JBL Creature 2.1 Speakers - 3-Speaker, White

Product Review

JBL's stylish Creature three-piece speaker system consists of two powered desktop speakers and a powered subwoofer, all of which feed off a single stereo analog minijack (.125-inch) input. Both the speakers and the subwoofer are magnetically shielded to prevent undesirable image distortion when placed on or near your computer monitor. The Creature comes with elegant "capacitance touch" volume control buttons (up/down) positioned on the right satellite.

The units are rated at eight watts apiece for the satellites and a hefty 24 watts for the subwoofer (which handles audio from the upper-bass region, 180 Hz, down to a reasonably solid 50 Hz or so). The speakers' 10-percent distortion at their rated power is fairly high, but you'll get much cleaner sound and still-decent power when driving the system only half as hard, especially if you're using the system in near-field.

Both satellites boast fancy, green down-firing LEDs, which look particularly cool in low-light settings. And while the Creature system is not expandable beyond the three pieces it comes with, some sound cards support multiple analog outputs, which would let you drive multiple Creature systems simultaneously.

What's in the Box
Two satellite speakers, one subwoofer, a user's manual, and warranty information. Note: The Creature is designed specifically for regional voltages (US, Euro, UK, Japan, and some parts of Asia). Using a voltage converter will damage the system and void the warranty. You will need to purchase the JBL Creature system in your area for the correct power supply.

Product Features

Three-piece speaker system
Subwoofer 24 watts at 10%, speakers 8 watts per satellite at 10%
Frequency Response of 50 to 20 kHz
Signal-to-Noise radio greater than 80 dB
Works with PCs or Macs

Accessories

Customer Reviews

Average Customer Review

(72 customer reviews)

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful

Creature Speakers, an iBook and me... oh my, June 5, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: JBL Creature 2.1 Speakers (3-Speaker, White) (Personal Computers)

Like many others I fell in love with these while poking around in the Apple store. Sure they sounded great attached to an iPod in the store, but I wasn't sure how they would sound in my room. I couldn't resist the great price on Amazon and my own little Creatures arrived not 30 minutes ago.My initial reaction was one of disbelief. I still can't believe how much sound can come from such a tiny package. They sound great with all music types, as I've tested out some songs of Jewel's as well as selections from the Requiem for a Dream remixed soundtrack (which is excellent, incidentally).The treble and bass are fantastic, but you'll have to work around the mid-range a bit. A little tweaking of the knobs on the subwoofer and you'll be rather pleased with the sound. Of course, while adjusting said knobs you may find that they are not in the best location if you store your sub underneath your desk, as most people do.That being said, I am totally thrilled with this purchase...Read more

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful

Blew the HK Sound Sticks away, December 16, 2002

Involved Dad (Denver, CO United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: JBL Creature 2.1 Computer Speakers (3-Speaker, Silver) (Personal Computers)

I had been looking at the Harmon Kardon Sound Sticks ...and was set to buy. I was encouraged, by a friend, to consider the JBL Creature(s). WOW.The decision-maker for me was playing the exact same cut of music (in the is case it was an acoustic guitar based track) on the Sound Sticks along side of the JBL's. The short version of the story was the set listed here blew the HK Sound Sticks away. The JBLs are faster, crisper, and more exact. The reproduce sound in a way that is convincing. The HK Sticks have a bigger bass and presence, but are muddy in a side-by-side comparison. At the Amazon price you save....My friend has them hooked up to his TV, as a super-efficient jr. home theatre -- it really adds a lot to movies! Great product.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful

JBL Creature Speakers, May 14, 2003

Donald Teixeira "bazerkly" (Fremont, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: JBL Creature 2.1 Computer Speakers (3-Speaker, Silver) (Personal Computers)

I am using the JBL Creature speakers on my G4 Mac. I am quite pleased with the sound.. Great highs and good bass... The sound is clean and flawless. There is plenty of volume. If you are into Hip Hop and want a thundering bass you might not be happy. The satelite speakers are small and take up little room. The Sub woofer can be placed out of the way... There is a volume control on the right satelite speaker. There were no problems setting up... I did find that when connecting the speaker wires they had to be pressed in quite firmly to make a connection. Last... The on and off switch is in the back of the sub woofer. It would have been better in a location with easier access.