|  Creative
has recently introduced the new GigaWorks T40 speaker system. These speakers uncannily
resemble high-end speakers. The GigaWorks T40 feature a Midrange-Tweeter-Midrange
(MTM) driver configuration designed to improve the sound quality by offering deeper
and richer bass resulting in music that is said to sound warmer and richer. The
look is certainly that of an audiophile speaker design with the dual woven glass
fiber cone drivers and cloth dome tweeters. Power is a moderate 14 watts RMS per
channel with a 50Hz ~ 20kHz frequency response. The right speaker includes controls
for Bass, Treble and Volume along with access to a headphone jack. The speakers
are fairly large measuring 5.9" x 4.6" x 12.6" (W x D x H) with
better build quality than most computer speakers we have come across.
 Connections
The
rear of the right speaker contains the amplifier and audio connections for the
system. The main power switch is located at the top just above the standard 3.5mm
audio input jack. There is a docking station interface designed for the optional
Creative Docking Station X-30 for iPods. Unfortunately, we did not have this during
our review. The connector for the left speaker uses a standard RCA plug. The T40
comes with an AC power adapter which is a universal design that accepts 100-240
VAC and outputs 27VDC at 1.7 amps. That is a significant amount of power feeding
these speakers.
There
is no subwoofer as part of the GigaWorks T40 system, but each speaker utilizes
Creative's BasXPort™ technology to extend the bass response of the speakers.
The T40's
also include a stereo 3.5mm-to-RCA adapter designed to help connect a CD or DVD
player to the speakers. Performance
The
T40's have a nice sound, but since they lack a subwoofer, bass extension will
be limited. The sound is well balanced and for many audiophiles this may be what
they are looking for in set of speakers for their computer. Others users, such
as gamers may find these speakers to lack the punch they are used to with the
typical overemphasized bass response. Like many of today's A/V product, the bright
blue LED on the front of the right speaker is a bit too much. While it looks cool,
it can be a distraction. The speakers sit quite tall (over a foot), so you'll
have to make sure they fit into your area. The build quality of the T40 speakers
is impressive for a set of speakers in the $150 range. It is clear that these
are designed for the audiophile on a budget. Conclusion
The
Creative T40 speakers provide the most audiophile-like experience we have heard
on a budget speaker system. The sound is neutral and not exaggerated like most
of the PC speakers we have heard. While the speaker character may not be for everyone,
we found them to be much less fatiguing to listen to for extended periods of time.
If you are tired of the PC speaker sound, you might find the T40's to your liking. -
Kevin Nakano | 