Creative
Creative Sound Blaster AE-9
PCIe x1 · 5.1 discrete, 7.1 virtual · 129 dB
8.2
$427Nov 9
Creative Sound Blaster AE-7
A high-end PCIe sound card with an ESS 9018 DAC and discrete headphone amp, one step below Creative's flagship.
- PCIe x1
- 5.1 discrete, 7.1 virtual
- 127 dB
PCPR score
8.0
Great
Best price we’ve seen
See retailers
Check retailers for today’s price.
R1
The short version
The Sound Blaster AE-7 is a PCIe sound card with an ESS SABRE-class 9018 DAC rated at 127 dB DNR, 32-bit/384 kHz and DSD64 playback, a discrete Xamp headphone bi-amp that drives headphones up to 600 ohms, and an Audio Control Module. It offers discrete 5.1 surround for speakers and 7.1 virtual surround for headphones. It suits desktop audio enthusiasts who want strong internal conversion and an external Audio Control Module with volume and mic connections, and who have a free PCIe slot.
Pros
- ESS SABRE-class 9018 DAC rated at 127 dB DNR
- 32-bit/384 kHz and DSD64 playback
- Xamp discrete bi-amp for headphones up to 600 ohms
- Includes an Audio Control Module for desktop control
Cons
- Discrete surround stops at 5.1 on speakers
- Needs a free PCIe slot in the PC
Best for
- Desktop listeners who want strong internal conversion without the AE-9's cost
- Headphone users with demanding sets
J3
Full specifications
Core
- Interface
- PCIe x1
- Channels
- 5.1 discrete, 7.1 virtual
Performance
- Signal-to-noise
- 127 dB
- Max sample rate
- 384 kHz
- Bit depth
- 32 bit
Compatibility notes
- Requires a free PCIe slot.
- Discrete 5.1 surround for speakers and 7.1 virtual surround for headphones.
P1
Where to buy
- Buy from the maker
Creative official page
Direct link
- Check price on Amazon
Amazon
Search this retailer
- See it at Newegg
Newegg
Search this retailer
- See it at Best Buy
Best Buy
Search this retailer
- See it at B&H
B&H Photo
Search this retailer
- See it at Micro Center
Micro Center
Search this retailer
We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. It never affects our scores or what we recommend. Prices move quickly, so confirm the final price at the retailer.
AV1
Video reviews
No verified video reviews yet
We only list videos we’ve confirmed are about this product. You can search YouTube for reviews in the meantime.
R9
Common questions
What is the difference between the AE-7 and AE-9?
Creative lists a 9018 DAC at 127 dB DNR on the AE-7 and a 9038 DAC at 129 dB DNR on the AE-9, with the AE-9 positioned as the flagship.
Can it drive high-impedance headphones?
Creative says the Xamp discrete bi-amp supports headphones from 16 ohms up to 600 ohms.
J9Alternatives
