The X-MERIDIAN 7.1

Shown above is the X-MERIDIAN in all its glory, the card is a very similar in size to Creative branded cards and shares a similar styling with the decision to go for black PCB and gold components. One thing which is immediately noticeable to those who are familiar with competitor’s models which use the same chipset is that this card is absolutely jam packed with components in comparison. The main chip which is visible above the PCI connector is the C-Media CMI-8788 which is used on quite a few third party cards however in the case of the X-MERIDIAN the PCB is custom designed rather than basing the product on the reference C-Media design.

(Above, card similar to C-Media reference)

As you can see from the above shots the X-MERIDIAN differs greatly to the reference design and even in this simple comparison it is clear to see that the Auzen card looks higher quality. One of the improvements which isn’t easy to see from the pictures is that the PCB of the X-MERIDIAN is actually a double layer PCB compared to the reference designs single layer board. This change in PCB is entirely practical as to fit the same number of components on a single layer design would result in a product which is somewhere between a Geforce 8800GTX and a micro ATX motherboard in size.

One of the more visible differences in components is the operational-amplifiers used by Auzentech, there are 4 of these and one is shown below.

The story behind these components is that a few months ago as the X-MERIDIAN was in development Auzentech demonstrated the card to potential customers and audio experts to see how the card could be improved. One of the suggestions incorporated into the final design is the upgradable op-amps allowing the card to be tailored to suit the needs of each individual. The op-amps are AUK S4580P branded and a set of these are also used for the cards inputs however those are soldered onto the board.

Between the chipset and the op-amps we find 4 high quality DAC’s, rated at 120dB - the AKM 4396VF chips are responsible for converting the digital signal to analog before it passes through the op-amps and out to the speakers. On the recording line the 2-channel DACs used are a slightly different model. The AKM 5385AVF parts have a maximum resolution of 24bit/192KHz. 96Khz is the industry standard for such parts and for most tasks this is sufficient. What the X-MERIDIAN does is provide the user with near unlimited quality potential by using this specification.

So what’s the reason for the additional components and card redesign? Basically, by using the highest quality components (Pure electrical connections via gold plated PCB, jacks and metal bracket) in this custom design (which reduces degradation of the analog signal) the card is able to provide a higher quality output.

On the output/input front the X-MERIDIAN comes fully equipped. Shown above are those connectors and from the top down we have: MIC In, Line In (any stereo analog source), Front speakers, side surround speakers, centre/sub speakers, back surround, Coax (RCA) +Optic Combo S/PDIF Input and (RCA) +Optic Combo S/PDIF Output.

The first six connectors are self explanatory however the bottom two require some further explanation. These connectors whilst providing the standard Coax/Optical/S/PDIF connections (too/from external digital devices such as amps, consoles, TV’s etc) also come with 3.55mm miniplug to TOSLINK adapters. Both feature sample rates of 44.1Khz, 48KHz, 96KHz and 192KHz. In Addition to this the output can also pass non PCM Dolby Digital and DTS streams to external decoders if required.

Connectivity options continue further on the main PCB with front panel connections and Aux/CD inputs. The Ext Mic socket shown beside the front panel section connects to an optional add-on board.

The add-on board provides further connectivity in the form of a 6.35mm TRS MIC input (optional power), extra coax(RCA)/optic/S/PDIF input/outputs, Midi in/out and S/PDIF Din which is compatible with Creative’s digital DIN.