Creative has announced the launch of Creative Xmod, a device based upon its X-Fi Xtreme Fidelity audio platform that improves music playback quality for MP3, WMA, iTunes or AAC songs to beyond the original CD quality.

The Creative Xmod is a small device just about the size of a candy bar. It connects between stereo speakers or headphones and either a PC, Mac, iPod, ZEN or any MP3 player, and it improves the listening experience by upconverting the music during playback to the X-Fi Xtreme Fidelity standard.

The Creative Xmod enhances the low and high frequencies while improving audio dynamics for a cleaner, richer sound. Without requiring to install any software, it can connect to a PC or Mac. For connecting iPod, ZEN or any MP3 players to the Creative Xmod, an optional AC power adaptor is required.

"There are more than 100 million people who listen to MP3, WMA or AAC music on their PCs, Macs or iPod or ZEN players, but the quality of these compressed music are highly compromised. The Creative Xmod enables them to listen to their music with audio that sounds even better than CDs." said Sim Wong Hoo, chairman and CEO of Creative. "Now with Creative Xmod, all your music is instantly upconverted to Xtreme Fidelity standard in realtime through a simple and compact device!"

There is no need to re-purchase music in a new format to experience X-Fi Xtreme Fidelity. The Creative Xmod does not require conversion of files.

X-Fi Xtreme Fidelity provides two audio functions, X-Fi Crystalizer and X-Fi CMSS-3D, which improve and enhance music listening experiences. The X-Fi Crystalizer upconverts MP3 music by analyzing and identifying which parts of the audio stream have been truncated or damaged during compression. It intelligently and selectively restores the highs and lows such as the snare drums, basses, cymbals crashes and guitar plucking that are damaged during the compression of MP3s.

X-Fi CMSS-3D creates virtual surround sound through speakers or headphones. It expands audio for superior headphone listening so music completely surrounds the listener like a multi-channel speaker system. X-Fi CMSS-3D also uses advanced techniques to place specific audio elements, such as the voice of a movie character, in the virtual center channel while ambiance is played through virtual surround channels.

The Creative Xmod will be available in October at a suggested retail price of US$79.99.