noregret4life

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I have been searching on how to improve the sound quality and volume of the rear surround speakers in the SLK and i think i finally hit the jackpot.

The device is made by Creative called the Xmod.
Reviews were all positive for the device, so i took the plung.

Price: $51.99 (list $79.99) + $5 12v USB adapter

The Xmod is a 2 in 1 system.
1. It can act as an independent sound car vai USB on your laptop or desktop computer.
2. It can also be patched through an audio source such as an Ipod or other CD player...

The main objective of the Xmod is to enhance the audio atmosphere and 3D soundscape.

Conclusions: Since my Ipod is connected via the HK Drive+Play system and AUX input, connected the Xmod in between created a much more ambient surround experience and both raised the volume and cleaned the sound of the rear speakers as well as created more depth to the sound regardless of music type. The quality lost in MP3s is restored to a degree with the Xmod and sound richer as though off a CD or DVD.

However, the Xmod can be used on non Command audio systems to create the 3D and depth effects. I tested this on conventional speakers and noticed drastic improvements in sound quality.

When connected from my PC via USB to a 7.1 Pioneer surround sound system with floor standing JBL front speakers, the audio quality also increased along with the depth and surround sound effects.

The unit is powered via USB on your PC, however for other applications listed above, you will need a simple USB to AC or 12v DC car adapter. Most people have these as the aftermarket Ipod Chargers already but if not they only cost about $5 for either.

I think this unit can improve the sound quality on any vehicle regardless of surround speakers or other various other audio devices.

Overall i give it 4 out of 5


http://us.creative.com/products/prod...&WT.mc_id=8839

Your Music. Way Better. Made Easy.

Make your MP3s sound better than CDs - Turn stereo music and movies into virtual surround -Truly Plug and Play—no drivers or software to installWorks with PC, Mac and notebooks
Make your MP3s sound better than CDs
MP3s and other digital music are great because they are small and fast to download. But because this music is compressed, your songs sound squashed and lifeless. Xmod intelligently restores the highs and lows for rich, crystal clear music playback.Turn stereo music and movies into virtual surround
Music and movies just sound better in surround sound. Xmod features smart technology that turns your plain stereo sound into rich virtual surround sound by centering vocals and moving ambient sounds all around you.Truly Plug and Play—no drivers or software to install
Installing is as easy as connecting a USB cable and plugging in desktop speakers—no drivers are needed. Start enjoying Xtreme Fidelity music in seconds.Works with PC, Mac and notebooks
Since the Xmod is truly plug and play, it just plugs in a works with Windows XP, Windows Vista and Mac OS X systems. If you don't want to use it with your PC, it even works standalone with an optional USB power adapter so you can get great Xtreme Fidelity sound from your MP3 player, TV or even your home theater.

Technical Specifications

Connectivity - USB Mini-BLine Out - 3.5mm (1/8") Stereo jackLine In / Mic in - 3.5mm (1/8") Stereo jackHeadphone Out - 3.5mm (1/8") Stereo jack

X-Fi Technology - X-Fi CrystalizerX-Fi CMSS-3D VirtualX-Fi CMSS-3D Headphone

Earphone Specifications - Frequency Range: 140 Hz ~ 20 KHzSensitivity: 112 dB ± 3 dB (I/P Level:1 mW)Impedance: 32 ohm ± 15%Plug: 3.5 mm (1/8") stereo miniplug

Power Requirements (USB or AC Adapter) - Supply Voltage : 5V +/- 5%Current : 1APower : 1W

cyberdrakon

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Yeah, the creative line has some very nice products, i used one of their USB external sound cards as the interface for my first car PC project. If this thing is anything like that, i would give it 5 thumbs up! One question, does it come with any adaptors for individual channel outs? based on the description, it almost seems like it was intended for headphones?

alroumi

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Thank you Lenny, thats the first time I hear about this product its quiet innovative too with the 3D sound setup and the equaliser settings.

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noregret4life

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Saddly this version does not have multichannel output. And yes it is intended to be used with a simple speaker setup and headphones. There are 2 audio out jacks on the Xmod. 1 is a line out, the other a headphones out. They are balanced completely differently and sound nothing alike. The headphones jack is indeed for just that use, and is optimized for small to large headphones. The line out puts through a deeper soundscape to allow it to pass to all the channels in a surround sound system, and to enhance a simple 2 desktop speaker setup as well.

This was indeed one of the few external sound cards that allows the pass through feature which is needed to input sound and output without the need of a PC or anything further than a power cable.

Also, both of the effects (Catalyst & 3D) can be adjusted from Min > Med > Full effect. So you can balance either independently and also turn either on or off based on your setup.