Creative yesterday said it plans to offer an external sound module incorporating its X-Fi audio enhancement system, a technology it claims can make even lossy compressed audio formats like MP3 and AAC sound better than the CDs they were ripped from - and, indeed, the studios they were recorded in.

Dubbed the Xmod, the dongle connects between an iPod, PMP, Mac or PC's sound socket and your earphones or speakers. The signal's re-digitised to enhance the low and high frequencies that are usually the first to suffer in the compression process. The unit also provides a virtual surround sound system, essentially by taking the stereo signal and widening the channel spacing, though Creative claimed it smartly anchors audio elements like movie dialogue in the centre.

It's not, alas, a mobile product - users hooking the Xmod up to an MP3 player will need to plug the Creative gadget into the mains. When connected to a computer, it draws power from the USB chain.

Creative hasn't said when the Xmod will ship in the UK, but it's due in the US around the middle of the month, priced at $80 (£42/€63). ®