Get the weekly hi-fi digest — new gear, best reads, and deals.

Creative Media launches the Sound BlasterX G6 USB-C version in mid-February, priced at ¥24,800, modernizing its popular gaming DAC lineup.
The new USB Type-C model replaces the 2018 Micro USB Type-B version, which will be discontinued and sold only while remaining stock lasts.
Sound BlasterX G6 targets both FPS gamers and hi-res audio PC users, retaining acclaimed audio design, sound positioning accuracy, and DAC performance.
Creative’s decision to keep the Sound BlasterX G6’s internal architecture intact while updating the physical interface hints that the real story is less about novelty and more about signal integrity and platform longevity. The G6 has long been discussed for its clean conversion stage and surprisingly disciplined headphone output for a gaming-oriented DAC, traits that matter when switching between competitive FPS cues and hi‑res PCM playback on a PC. Retaining that acoustic signature while moving to USB‑C suggests an emphasis on stable bus power and broader device compatibility, rather than re-voicing the unit or chasing higher headline specs. From an audiophile perspective, this continuity is significant: spatial accuracy and low noise floor tend to be more audible gains than incremental format support.
Console integration remains a defining strength of the G6 concept, and the dual-path approach—USB for data and optical for multichannel audio—reflects a pragmatic understanding of how modern consoles handle sound. Using optical input for Dolby-encoded streams avoids resampling pitfalls common with USB-only console DACs, while onboard mixing keeps voice and game audio in balance without relying on system-level controls. Compared to newer USB-C dongle DACs aimed at mobile listening, the G6 still positions itself as a fixed hub: a small desktop box designed to anchor headphones, console, and PC in one chain. That role may feel old-school, but for users who value consistent imaging and predictable gain behavior across platforms, it remains a technically coherent solution rather than a nostalgic one.
New gear, best reads, and deals — every Friday.

* Queen will release a 5CD+2LP super deluxe Queen II box set on 27 March 2026 via EMI, expanding the original 1974 album extensively.

* FiiO DARKSIDE PRO is a linear power supply designed for sensitive Hi‑Fi components, targeting audible improvements through ultra‑clean, low‑noise power deliv…

* Audio Research I/55 is a compact tube integrated amplifier derived from I/70, succeeding I/50, targeting high-end listeners seeking classic tube sound with m…

* ToxFreeLife tested 81 headphone models from brands including Sony, Apple, JBL, Bose, Samsung, and Temu across European retail and online marketplaces.