Creative Xmod: a sound upgrade for digital music

Even better than the real thing.

That could be the slogan for the Xmod, a device from Creative that the company says modulates digital files into sound quality that exceeds the original CDs. That sounds like a tall order, but the little machine does deliver.

Just plop it in between a music player and a pair of headphones or external speakers. The technology — which works on MP3s, WMAs, and AACs — is based on Creative’s X-Fi Xtreme Fidelity 24-bit surround audio platform. Users can also use the Xmod with PCs.

Pricing is expected to be US$79.99, and the company expects to begin shipping very soon.