---
product_id: 9503457
title: "Creative Sound Blaster E5 High-Resolution USB DAC 600 ohm Headphone Amplifier with Bluetooth"
brand: "creative"
price: "€ 100.46"
currency: EUR
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 8
url: https://www.desertcart.es/products/9503457-creative-sound-blaster-e5-high-resolution-usb-dac-600-ohm
store_origin: ES
region: Spain
---

# 600Ω headphone amp powers any cans Bluetooth + NFC for seamless wireless 120dB SNR for pristine clarity Creative Sound Blaster E5 High-Resolution USB DAC 600 ohm Headphone Amplifier with Bluetooth

**Brand:** creative
**Price:** € 100.46
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 🎶 Elevate your audio game—hear what you’ve been missing!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Creative Sound Blaster E5 High-Resolution USB DAC 600 ohm Headphone Amplifier with Bluetooth by creative
- **How much does it cost?** € 100.46 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.es](https://www.desertcart.es/products/9503457-creative-sound-blaster-e5-high-resolution-usb-dac-600-ohm)

## Best For

- creative enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted creative brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Customizable Soundscapes:** SBX Pro Studio suite lets you tailor audio enhancements for compressed tracks or switch off for pure lossless fidelity.
- • **On-the-Go Digital Streaming:** Stream lossless audio effortlessly from your mobile devices via Bluetooth with instant NFC pairing.
- • **Studio-Grade Audio Precision:** Experience bit-perfect 24-bit/192kHz playback that preserves every nuance exactly as the artist intended.
- • **Universal Headphone Compatibility:** Best-in-class 600 ohm amplifier drives all headphones with crystal-clear detail and powerful dynamics.
- • **Versatile Connectivity & Recording:** Dual mics auto-adjust for orientation, plus multiple analog/digital inputs and outputs for pro-level flexibility.

## Overview

The Creative Sound Blaster E5 is a portable, high-resolution USB DAC and headphone amplifier featuring a 120dB signal-to-noise ratio and support for 24-bit/192kHz audio. Its powerful 600 ohm amp drives any headphones with studio-grade clarity, while Bluetooth with NFC enables seamless wireless streaming. The device includes a customizable SBX Pro Studio suite for enhanced audio realism and dual built-in microphones for high-quality recording. Multiple analog and digital I/O options make it a versatile companion for audiophiles and professionals on the move.

## Description

The Sound Blaster E5 is a 24-bit/192kHz high resolution USB DAC and portable headphone amplifier. Built with precision audiophile components, a best-in-class 600 ohm headphone amplifier and apt technology for Bluetooth, the Sound Blaster E5 is the perfect audio component for music lovers - whether they are on the move or beside their PC/Mac.

Review: Creative Sound Blaster E1: A Keeper - Evaluation of the Creativelabs Sound Blaster E1 For several years I have bought many devices manufactured by Creativelabs. As a musician and computer tech guy I have also helped to set up several of their products for family, friends, and coworkers. The Sound Blaster E1 is a must have device for several groups of users. The designers and support staff are to be commended for its versatility. My intention was to use it as a headphone amplifier to boost the volume of my volume hungry, low sensitivity AKG headphones. Initially I had my doubts but I WAS WRONG. This device offers many things for many different target groups. And the sound clarity of both the output and internal mic are exceptional. So read on! Since I’m not a sales person I thought I would first tell you about what its minor issues have been for me and the work-arounds. Don’t be afraid of this device because there are 2 small issues. It’s actually a cool device with several features. No sense both of use dealing with the same problems when one of us already has (that would be me). I will provide you with the solutions. Issue One: Following the “In Box” Instructions The included “In Box” Sound Blaster E1 Guide can be confusing for some. (It doesn’t say “Quick Guide” but that’s really what it is.) There is a far better detailed guide online which I will direct you to a little later. Frequently a newly manufactured device requires drivers that are not yet available and require the included software to be installed first. The software that the included guide directs you to download and install will not install unless you first install the device. The guide does not specifically tell the user what the correct steps are to install this device so read on. Solution One: This is the correct way to install the E1 device: 1. Out of box the device is turned off. Orient yourself to the power switch and where the power “On” position is located (forward towards the tiny LED light.) You are advised to plug the E1 into a USB port in order to charge the internal battery and its first full charge may take as long as 8 hours. I found it took far less than that. 2. Make sure your computer is connected to the internet because Windows will need to remotely find and install the updated driver. 3. Plug the E1 into your computers USB port (probably better that you avoid plugging the cable into a USB hub since problems can occur.) 4. Slide the power switch to the “On” position. 5. In Windows OS the driver will be found online and installed. Be patient, for me this took a couple of minutes. 6. Go to www.Creative.com/support , find the E1 under the Sound Blaster category. Then download to your hard drive the “Sound Blaster E1 Software Pack” for your OS. 7. I suggest you also scroll up to the top of the page and to the right of the picture of the E1, click on and download the “Quick Start User Guide.” With 49 pages this guide is very helpful and a lot more than a “Quick Start” User Guide. Remember once it loads to your browser you must then manually save it to your hard drive. 8. With the E1 connected and on, install the software. When completed you will need to restart your computer. So there you go! Issue Two: No separate volume control for each of the two headphone inputs Solution for Problem Two: Make sure that the two sets of headphones you use have the same input sensitivity which is a fancy word for use the same earbud type headphones or the same brand and model of headphones. In other words hook them up and test to see if they are both outputting the same volume. Important observation # 1: The software is pretty cool with several adjustments that can be made. Of course the only way you can benefit from the settings found in the E1 SBX Control Panel (the software you installed) is to connect the device to a USB port in your computer. The manual that I suggested you download explains all the features quite well. I listened to both a DVD of an action scene from the Hobbit and a live recording of a band I made with an HD camera at 24bit 96kHz audio. Under the SBX Studio Pro I liked the “Bass” boost and “Crystalizer” enhancements but not certain I like the “Surround” enhancement. Individual differences I guess. Also when you first install the software I noticed no sound and found that the volume was turned all the way down in the “Advanced Setting” section. It took me a few moments to troubleshoot that problem. Important observation # 2: Phone differences I’m not certain that the E1 meets the criteria for “hands free” and the manual does not state as such. This is probably because you can receive “hands free” calls but you cannot send “hands free” calls. The “Multifunction” button works differently on different phones. I have a Droid 4 while my wife has an iPhone. The Four-pole analog cable (included) works seamlessly with the iPhone. A call comes in; you press the “multi-function” button to answer the call and again to end the call. But with my Droid the input accommodates a three-pole cable. However something wonderful happens with the Droid and the E1. Inserting the 4-pole cable in my 3-pole Droid jack (remember cable will not go in all the way so don’t force it) and pressing the “multifunction” button briefly will put the Droid in and out of mic “mute” mode and slightly longer (like one second) answers and ends calls like the IPhone. Winner...Droid! Important observation # 3: When connecting the E1 to your computer via the supplied USB cable. While watching a video AND simultaneously tweaking with the settings of the SBX panel there is a slight stuttering of the sound. This may be specific to your computer’s processor once you make you adjustment the stuttering goes away. So what can you do with this device...really and practically? Actually it has several uses and I tried all of the below except the “gamer” features. • Let’s say you’re on a plane and you and that special person are sitting close to each other (Is there any other way to sit when you ride coach?) You want to use your tablet or laptop to watch a movie together. You could get a stereo 1/8" splitter to listen to the sound but chances are the volume won’t be loud enough. The E1 will be able to boost the audio signal and you will both hear every word of that movie. • If you’re like me and have a studio quality set of headphones you will need a headphone amp like this. • You are doing an aerobic workout at the gym and use your iPhone to listen to tunes. You also need to answer whenever phone calls come in. With the push of the multifunction button, the music stops and the phone call begins until you push it again to end the call and the music resumes. Pretty nifty huh? Well it would be better if you could permit yourself to work out and get your calls afterwards but I guess next life. • You are outside at Starbuck’s and talking to you mom on Skype (like that will happen.) You don’t want everyone to hear you or listen in on you and your mother’s conversion. Don’t worry, the E1 has you covered. The clarity is impressive even using the internal mic on the device. • You are a musician laying a keyboard track and another musician has plugged in a different instrument so they can lay a second track on your multi track software like Cubase, Acid Pro, or several others. Both of you need a set of headphones. This will do it for you. Remember the headphones need to have the same sensitivity value. • I’m not a “gamer,” but from what I can tell this device will work great if you are a “gamer.” You can hook up your mic/phones headset with some pretty cool settings for added sound enhancements. • You want to be hands free to receive phone calls. The E1 can handle this too. • Finally there are several other recording features that can be done but that’s someone else’s turn. So, if any of the above features interest you, I would recommend this device.
Review: Prepare (your ears) to be blown! Tested and compared. - NOTE FOR desertcart NEWBIES: This review was written SPECIFICALLY for the E1. This was written before the release of E3 and WAAAY before E5. For some reason, desertcart allowed all three products to be in ONE product page. Don't blame, blame desertcart. Now, on to my review... TL;DR │ If you want to improve the clarity and acoustic volume of your smart device using a (wired) headset of your choice, then this might be for you. It makes listening to those cheap bundled earphones bearable, and I consider myself an audiophile. If you only want a USB solution for your PC, try the X-Fi Go! Pro (cheaper), or the Sound Blaster Recon3D (superior in every way). See bottom of review for ratings explanation. UPDATE: Added a note on the audio port for the mic near the bottom of review. --- The Creative Sound Blaster E1 is a decent sound processor for on the go. All other sound processors currently offered by Creative only uses the USB interface as input source, primarily for PC use (with the exception of Recon3D Sound Blaster, which works with PS3/PS4/XBOX360). Where the E1 really shines is that you can use an analog source input to it. This means that it will process and amplify sound from virtually any source that can output to a 3.5mm audio jack, including tablets and other smart devices. The problem though, is that you cannot set precise control on the Crystalizer and 3D/Surround components of the sound processor. Also, by not putting a more powerful sound processor like the current SoundCore3d chip (used on Recon3D/Z-series), I think Creative may have made a good decision since these chips will theoretically drain the battery faster. The first time you use this product with your device, make sure the volume is set low, or you will BLOW your ear drums (yep, it's amplified alright). WHAT I LIKE │ + │ + Solid, ultra light build, matte finish. Looks professional. + Smaller than I thought it would be (thus, more concealable and mobile). + Makes stock audio sound like junk. Crystalizer works like it should. + Mic input doubles as a sound output - so you can use two sets of speakers. WHAT I DON'T LIKE │ × │ × Not as good as I imagined it to be. SBX Pro is OK, not great. I say this as a PC user. × I wish there were more than one set of cables, with different lengths. × Non-removable belt clip WHY NOT WAIT FOR THE E3 │ ? │ ? SRP of $129. Not worth the Bluetooth addition, IMO. ? Worse battery life at 17 hours. With Bluetooth, it goes down to 8 hours. ? Bigger, wider, grayer. ? I am not a Bluetooth person, especially for audio. PACKAGE │ ✓ ✗ │ ✓ Sound Blaster E1 Unit ✓ USB 2.0 Cable (A Male to Micro B) ≈ 1m. / 3ft. ✓ 3.5mm audio cable - 4 pole jack (L,R, Mic, Ground) ≈ 1m. / 3ft. ✓ Instructions and warranty. That is all. ✗ No garbage, like a CD installer. ✗ Sadly, no freebies or spare parts too. ✗ No USB power adapter for those who want one. TEST HARDWARE Input│ PC USB Out (Full Software suite), PC Analog Stereo Out Output │ Creative Aurvana In-Ear3, Creative D100, Corsair Gaming Audio Series SP2500 Compared To │ Creative Sound Blaster Recon3D, Creative X-Fi Go!, Onboard audio (Intel H87 chipset) --- COMPARISON TO USB SOUND CARDS E1 compared to onboard audio │ E1 is obviously superior. E1 compared to X-Fi Go! │ Difference is very subtle. E1 amplifies just a bit more. E1 compared to Recon3D Sound Blaster │ Recon3D is superior in every way. Conclusion │ With crystalizer turned off, all sources sound the same on the speaker. Turned on, the X-Fi and E1 showed significant improvement, and Recon3D, well, sounded way better. Using the in-ear headphones, all sound cards offered amplified volume without crystalizer. With crystalizer, sound was noticeably cleaner and more "crystal" clear. Recon3D was even more clear. The surround/3D is different though. X-Fi was inferior, followed by the E1, and finally, Recon3D. The E1 sounded subtly better compared to the X-Fi. The E1 sounded bad compared to Recon3D but it gets the job done (better than none). Recommendation │ Get the X-Fi Go! Pro (X-Fi Sound Blaster + SBX Pro), which is cheaper. SBX Pro is the main processor of E1. Or, if money is no object, I would highly recommend getting the Sound Blaster Recon3D (or the Sound Blaster Recon3D Omega Wireless bundle). --- ABOUT THE AUDIO PORT: All documentations made by Creative claim that the mic/stereo combo port could be used only by EITHER a microphone OR a stereo device, and never mentioned anything about headsets. This is true, for some odd reason. It could have supported a TRRS plug. However, the E1 has a built-in mic, and that may work for some people in some cases. --- VERDICT: I highly recommend this product for those looking at a mobile audio solution. ★★★★☆ | 4 stars out of five. I know what I was getting when I ordered this product and it does not deserve a lower rating. However, there is also nothing extraordinary (no cool surprises). Questions? Hit the comments! This review is for the Creative Sound Blaster E1 , NOT the E3, the NOT E5.

## Features

- A DAC with 120dB signal to noise ratio (SNR) that supports up to 24-bit/192kHz can deliver bit-perfect, true-to-original audio reproduction, just as it was mastered in the studios
- Audiophile Grade, Best-in-class headphone amplifier enables you to power all the headphones in the market with clarity and details
- Portable Digital Connectivity with Mobile Devices allows you to stream high quality, lossless audio digitally from your mobile devices while on-the-go
- The fully customizable SBX Pro Studio suite of technologies gives you unprecedented audio realism when playing back compressed audio; turn off when listening to lossless audio so that you can enjoy bit-perfect audio
- Features built-in NFC technology for one-touch, fuss-free Bluetooth pairing. Simply tap and connect your Bluetooth device and enjoy high quality wireless digital audio streaming.
- Comes with built-in dual microphones that automatically detect and react to landscape or portrait orientation, allowing high-quality recording to smartphones and tablets.
- Connectors : Headphone-out : 2x 3.5mm Stereo jacks, Audio-input : 1x 3.5mm (Line-in / Mic-in / Optical-in), Audio-output : 1x 3.5mm (Line-out / Optical-out), Charging/Streaming : 1x micro USB , 1x Type-A USB(Host)
- Charging : via from PC/MAC or external USB power adapter

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B00MXJYDUO |
| Brand | Creative |
| Brand Name | Creative |
| Customer Reviews | 3.9 out of 5 stars 797 Reviews |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00054651185609 |
| Interface | USB |
| Interface Type | USB |
| Item Height | 2.95 inches |
| Item Weight | 16 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Creative |
| Number of Channels | 2 |
| Number of Pins | 27 |
| UPC | 801947357079 054651185609 809395441944 |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |

## Product Details

- **Brand:** Creative
- **Number of Pins:** 27
- **Interface Type:** USB
- **Number of Channels:** 2
- **UPC:** 801947357079 054651185609 809395441944

## Images

![Creative Sound Blaster E5 High-Resolution USB DAC 600 ohm Headphone Amplifier with Bluetooth - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71-XXJhDiDL.jpg)
![Creative Sound Blaster E5 High-Resolution USB DAC 600 ohm Headphone Amplifier with Bluetooth - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71BR6-Kb0kL.jpg)
![Creative Sound Blaster E5 High-Resolution USB DAC 600 ohm Headphone Amplifier with Bluetooth - Image 3](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71Yzy1GasBL.jpg)
![Creative Sound Blaster E5 High-Resolution USB DAC 600 ohm Headphone Amplifier with Bluetooth - Image 4](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71gfmBtg1OL.jpg)
![Creative Sound Blaster E5 High-Resolution USB DAC 600 ohm Headphone Amplifier with Bluetooth - Image 5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81z+QWKjDPL.jpg)

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Creative Sound Blaster E1: A Keeper
*by L***A on August 19, 2014*

Evaluation of the Creativelabs Sound Blaster E1 For several years I have bought many devices manufactured by Creativelabs. As a musician and computer tech guy I have also helped to set up several of their products for family, friends, and coworkers. The Sound Blaster E1 is a must have device for several groups of users. The designers and support staff are to be commended for its versatility. My intention was to use it as a headphone amplifier to boost the volume of my volume hungry, low sensitivity AKG headphones. Initially I had my doubts but I WAS WRONG. This device offers many things for many different target groups. And the sound clarity of both the output and internal mic are exceptional. So read on! Since I’m not a sales person I thought I would first tell you about what its minor issues have been for me and the work-arounds. Don’t be afraid of this device because there are 2 small issues. It’s actually a cool device with several features. No sense both of use dealing with the same problems when one of us already has (that would be me). I will provide you with the solutions. Issue One: Following the “In Box” Instructions The included “In Box” Sound Blaster E1 Guide can be confusing for some. (It doesn’t say “Quick Guide” but that’s really what it is.) There is a far better detailed guide online which I will direct you to a little later. Frequently a newly manufactured device requires drivers that are not yet available and require the included software to be installed first. The software that the included guide directs you to download and install will not install unless you first install the device. The guide does not specifically tell the user what the correct steps are to install this device so read on. Solution One: This is the correct way to install the E1 device: 1. Out of box the device is turned off. Orient yourself to the power switch and where the power “On” position is located (forward towards the tiny LED light.) You are advised to plug the E1 into a USB port in order to charge the internal battery and its first full charge may take as long as 8 hours. I found it took far less than that. 2. Make sure your computer is connected to the internet because Windows will need to remotely find and install the updated driver. 3. Plug the E1 into your computers USB port (probably better that you avoid plugging the cable into a USB hub since problems can occur.) 4. Slide the power switch to the “On” position. 5. In Windows OS the driver will be found online and installed. Be patient, for me this took a couple of minutes. 6. Go to www.Creative.com/support , find the E1 under the Sound Blaster category. Then download to your hard drive the “Sound Blaster E1 Software Pack” for your OS. 7. I suggest you also scroll up to the top of the page and to the right of the picture of the E1, click on and download the “Quick Start User Guide.” With 49 pages this guide is very helpful and a lot more than a “Quick Start” User Guide. Remember once it loads to your browser you must then manually save it to your hard drive. 8. With the E1 connected and on, install the software. When completed you will need to restart your computer. So there you go! Issue Two: No separate volume control for each of the two headphone inputs Solution for Problem Two: Make sure that the two sets of headphones you use have the same input sensitivity which is a fancy word for use the same earbud type headphones or the same brand and model of headphones. In other words hook them up and test to see if they are both outputting the same volume. Important observation # 1: The software is pretty cool with several adjustments that can be made. Of course the only way you can benefit from the settings found in the E1 SBX Control Panel (the software you installed) is to connect the device to a USB port in your computer. The manual that I suggested you download explains all the features quite well. I listened to both a DVD of an action scene from the Hobbit and a live recording of a band I made with an HD camera at 24bit 96kHz audio. Under the SBX Studio Pro I liked the “Bass” boost and “Crystalizer” enhancements but not certain I like the “Surround” enhancement. Individual differences I guess. Also when you first install the software I noticed no sound and found that the volume was turned all the way down in the “Advanced Setting” section. It took me a few moments to troubleshoot that problem. Important observation # 2: Phone differences I’m not certain that the E1 meets the criteria for “hands free” and the manual does not state as such. This is probably because you can receive “hands free” calls but you cannot send “hands free” calls. The “Multifunction” button works differently on different phones. I have a Droid 4 while my wife has an iPhone. The Four-pole analog cable (included) works seamlessly with the iPhone. A call comes in; you press the “multi-function” button to answer the call and again to end the call. But with my Droid the input accommodates a three-pole cable. However something wonderful happens with the Droid and the E1. Inserting the 4-pole cable in my 3-pole Droid jack (remember cable will not go in all the way so don’t force it) and pressing the “multifunction” button briefly will put the Droid in and out of mic “mute” mode and slightly longer (like one second) answers and ends calls like the IPhone. Winner...Droid! Important observation # 3: When connecting the E1 to your computer via the supplied USB cable. While watching a video AND simultaneously tweaking with the settings of the SBX panel there is a slight stuttering of the sound. This may be specific to your computer’s processor once you make you adjustment the stuttering goes away. So what can you do with this device...really and practically? Actually it has several uses and I tried all of the below except the “gamer” features. • Let’s say you’re on a plane and you and that special person are sitting close to each other (Is there any other way to sit when you ride coach?) You want to use your tablet or laptop to watch a movie together. You could get a stereo 1/8" splitter to listen to the sound but chances are the volume won’t be loud enough. The E1 will be able to boost the audio signal and you will both hear every word of that movie. • If you’re like me and have a studio quality set of headphones you will need a headphone amp like this. • You are doing an aerobic workout at the gym and use your iPhone to listen to tunes. You also need to answer whenever phone calls come in. With the push of the multifunction button, the music stops and the phone call begins until you push it again to end the call and the music resumes. Pretty nifty huh? Well it would be better if you could permit yourself to work out and get your calls afterwards but I guess next life. • You are outside at Starbuck’s and talking to you mom on Skype (like that will happen.) You don’t want everyone to hear you or listen in on you and your mother’s conversion. Don’t worry, the E1 has you covered. The clarity is impressive even using the internal mic on the device. • You are a musician laying a keyboard track and another musician has plugged in a different instrument so they can lay a second track on your multi track software like Cubase, Acid Pro, or several others. Both of you need a set of headphones. This will do it for you. Remember the headphones need to have the same sensitivity value. • I’m not a “gamer,” but from what I can tell this device will work great if you are a “gamer.” You can hook up your mic/phones headset with some pretty cool settings for added sound enhancements. • You want to be hands free to receive phone calls. The E1 can handle this too. • Finally there are several other recording features that can be done but that’s someone else’s turn. So, if any of the above features interest you, I would recommend this device.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Prepare (your ears) to be blown! Tested and compared.
*by J***A on May 23, 2014*

NOTE FOR AMAZON NEWBIES: This review was written SPECIFICALLY for the E1. This was written before the release of E3 and WAAAY before E5. For some reason, Amazon allowed all three products to be in ONE product page. Don't blame, blame Amazon. Now, on to my review... TL;DR │ If you want to improve the clarity and acoustic volume of your smart device using a (wired) headset of your choice, then this might be for you. It makes listening to those cheap bundled earphones bearable, and I consider myself an audiophile. If you only want a USB solution for your PC, try the X-Fi Go! Pro (cheaper), or the Sound Blaster Recon3D (superior in every way). See bottom of review for ratings explanation. UPDATE: Added a note on the audio port for the mic near the bottom of review. --- The Creative Sound Blaster E1 is a decent sound processor for on the go. All other sound processors currently offered by Creative only uses the USB interface as input source, primarily for PC use (with the exception of Recon3D Sound Blaster, which works with PS3/PS4/XBOX360). Where the E1 really shines is that you can use an analog source input to it. This means that it will process and amplify sound from virtually any source that can output to a 3.5mm audio jack, including tablets and other smart devices. The problem though, is that you cannot set precise control on the Crystalizer and 3D/Surround components of the sound processor. Also, by not putting a more powerful sound processor like the current SoundCore3d chip (used on Recon3D/Z-series), I think Creative may have made a good decision since these chips will theoretically drain the battery faster. The first time you use this product with your device, make sure the volume is set low, or you will BLOW your ear drums (yep, it's amplified alright). WHAT I LIKE │ + │ + Solid, ultra light build, matte finish. Looks professional. + Smaller than I thought it would be (thus, more concealable and mobile). + Makes stock audio sound like junk. Crystalizer works like it should. + Mic input doubles as a sound output - so you can use two sets of speakers. WHAT I DON'T LIKE │ × │ × Not as good as I imagined it to be. SBX Pro is OK, not great. I say this as a PC user. × I wish there were more than one set of cables, with different lengths. × Non-removable belt clip WHY NOT WAIT FOR THE E3 │ ? │ ? SRP of $129. Not worth the Bluetooth addition, IMO. ? Worse battery life at 17 hours. With Bluetooth, it goes down to 8 hours. ? Bigger, wider, grayer. ? I am not a Bluetooth person, especially for audio. PACKAGE │ ✓ ✗ │ ✓ Sound Blaster E1 Unit ✓ USB 2.0 Cable (A Male to Micro B) ≈ 1m. / 3ft. ✓ 3.5mm audio cable - 4 pole jack (L,R, Mic, Ground) ≈ 1m. / 3ft. ✓ Instructions and warranty. That is all. ✗ No garbage, like a CD installer. ✗ Sadly, no freebies or spare parts too. ✗ No USB power adapter for those who want one. TEST HARDWARE Input│ PC USB Out (Full Software suite), PC Analog Stereo Out Output │ Creative Aurvana In-Ear3, Creative D100, Corsair Gaming Audio Series SP2500 Compared To │ Creative Sound Blaster Recon3D, Creative X-Fi Go!, Onboard audio (Intel H87 chipset) --- COMPARISON TO USB SOUND CARDS E1 compared to onboard audio │ E1 is obviously superior. E1 compared to X-Fi Go! │ Difference is very subtle. E1 amplifies just a bit more. E1 compared to Recon3D Sound Blaster │ Recon3D is superior in every way. Conclusion │ With crystalizer turned off, all sources sound the same on the speaker. Turned on, the X-Fi and E1 showed significant improvement, and Recon3D, well, sounded way better. Using the in-ear headphones, all sound cards offered amplified volume without crystalizer. With crystalizer, sound was noticeably cleaner and more "crystal" clear. Recon3D was even more clear. The surround/3D is different though. X-Fi was inferior, followed by the E1, and finally, Recon3D. The E1 sounded subtly better compared to the X-Fi. The E1 sounded bad compared to Recon3D but it gets the job done (better than none). Recommendation │ Get the X-Fi Go! Pro (X-Fi Sound Blaster + SBX Pro), which is cheaper. SBX Pro is the main processor of E1. Or, if money is no object, I would highly recommend getting the Sound Blaster Recon3D (or the Sound Blaster Recon3D Omega Wireless bundle). --- ABOUT THE AUDIO PORT: All documentations made by Creative claim that the mic/stereo combo port could be used only by EITHER a microphone OR a stereo device, and never mentioned anything about headsets. This is true, for some odd reason. It could have supported a TRRS plug. However, the E1 has a built-in mic, and that may work for some people in some cases. --- VERDICT: I highly recommend this product for those looking at a mobile audio solution. ★★★★☆ | 4 stars out of five. I know what I was getting when I ordered this product and it does not deserve a lower rating. However, there is also nothing extraordinary (no cool surprises). Questions? Hit the comments! This review is for the Creative Sound Blaster E1 , NOT the E3, the NOT E5.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Not a listening room experience but a relatively perfect utility piece. Very happy with it.
*by A***X on November 12, 2015*

I purchased this to replace my car stereo, run a gamut of cans, and/or serve as a viable means to plug my phone etc. into p/a's, home theater, etc. Early reviews got hung up on battery life being reduced when connected via usb to smartphone because it charges the phone. The latest firmware allows turning off charging while connected via usb to smartphone. I consider myself an audiophile and although the stock sound isn't perfection- it is relatively neutral and detail and precision are there. I wouldn't make this my dac for a purpose listening room but as far as catch all dacs- it does the job perfectly. I liken the listening experience to modern car audio vs old school stuff like the sony c90. The c90 revealed music in a whole new way to a set of ears that were formerly busy trying to actually hear the spec differences in the brochure. This dac isn't going to be one of those earth shattering experiences, in fact the initial listen is a bit off-putting. It is easily rectified by tweaking settings and and enhancements. The stock "enhancement" things like bass enhancement and 'crystalizer' (whatever these are called in the UI, I can't recall at the moment) are pretty weak. (The bass enhancement deal is useful if you pull the 'crossover' setting down around 40hz in my opinion) No matter what I plug this thing into now, it just sounds great. Bluetooth audio is good too. Has plenty of gain on line level and drives all my headphones easily. At first the UI was a little buggy too but after the initial learning curve, I am very happy with it.

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*Product available on Desertcart Spain*
*Store origin: ES*
*Last updated: 2026-02-24*