Creative X-fi Sonic Carrier (Soundbar with Dolby Atmos)

Discussion in 'General Audio Discussion' started by Madaboutaudio, Jan 12, 2016.

  1. Madaboutaudio

    Madaboutaudio Friend

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    Preorder US$1750:
    http://us.creative.com/soniccarrier/

    [​IMG]

    System Configuration Main Unit + Wireless Subwoofer
    Total Output Power 800W RMS
    Weight Main Unit: 16 kg / 35 lbs
    Subwoofer: 10 kg / 22 lbs
    Dimensions (H × W × D) Main Unit: 90 × 1400 × 145 mm / 3.5 × 55.1 × 5.7 in
    Subwoofer: 430 × 150 × 430 mm / 16.9 × 5.9 × 16.9 in
    Connectivity Bluetooth 4.0
    2x Line level
    2x Mic analog input
    1x USB host and 2x USB power
    4x microSD card
    4x HDMI 2.0a/HDCP 2.2 Inputs
    1x HDMI 2.0a/HDCP 2.2 Output
    2x Optical Digital In
    802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi
    Up to Gigabit Ethernet
    Drivers Main Unit
    10x 2.75″ Aluminum Midbass
    5x 0.75″ Titanium Super Tweeter

    Subwoofer
    2x 8″ by 5″ Aluminum Woofers
     
    Last edited: Jan 12, 2016
  2. ultrabike

    ultrabike Measurbator - Admin

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    LOL! looks like they are doing a Indiegogo like sale there!

    System seems to depend a bit on back and side walls. There could (and should) be a calibration deal probably through the mics, but it remains to be seen how effective it is.

    I tend prefer the classical 2.1 approach to the soundbar + sub offerings.

    At $2k, it seems a bit pricey (even $1.7k). For my bedroom I'm currently using my two Mackies ($240-ish) + Dayton SUB-1200 ($120-ish) + Monoprice Pre-amp/DAC/Head-amp ($80-ish) + MiniDSP deal ($105-ish) + Wood/Steel speaker stands ($100-ish) = $645 and most importantly: It's all black. Life is good.

    My setup does not include gigabit ethernet, optical input, wi-fi, HDMI, microSD card, MIC, and stuff. It is also less than 800W RMS. And no reflected sound 69.1 technology. But calibrated I feel it's proly competitive considering it's low-fi-ness roots. And I have a half-assed head-amp with this setup as well.

    Sub does go down to the low 20s, depending on position, and extends well to over 100 Hz. Mackies are awesome and only need some fine tunning. MiniDSP is indeed pretty powerful. E9 clone w integrated DAC is as good as it gets at the price point. I'm mighty happy with it, and it still needs some further MiniDSP mocking around to get it to primo.

    There are plenty of other options. JBL305s at $200 were a steal and would fit nicely on a 2.1 setup. More component flexibility IMO when going classic 2.1.
     
    Last edited: Jan 12, 2016
  3. Madaboutaudio

    Madaboutaudio Friend

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    One thing is for sure, soundbars are more mom/girlfriend/wife friendly. Any kind of box speakers & extra wires are like really evil things to most female.

    The Creative soundbar is kind quite interesting, I think it's trying to be in the same market as Sonos/Yamaha/Bose/Pioneer AV Receivers, but with better value for the money given the huge list of features.

    I think this is a good all in one solution for young couples who just bought a new house and don't want to blow the bank on buying an expensive mega watt home theatre system.

    But I doubt this creative has the sound quality to match a good multibit dac + near field monitors.
     
  4. ultrabike

    ultrabike Measurbator - Admin

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    Well, you do have a point. My wife hates my SUB-1200, even when IMO is not that obvious and when it replaced a dirty clothes hamper. She also likes the JBLs alien like tweeter horn, vs the MR5MK3 classic box design. Sigh, what can I say.

    The only thing is that at $1.7k to $2k it is still on the high price considering the soundbar market prices. That said, most of them have some short commings.
     

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