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Looking like something out of an old sci-fi movie, JBL's appropriately named Creature II desktop speaker system landed on my desk recently. I've seldom had more than an adequate listening experience with computer speaker systems, but because of JBL's reputation, I was willing to give the Creature IIs a listen.
After all, JBL has been in the speaker business for over half a century, designing and building everything from professional studio monitors to speakers for car and home use. I was hoping they'd brought that experience to their Creature II system — I was ready for something more than the mediocre sound my current computer speakers provided.
Setting up the speakers
The Creature II system is a simple one, consisting of only three pieces: a powered subwoofer and two small satellite speakers. According to JBL's manual, the sub is rated at 27 watts, and the satellites at 9 watts each, giving the system a total power rating of 45 watts.
The system's amp is built into the subwoofer, and provides power to it and the two satellites. Each satellite has a single permanently attached cable that plugs into the sub — these connections carry power as well as the audio signal to the satellites. A provided mini-jack cable connects your audio source to the sub, where the audio signal is sent out to the two speakers.
Counting the power cord, there are only four cables to hook up, and all are color-coded, so there's no chance of making a wrong connection. In addition to being color-coded, each plug has a uniquely shaped collar. (Make sure that the connector is pushed all the way in — if not properly aligned, the satellite cable can be in place, but only partially connected.)
Since low bass is omni-directional, the subwoofer can be set just about any place and still have the same sonic effect. Although you could bury it beneath your desk, it's best to make sure the sub is within easy reach. It has the on/off switch for the system, plus two prominent knobs that control the system's bass and treble.
The subwoofer has a footprint of about nine square inches, so it can fit comfortably onto a desk. Of course, its domed shape means you can't stack stuff on top of it like you could a box-shaped sub, so you do lose some workspace.
All three speakers are video-shielded, so you can have them clustered around your monitor if you have limited space. Personally, I prefer some separation. The satellites came with enough cord that I could place them on either end of my desk facing in towards me. The sub went in a far corner, behind my desktop monitor. They looked very cool, indeed — but I was more interested in how they sounded!
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After all, JBL has been in the speaker business for over half a century, designing and building everything from professional studio monitors to speakers for car and home use. I was hoping they'd brought that experience to their Creature II system — I was ready for something more than the mediocre sound my current computer speakers provided.
Setting up the speakers
The Creature II system is a simple one, consisting of only three pieces: a powered subwoofer and two small satellite speakers. According to JBL's manual, the sub is rated at 27 watts, and the satellites at 9 watts each, giving the system a total power rating of 45 watts.
The system's amp is built into the subwoofer, and provides power to it and the two satellites. Each satellite has a single permanently attached cable that plugs into the sub — these connections carry power as well as the audio signal to the satellites. A provided mini-jack cable connects your audio source to the sub, where the audio signal is sent out to the two speakers.
Counting the power cord, there are only four cables to hook up, and all are color-coded, so there's no chance of making a wrong connection. In addition to being color-coded, each plug has a uniquely shaped collar. (Make sure that the connector is pushed all the way in — if not properly aligned, the satellite cable can be in place, but only partially connected.)
Since low bass is omni-directional, the subwoofer can be set just about any place and still have the same sonic effect. Although you could bury it beneath your desk, it's best to make sure the sub is within easy reach. It has the on/off switch for the system, plus two prominent knobs that control the system's bass and treble.
The subwoofer has a footprint of about nine square inches, so it can fit comfortably onto a desk. Of course, its domed shape means you can't stack stuff on top of it like you could a box-shaped sub, so you do lose some workspace.
All three speakers are video-shielded, so you can have them clustered around your monitor if you have limited space. Personally, I prefer some separation. The satellites came with enough cord that I could place them on either end of my desk facing in towards me. The sub went in a far corner, behind my desktop monitor. They looked very cool, indeed — but I was more interested in how they sounded!
