Difference between the Sound BlasterX AE-5 and the Sound Blaster Z series

The difference between the Sound BlasterX AE-5 and the Sound Blaster Z series of sound cards is that it does not include the Dolby Digital Live and DTS Connect encoders.

It is not able to encode all kinds of audio formats to Dolby Digital or DTS Audio. However, it is able to output Dolby Digital DTS Audio from media that are already encoded with the Dolby Digital and DTS Audio codecs.

Users are able to get 5.1 channels surround sound through a S/PDIF connection by selecting 5.1 speakers, enable "Play stereo mix to digital output" and use the AV receiver to up-mix PCM stereo audio signals to 5.1 channels surround.

Sound BlasterX AE-5 "Play stereo mix to digital output"