Question 1

difference between play 2 and play 3?

Accepted Answer

The Sound Blaster Play 2 has a Bit-depth/sampling frequency (playback) of Up to 16-bit/48KHz.

Sound Blaster Play 3 has a Bit-depth/sampling frequency of 16-bit/44.1, 48.0, 88.2, 96.0kHz and 24-bit/44.1, 48.0, 96.0kHz"

As for the Signal-to-Noise Ratio, the Sound Blaster Play 2 has 90dB (playback), while the Sound Blaster Play 3 has 93dB.

Also, the Sound Blaster Play 2 has a single jack for Headphone / Speaker out cum Mic In 1 x 3.5mm jack

While the Sound Blaster Play 3 has a separate jack for Headphone-out and Mic-in.

- One 3.5mm (1/8-inch) 4-pole Headphone-out with Mic jack 
- One 3.5mm (1/8-inch) Microphone-in jack (Mono)

Question 2

Does it make a popping sound if there's a USB power spike?

Accepted Answer

Under normal working conditions, when using the Sound Blaster Play! 3, there are no reported issues regarding popping sounds deriving from power spikes. For more detailed information, please contact Creative Customer Support.

Question 3

Would there be any issues with using 2 of these? One for my headphones, and one for my desktop speakers?

Accepted Answer

I use the built-in sound card for speakers, and the SB Play!3 for headphones and microphone, so there is no problem with using two sound cards at the same time. As long as your OS and your music application recognizes the two devices as distinct, there should be no issues.

Question 4

Will this make my Modmic 4.0 sound louder? I currently use my Realtek onboard audio and the volume on my mic is extremely low even with boost up.

Accepted Answer

Yes, this is a known problem with the Realtek audio. Also avoid dongles which use the Realtek ADC. I'm guessing that this DAC/ADC does not use the Realtek chipset, although given its price maybe it does but Creative Labs has addressed the issues (which I am told are with the drivers, not the hardware).

ASIN	B06XBZ38ZJ
Audio Output Mode	Stereo
Best Sellers Rank	#5 in External Sound Cards
Brand	Creative
Compatible Devices	mac
Customer Reviews	4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars (3,706)
Global Trade Identification Number	00054651191273
Hardware Connectivity	USB
Hardware Platform	Headphones, PC
Item Dimensions L x W x H	5.43"L x 0.87"W x 0.37"H
Item Highlight	USB DAC, 24-bit/96kHz, Plug-and-Play, PC, Mac, Portable, Audio Upgrade, USB Audio
Item Weight	2.1 ounces
Manufacturer	Creative
Maximum Sample Rate	96 KHz
Mfr Part Number	70SB173000000
Model Name	sound blaster play 3
Model Number	SB1730
Number of Items	1
Platform	Windows
Surround Sound Channel Configuration	5 1
UPC	054651191273
Unit Count	1 Count

Sound Blaster Play! 3, USB Audio Adapter, 24-bit 96kHz Plug & Play

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