Car Audio Folks - Creative xMod Review Here

[TTQ B4U]

Well, as some have seen I planned on integrating a third party product to:

 

1. enhance the sound quality of compressed music and

2. create a larger sense of specialization to music from my iPod as it's pumped through the Mazda Bose Sound System.

 

Here are my findings as it relates to using it in a car. Using it with headphones, is even better.

 

Here's a link to the product: It's about 4.5" by 1.5" in size

 

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.tuaw.com/media/2006/12/creativexmod.jpg

 

What does it do?

 

Overall, the box works by creating a wider "stage" to surround your ears. Creative calls it CMSS-3D. In my car, being a small space, the effect is noticable and easiliy tuned from a very subtle difference to a very wide concert like or to the extreme, fake, sense of surround sound. Of course you can just turn it off too.

 

It's not nirvana nor exactly like being in a concert or being surround by a true surround system, but it it takes the sound experience up to a whole new level of listening that's for sure.

 

In addition to the virtual CMSS-3D speakers, the XMod also offers a Crystalizer feature. The Crystalizer restores a good deal of the dynamic range that gets compressed out during MP3 creation. The results are that it produces deeper bass sounds and clearer voices & highs. Overall, it provides better defined playback across the board.

 

Again, you can enable and disable both the 3D and Crystalizer features via switches at the side of the Xmod unit. Both are variable and their affects can be adjusted too.

 

How does it hook up?

 

Hookup is pretty simple. I used a $5 Cigarette lighter charging cable with a mini USB plug to power it. My iPod simply runs to the line-in port on the xMod and the line-out on the xMod then runs to the Accessory port for my car stereo.

 

My set up is nice as everything is contained in the center armrest.

 

How does it sound?

 

I like the default setting for the Crystalizer, so that's good. It's stock settings do a great job right out of the box to make my mp3's, even those at 128 bit rate, sound lively and much, much better.

 

I can't describe how, but it's more than just a simply tweak of highs and lows. They really do sound fuller.

 

The CMSS-3D staging works as described and is perfect. I can now choose from OFF to a subtle out of the box staging or tweak the setting to create a wide stage/surround sound effect.

 

What are the Downsides?

 

The downside for me is on the Volume setting for the unit. The volume is okay as much like when connecting my iPod, the best setting is to simply turn the volume all the way up. Easy enough as the large chrome dial controls that.

 

The CMSS-3D enhancement setting right out of the box is a little narrow for me. Perhaps it's just me, but I like to hear a wider stage, thus I have to tweak it each time I start the vehicle.

 

Not really a big deal, but still, I'd like to just set it and leave it. So basically, my process is to start the car, turn on the stereo, press play on my iPod and then turn the volume on the xMod up to full. Lastly, I have to just simply press the soft-touch switch in the upper corner of the xMod (select button) three times. The CMSS-3D light flashes and then the dial controls the level or size of the "stage" The LED flashes accordingly, faster for a higher level and slower for a lower level.

 

That's about it. Overall, I'm very happy and will enjoy this relatively inexpensive addition to my audio system. As with just about everything, nothing is quite perfect, but it sure fixes the experience I get when listening to tunes that's for sure.

 

My next modification will be to somehow mount it in the center cubby in the front of my dash vs in the armrest. This way adjustments will be easier and I can gain back the space it takes.

 

Pics of my set up forth coming. For now, I hope the above helps if anyone else is interested.

 

I ordered mine through Creative direct for $29 with a 30 day satisfaction term in place.

 

The only other items I added were a $5 charging cord and an $18 PAC Noise filter from Crutchfield to surpress the inherent whine/static when charging my iPod through my cig. adapter in the car.

 

Seems the above is a very common problem with iPods/MP3 players and this little item is 110% perfect, eliminating every bit of noise or feedback. Does what it says.

 

http://akamaipix.crutchfield.com/products/2005/127/h127SNi135-fp.jpg

 

http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?g=181150&i=127SNI135&tp=2653&tab=review&rvm=ShowAllt

 

The real upside:

 

I'm amazed that both products actually do exactly what they say they do. No BS. Both are great.

 

My rating 8/10 only because I want to be able to save my settings.

 

Photos of my set up:

 

NOTE:

For now I'm going to use it as is. Perhaps later as noted above, I'll remount it in the front cubby under the climate/radio area, but for now it's good. Perhaps I'll run the wire inside the center console even. Not sure.

 

http://www.pbase.com/pdqgp/image/101312399.jpg

 

http://www.pbase.com/pdqgp/image/101312402.jpg

 

http://www.pbase.com/pdqgp/image/101312404.jpg

[Vander]

Well written review. Will have to look more into that, and awaiting pics

[04silvrz]

yeah, nice write up man. thanks!

[TTQ B4U]

Pics added to the above.