direct tv receiver mutes its' sound output if it isn't connected to a monitor (it senses the HDMI connection).  If I'm selected to the display port on my monitor (my computer) that sound channel mutes.  I leave the digital-in live all the time since it mutes if I'm not using that HDMI input.

ASIN	B00AQ5PK6I
Audio Output Mode	5.1 channel surround
Brand	Creative
Compatible Devices	Personal Computer, Speaker, Headphone
Customer Reviews	4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars (327)
Global Trade Identification Number	00054651181311
Hardware Connectivity	PCI Express x16
Hardware Platform	Headphones, PC, Speakers
Item Weight	1 kg
Manufacturer	Creative
Maximum Sample Rate	96 KHz
Mfr Part Number	70SB151000000
Model Number	SB1510
Number of Items	1
Platform	Windows 7, Windows 8
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	124 db
Surround Sound Channel Configuration	5 1
UPC	809385181133 172304340240 132018336571 782386505637 054651181311 809185332124 804066547871 163121427535 808111667026
Unit Count	1 Count

Creative Sound Blaster ZxR PCIe Audiophile Grade Gaming Sound Card with High Performance Headphone Amp and Desktop Audio Control Module

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