Creative GigaWorks T40 Series II

[StoaVio]

DESCRIPTION

The tested series "GigaWorks" which by definition that name, promises a constructive and audio quality, a level superior to the traditional PC speakers, is renewed further, presenting an evolution of already tested and popular T20 and T40, which promises reduced in space Two speakers from PC system with 2.0 (then with the individual two boxes on either side of the monitor, without sub-woofer or different satellites) a surprising quality and definition.

These are designed for those who want the highest quality with minimal footprint, and this time, the system was really led to clearest expression possible, trying to correct possible "defects" (so if 'we call them, but I would say that "peculiarities" is more appropriate) of previous models, and a renewed look attractive, modern, sober and in line with the technology profiles more in vogue (talking about the classic black shiny).

Now we have to understand, if a holder of the old T20 and T40 series really worth the upgrade, what to expect really new or for new buyers, if true, add a few euros more and a little zeal in research of cornering speakers more in vogue in the latest edition available.


GigaWorks T40 Series II

• Price: 187$ (dollar)
  
  
• Measures (actual): A: 30 P: 15, L: 9
  
  
• Peak and R / F: 16W rms real (x channel), 50hz/20khz, SLM: 78db

[StoaVio]

TEST

Good presentation of the new package, the speakers are well protected from bubbles and spaced them a box containing guarantees, documents, media table, screws, audio cable, power adapter.

Impression .. seem to read more of the old T40 ... possible? The look of the knobs is renewed, flowing smoothly but give a tactile feeling less "hydraulic" of the knobs of the old T40. The forum of the sub-woofer was redesigned in elliptical, not more perfect circle. The entire "body" of the series II is a beautiful shiny black, very stylish. " Later has not changed much, we have the attack for the power supply (almost identical to that of T40, massive, solid, well-built) and the attacks rolled gold for the second speaker and audio input.

New: The annoying switch of the old T40 is finally gone and * * the ignition has been associated with the volume front! Reappeared the front aux input for additional audio, (we liked in the first edition of the T20, but then disappeared in the first edition of the T40) Remove the mask ... comes off in a more gentle and hydraulic compared to the old T20 and T40 and rubber not remain more attached! And every thing's OK, the magnificent double-woofer Fiberglass is the tweeter in cloth is ... construction quality audio equipment, excellent and unchanged. Well done.

Again, as in previous series, Smarts installation, links to defect test, very few cables around and the system is ready:

Start a test by connecting a Creative ZEN V (it's always good to connect with Creative Creative, as in previous test) all'Aux front and start the playback of MP3 modern, a cheerful song of Armin Van Buuren, rich bass and electronic effects .

As in T20 and T40, the sound is warm, clean, clear and perfectly balanced, but the novelty and the significant emphasis of middle tones, as if they wanted, harmoniously become detached from the bottom and top. It 'a strange feeling, which, at an audience feeling a little "plastic", but once we became the ear, you learn just to love all the richness of sound, echo, reverb, accents , Harmonies and arrangements that fill the average range of sounds. You can recover the range of senior, playing a little with the equalizer and MP3 player with trimmer "Treble" of the speaker. No distortion, and senior recovering well. Unfortunately we can not say the same of the low, the pom-pom of T40 Series II remains unchanged even if the lever carry a maximum bass and equalization magic exercise, obviously an internal circuit of boxes of deals to keep them aligned average and not ever go beyond a certain threshold (where, perhaps, would expect to distortion ... and the good of all is that GigaWorks not distort virtually MAI). The low, was "watered down" and kept in line with average, which were greatly enhanced (actually raised, a 16W rms, which is no small).

Let the Games: A tour on NeedForSpeed Carbon, and the thrill of the road exits from the speakers, doing a live gaming experience immersing and exciting ... yet another confirmation that the average pump more bass? In older T40, with the same game, the roar of the engine at low revs was more pronounced in this new experience, the high accelerations are much more marked is that almost seems to warn the "brecciolino" splashing away from the wheels to every change march, perhaps less experience a "roaring" but certainly more exciting!

[StoaVio]

CONCLUSIONS

The T40 Series II play well and are well balanced, have a sound more cheerful and full of conventional T40, which must play well, but the Series II has a more balanced low compared to the T40 that "shoot to zero" with a more low Dry but sometimes do not align perfectly to what we are listening. The T40 series II can not remember how far the T40 type of sound, the coffers are back with a character and a definition sound completely renovated. Who loved the T40 may well consider the update to T40bis to walk into uncharted territory and who has to choose today, and can spend a few euros more, should certainly take into account this new system by PC 2.0, the best currently available on market.


VOTES:

Value for money: 7 / 10

Coffers are well constructed and very good sound quality, price, however, is at present, fairly high for a 2.0 to 16W, although a high-definition sound level.


Construction quality: 8 / 10

Good quality construction, a slight feeling of sensitivity on knobs, compared to those of the previous series. The panels instead of hooks, are more fluid and have been greatly improved. Woofer and tweeter, seem the same, excellent quality, the previous series.


Fidelity Sound: 9 / 10

Excellent performance, sound and deep clean, the power of broadband media was considerably improved compared to previous series, a test on strings and pianos yielded results. The high, are comparable to those of previous series, a slight drop in pressure on low contrast, probably for a better alignment-balance, the new range of medium.

[yehuda]

First review! Thanks.

You might want to clarify that the set in the photo is the old T40, not the new ones. The T40 Series II does away with the bright front LED.

Are you able to measure power consumption? I would like to know just how much the old T40 and T40 Series II consume at idle. Seeing as most users leave their speakers active 24/7, this is an important figure to consider. As a reference I'll mention that my old Creative 2.1 set constantly wastes more than 20W. Seriously, it does add up.

[Bon-Z]

You might want to clarify that the set in the photo is the old T40, not the new ones. The T40 Series II does away with the bright front LED.

The picture is correct my friend
For about the old T40 (series I), it looks like this,



Well, nice review StoaVio
I got these speakers for myself and will like to add some more information on these later.

[yehuda]

Hi Bon-Z, I meant to this picture from post #2:

http://gallery.techarena.in/data/519...ve_deskT40.jpg

Aren't these the old ones?

[Bon-Z]

Oh ok, I got it. Sorry
Well I could only concentrate on the nice widescreen LCD there. Didn't notice the speakers there

[Bon-Z]

FEATURES

Two-way, 3 driver speaker design



Each sonically refined satellite speaker features an expressive tweeter and a high-performance mid-range driver to recreate a realistic live musical experience in your home or music studio.


Cloth dome tweeter



A dedicated high frequency driver that gives you low distortion and wide dispersion for all the high notes in your music.


Dual woven glass fiber cone



These mid range drivers can withstand high temperature and humidity levels without affecting its damping properties.


Audiophile design



The new Midrange-Tweeter-Midrange (MTM) audiophile design delivers smoother performance for your enjoyment. Create the ultimate audiophile experience on your desktop today.


BasXPort Technology



The BasXPort is acoustically engineered to enhance the lower frequency range by efficiently channelling sound waves from the inner chamber to the soundstage. This allows the speaker to deliver a more pronounced mid-range for a warmer, more natural playback.


Convenient access to key functions



Get the bass, treble and volume you want with the easily manoeuvred controls. For private listening, simply plug in your headphones.


Extend your entertainment options



The dual RCA-to-stereo adapter lets you connect the speakers to your LCD TV, DVD player or gaming console and enjoy solid audio entertainment immediately.

[yehuda]

Bon-Z, it'll be great to hear your impressions too when you get yours.

[Bon-Z]

SPECIFICATION

1. Top-of-the-line two-piece speaker system designed for a pure music listening experience.
   
   
2. Professional quality woofer drivers and high-tech tweeters arranged in MTM (midrange-tweeter-midrange) layout for enhanced acoustic balance.
   
   
3. BasXPort technology provides dynamic bass support without a subwoofer.
   
   
4. Front-mounted controls for convenient adjustment, with dual connectivity for connection to different sources without swapping cables.
   
   
5. Ideal for use with PCs and MP3 players.
   
   
6. Dimensions (WxLXH) 8.8cm x 14.3cm x 31.3cm
   
   
7. Speaker power:
   
   • 16 Watts RMS per channel (2 channels)
   • Frequency response : 50Hz ~ 20kHz

[Bon-Z]

PACKAGE CONTENTS

• Two speakers
• Stereo-to-stereo audio cable (2m)
• Dual RCA-to-stereo adapter (TV adapter)
• Power supply adapter
• Quick Start leaflet
• Warranty & Technical Support leaflet

WARRANTY

• Creative offers a two-year limited hardware warranty

[apg1]

found these for £65 on pc world website - seems to be the best so far.

can anyone compare these to the philips mms321's? both 2.0 systems about the same price range. the philips are a lot older but have very positive reviews, and 40W per channel... is that likely to make a big difference?