Creative Sound Blaster E3From real comments

Name: Creative Sound Blaster E3
Rating: 3.9 (10 reviews)

Verdict distilled from 10 mentions across 7 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment67%

PROS 67%

CONS 33%

Rank based on 10 mentions across 7 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

You want a noticeable boost in dynamic range and reduced background noise with your headphones
You use PC gaming and want software features like SBX and 7.1 emulation missing from competitors like FiiO
You can grab it on sale, where buyers reported strong value at 30 to 99 dollars

What users love

Strong Value on Sale0 mentions

Widely praised

Improved Dynamic Range0 mentions

Widely praised

Reduced Background Noise0 mentions

Widely praised

Gaming Software Features0 mentions

Strongly positive

Loud Bluetooth Volume0 mentions

Widely praised

Skip this if...

You're expecting the E5's higher-end capabilities and aren't sure the price gap is justified
You're only paying full price and unsure the improvement is worth it without a discount
You need confirmed car/Bluetooth auto-pairing functionality, which remains unconfirmed by any comment

What users complain about

Full Price Feels High0 mentions

Generally negative

Uncertain Value vs E50 mentions

Generally negative

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice

1Premium

SMSL VMV D2

Natural, non-fatiguing soundMQA and AK4499 chip appealClear upgrade over harsher rivalsUncertain heat outputHigh priceNo sharper sound signature option

SMSL VMV D2

Natural, non-fatiguing sound

MQA and AK4499 chip appeal

Clear upgrade over harsher rivals

Uncertain heat output

High price

No sharper sound signature option

2Premium

SMSL H400

Strong power deliveryReliable alternative to competitorsSound-tuning flexibilityCosts more than cheaper alternativesHigh price

SMSL H400

Strong power delivery

Reliable alternative to competitors

Sound-tuning flexibility

Costs more than cheaper alternatives

High price

HiFiMan Goldenwave GA10

Fully Balanced ArchitecturePremium, Understated BuildRich Tube Sound

HiFiMan Goldenwave GA10

Fully Balanced Architecture

Premium, Understated Build

Rich Tube Sound

4Premium

iFi iCAN

Drives almost any headphoneUnique xBass and 3D tuning controlsMusical, layered, engaging soundHigh price questionedOverdamped decay / odd dynamics reportedCannot switch preamp and headphone outputs independently

iFi iCAN

Drives almost any headphone

Unique xBass and 3D tuning controls

Musical, layered, engaging sound

High price questioned

Overdamped decay / odd dynamics reported

Cannot switch preamp and headphone outputs independently

5Budget

SMSL VMV SAP1

Excellent value for moneyDrives demanding headphones with easeExceeds initial expectationsInconsistent regional pricingCheap-feeling volume knobLimited availability at some retailers

SMSL VMV SAP1

Excellent value for money

Drives demanding headphones with ease

Exceeds initial expectations

Inconsistent regional pricing

Cheap-feeling volume knob

Limited availability at some retailers

6Premium

iFi Pro iCAN

Extremely versatile tuning options

iFi Pro iCAN

Extremely versatile tuning options

7Mid

Monoprice Monolith THX AAA 887

Balanced XLR ConnectivitySought for Driving Hard-to-Drive HeadphonesSolid Metal Volume Knob

Monoprice Monolith THX AAA 887

Balanced XLR Connectivity

Sought for Driving Hard-to-Drive Headphones

Solid Metal Volume Knob

You are here

8Mid

Creative Sound Blaster E3

Strong Value on SaleGaming Software FeaturesImproved Dynamic RangeFull Price Feels HighUncertain Value vs E5

Creative Sound Blaster E3

Strong Value on Sale

Gaming Software Features

Improved Dynamic Range

Full Price Feels High

Uncertain Value vs E5

9Budget

SMSL RAW-HA1

Strong speaker amp performance

SMSL RAW-HA1

Strong speaker amp performance

10Mid

iFi Hip-DAC

Detailed, engaging sound

iFi Hip-DAC

Detailed, engaging sound

Expensive
1. SMSL VMV D2arrow_downward2
2. iFi iCANarrow_downward3
3. SMSL H400arrow_downward3
Powerful
1. SMSL H400arrow_upward2
2. SMSL VMV SAP1arrow_upward2
Build quality
1. HiFiMan Goldenwave GA10arrow_upward1
2. Monoprice Monolith THX AAA 887arrow_upward1
Reliable
1. SMSL H400arrow_upward1
2. SMSL VMV SAP1arrow_upward1

Overall Impression

Sound quality gets a real, if modest, boost. One long-term user with Sennheiser HD 598SE headphones described better dynamic range and overall sound, especially noticeable with movies, plus a reduction in white noise and other undesirable artifacts. They rated it 7 out of 10 at the roughly 65 dollar price they paid, suggesting the improvement was real but not dramatic enough for a higher score.

Gaming-oriented software sets it apart from rival DACs. A commenter frustrated that most reviews ignore the PC software side pointed out that E3's gaming features, including SBX and 7.1 surround emulation, are exactly what matters for gamers and are missing from competitors like FiiO's E10K-class DACs. This suggests the software suite is a meaningful differentiator for gaming-focused buyers, not just an audio upgrade.

Perceived value swings heavily with the price paid. Buyers reported very different prices, from 30 dollars on a steep sale to 99 dollars regular or sale pricing, and one person abandoned saving for the 385 dollar E5 after finding the E3 discounted. Another commenter openly weighed the E3's roughly 99 dollar price against the E5's 199 dollars, unsure the upgrade was worth double the cost.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?

attach_moneyStrong Value on Sale

3 mentions

Widely praised

Multiple buyers reported getting the E3 at discounted prices, from 30 dollars to 99 Canadian dollars, and one described it as too good a deal to pass up compared to the full-price E5.

@ap0lmc

got it on sale for $99 Canadian dollars sales over since yesterday

smart_display

July 11, 2017

@taylor22222222

I have the same model headphone amplifier, the e3 of course, and I have noticed a difference (not that great, but it all depends on your type of music or other media). I listen to a good variety of music and it gives the audio (or at least in my I opinion) better dynamic range and greater sound overall. It especially works well with movies. Not only does it give a better sound, even if just slightly, it reduces a lot of \"white noise\" and other such undesirable sounds. The headset I use is a Sennheiser HD 598SE. \nI will say that for the price i got it for which was around $65 with shipping, I am very satisfied; however with all things considered, I give it a 7/10.

smart_display

January 13, 2016

@Glu103ebola

I got mine for $30 new on a sale. Could not refuse. While the E5 was not on sale and was selling for $385, I was saving for the E5, but seeing the sale, I have to forget the e5.

smart_display

September 18, 2015

graphic_eqImproved Dynamic Range

1 mentions

Widely praised

A user with Sennheiser HD 598SE headphones noticed better dynamic range and overall sound quality, particularly with movies. The improvement was real though described as not dramatic.

@taylor22222222

smart_display

January 13, 2016

volume_offReduced Background Noise

1 mentions

Widely praised

The same user reported the E3 reduces a lot of white noise and other undesirable sounds compared to their prior setup. This was highlighted as one of its clearer benefits.

@taylor22222222

smart_display

January 13, 2016

sports_esportsGaming Software Features

1 mentions

Strongly positive

A commenter praised the E3's PC software for gaming-relevant features like SBX and 7.1 surround emulation, calling it the best part of the device compared to DACs like FiiO's that lack gaming support.

@sadaki93

Lol, I see a lot of video review but no one even try to connect to the PC to see the software side of the E3. If there are any more video, I would like to see thing that matter to gaming like SBX, 7.1 emu, etc... For me it is the best side of this DAC instead of DACs like fiiO one with have no gaming support.

smart_display

December 17, 2014

bluetooth_audioLoud Bluetooth Volume

1 mentions

Widely praised

After reviving their unit, one user specifically enjoyed how loud the Bluetooth volume was, enhancing their music listening experience.

@van11041

I revived mine today and I love specially Bluetooth volume very lould now I can enjoy my music

smart_display

December 18, 2014

price_checkFull Price Feels High

2 mentions

Generally negative

Buyers frequently mention waiting for or catching sales, with prices dropping from around 99 dollars to as low as 30 dollars, suggesting the regular price is seen as less attractive without a discount.

@ap0lmc

got it on sale for $99 Canadian dollars sales over since yesterday

smart_display

July 11, 2017

@Glu103ebola

I got mine for $30 new on a sale. Could not refuse. While the E5 was not on sale and was selling for $385, I was saving for the E5, but seeing the sale, I have to forget the e5.

smart_display

September 18, 2015

help_outlineUncertain Value vs E5

1 mentions

Generally negative

A prospective buyer was unsure whether the E5 at roughly double the price was worth it over the E3, especially for smartphone use, indicating the value gap between the two models isn't clearly justified.

@EladB.

Very professional review, well done!\nIf you don't mind me asking, i'm currently wondering if i should buy the E3, or the E5. i understand that obviously the E5 is supposedly better, though i'm not sure it's twice as good. i mean, the E3 now costs 99$ (on sale), and the E5 costs 199$ , and i don't know if the difference between the two is justified considering the fact i'm planing to use it mainly to get better audio quality from my smartphone (currently a galaxy s4, and soon i'll buy the new galaxy note) .\nCan i ask what's your thoughts on this ? it would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance :)

smart_display

June 20, 2016

Creative Sound Blaster E3chat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

thumb_up_off_altBuy this if...

What users lovefavorite_border

thumb_down_off_altSkip this if...

What users complain aboutheart_broken

Compare in seconds

Who wins on what

Expensive

Powerful

Build quality

Reliable

auto_awesomeOverall Impression

Creative Sound Blaster E3From real comments

Buy this if...

What users love

Skip this if...

What users complain about

Overall Impression