Creative GigaWorks S750 7.1 computer speakers review
The Creative GigaWorks S750 is Creative's new 7.1 channel, high end computer speaker system. With an optional Dolby Digital/DTS decoder Creative have definitely broadened the appeal of this speaker system beyond computers and right into the living room.
Creative GigaWorks S750 Computer Speaker Review
Full 7.1 for people who need full surround experiences
At the time of review the Creative GigaWorks S750 retails for just over $300, if you only really need 5.1 sound you can go for the Creative GigaWorks S700 that has the same amplifier but 2 less satellite speakers. The Creative GigaWorks S700 is actually upgradeable to 7.1 so this might be a nice option if you want to save around $100 in the mean time.
Creative GigaWorks S750 new improved performance
The biggest change with the introduction of this package was the optional surround decoder. The Optional Creative Lab's DDTS-100 can decode Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES, Dolby Pro Logic II (movie and music modes), and DTS Neo:6 (cinema and music modes).
If you include the DDTS-100 decoder you get a nice modular system. The decoder box can stand alone or be used with another company's analog-only multichannel speaker system. However the integration into Creative's speaker system somewhat incomplete. The need to switch on and off two boxes (the Audio Control Pod and the decoder box) is particularly annoying. You shouldn't need two remote controls to switch the entire system on and off. Once the decoder box is added to the system, it should be able to switch the amplifier on and off, so that you can power the whole system up or down with a single remote control.
For the price there is very little to criticize about the performance. Music sounded clear and was comparable to most middle of the range HiFI equipment. We A/B tested against some B & W 330s and were pleasently surplrised that the Creative speakers could hold their own.
Movie's are where this system really excells. With a dedicated and powerful subwoofer action scenes were loud and thumping while dialog was clear. The system could actually do with a little more power and if you have a large room to fill and prefer your sounds loud you may actually find this system to be too small for you.
It must be said that this system is fantastic for gaming and if this is your main priority then we have no problems recommending it to you, however the 7.1 speaker setup is way over the top for nearfield listening on a PC.
Specifications for the Creative GigaWorks S750
- Drivers (per satellite): 7
- Satellite power: 70 Watts RMS per speaker (x 7 speakers)
- Subwoofer power: 210 Watts RMS
- Frequency response: 32 Hz to 20kHz
- Optional Dolby Digital/DTS
The GigaWorks S700 (5.1) and S750 (7.1) are louder and sound much better than Logitech's Z-680s however the Creative Lab's setups are nearly twice the price. If sound quality is important to you then you won't be disapointed after spending the extra cash and the GigaWorks speakers offer more versatile I/O (with the decoder box), as well as support for more channels.
The GigaWorks S750s are a good fit for a small living room where you have your home entertainment system (with or without PC). However the system really is almost overkill for PC only surround gaming. In the end it's your decision. We can't fault the sound quality at the price but be warned if you have a big lounge you probably will be better off with a bigger system.