Before I bought these speakers about a year ago, I had thoroughly searched the internet for any opinion, review, press release, and editorial on the Creature II and discovered that these were rather exceptional speakers. Yet I was still concerned that this was a product of design over quality - simply due to the shockingly small size of the satellite speakers (about the size of your fist), and that JBL were more concerned about desigining some speakers that would complement Apple Macs than impress the music listener. Even when I went to Tottenham Court Road to test out the Creature II, I was not quite convinced that the audio quality was up to scratch. This could have been due to the fact that it was very noisy in-store, with lots of people and the obligatory shop muzak playing - obviously no condition to seriously compare speaker quality. It was only until of course the slimey salesman tried to talk me into buying some doubly expensive, ugly, cheap looking, badly constructed Sony speakers which sounded god awful in comparison, even in these conditions, that gave me the final push to buy these gorgeous looking speakers. I have no regrets at all in purchasing them - albeit from an online vendor. That salesman simply had no idea, so I didn't want him to get any commision.
Sound Quality: -For the Price: Superb. I paid around £70 for the Creature II last year and am still shocked everytime I listen to music loud, that such dynamic range, clarity, tight bass, crystal trebles with high fidelity can be exuded from such small speakers and subwoofer. It puts many speakers in a similar price range to shame, and the less expensive ones into hiding. I have these as my PC speakers in my bedroom so I won't be needing any hardcore audiophile speakers for this setup. The neodymium-magnet tweeters do the job perfectly for me.
On Classical: Strings are so clean and dynamic; Piano is so crisp when listening to Satie and Part, yet a perfect balance of bass is introduced when listening to some Rach. Bass is never dull and muddy. Every note sounds more precise on Chopin's Nocturnes than even on my iPod with my Sony earphones. On Choral: Mozart and Faure Requiems like you've never heard it. Sweeping and majestic. On Rock: Plenty of bass. The subwoofer is decievingly small, but it performs its job valiantly, punching out lots of tight bass with no or little distortion until nearing maximum volume. Again, Bass is never dull and muddy. Drums and Riffs sound great but trebles are equally impressive with clear vocals that go particulary high yet again with no distortion.
Design: -Superb. They look cool in the photos, they look great in the shop, but they look superb sitting next to your monitor and the sub on the floor. The satellites each have a green LED on the underside, and as there is a 1cm space between the underbelly of the speaker and table, the table glows green. High-gloss white plastic casing is not only good looking but it's very durable. The touch sensitive volume controls on the right tweeter is ingenious, and the two chrome bullet-like treble and bass knobs (which do an excellent job in fine-tuning the sound to your preference) on the subwoofer are buttery smooth and complement the design.
Ease of Installation: -Matching white cables have colour coded plugs with its corresponding coloured sockets for even the most stupid person to get right.
East of Use: -Plug in, and away you go!
In my opinion these are by far, the best designed and best sounding PC speakers in its price range.
Thoroughly Recommended.
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JBL's Creature II three piece speaker system produces high-qualitystereo sound for ... more
movies MP3's movies and gaming experiences.Featuring cutting-edge sci-fi design and superior soundperformance JBL Creature II is a unique plug and play solutioncom...
Postage & Packaging: £7.72 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Compatibility The mini stereo jack connection allows you to enjoy high-quality audio from ... more
a variety of devices such as digital music players, computers (all platforms), stereos and portable listening devices. Easy-to-Use Touch-controls Touch Vol...
Postage & Packaging: free Super Saver Delivery Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
JBL's Creature II three piece speaker system produces high-qualitystereo sound for ... more
movies MP3's movies and gaming experiences.Featuring cutting-edge sci-fi design and superior soundperformance JBL Creature II is a unique plug and play solutioncom...
Postage & Packaging: free Super Saver Delivery Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Oct 31st, 2004
(Aug 21st, 2005)
very helpful by (100%):
