When I first looked at JBL Creature III, it certainly looked stylish, but I doubted that these small speakers can not sound good. The size of the ultra-small compact satellites and the subwoofer does not do much to change this first impression. Would this be different? Fall into the stylish small but vulnerable category? Or are they the best of both worlds?
As the name implies, the Creature III is the third version of the Creature series dates from 2002. It sports an updated look that manages to be faithful to the fundamental elements that the first creature was known for. It is also a 3-piece system with many elements of the iconic, sleek modern design that still looks fresh even 8 years later.
The Creature III has a few notable changes worth mentioning. The subwoofer cabinet is now smaller in size, but now has a much smaller 3″ driver 15watts, compared to the previous 4-inch, 24 watt subwoofer. Even at 4″ I’m not even sure it can even be regarded as a subwoofer, as many multimedia speakers use 3-inch and 4-inch midrange drivers. The move to a smaller 3″ driver to handle the lower frequencies is not the smartest move. JBL should seriously consider itself to a 6″ sub, because this would significantly enhance the already good performance.
This would also mean a doubling of the size of the cabinet and the cone, but we agree that the performance gain is worth the sacrifice in size. I realize that this set was made with the style-conscious consumers who value small size space, but an argument against this is the fact that most subwoofers road will be hidden from view among some agency. Also gone is the ambient light in each satellite speaker. We believe this is positive, the current design compliment, especially when a white light was used. They may even added an effect where the light slowly “breathe” when the increase or decrease the volume. The absence of these lights, we believe it was a missed opportunity to add to the already great design.
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The two small satellites, have exactly the same design as the subwoofer, minus the chrome accents around the driver and front-firing drivers course. With a name like “Creature” and other terms such as “Landing”, “came the Earth”, “Attack of the killer speaker” and “Sci-fi speakers” is used in the materials market is very clear that this should somehow looks like a strange alien creature from outer space. We kind of think of it as a push towards more minimalist modern art than a UFO attack. No matter how you look, it certainly stands out and looks good.
The only way we could describe, with an egg and put a black cloth over it, that’s how it looks. We really liked the stand when they built the streamlined look of the speakers remain. These make them look much bigger than they really are, minues the legs of the speaker itself is basically the size of an egg. The drivers are exposed, but sufficiently covered by protrusions in the body that protects them from shocks. The chrome element around the drivers look a little too flashy for our tastes and take what we consider to be a nice design. Perhaps a more subtle brushed metallic effect would have been better.
One of the features we like most was the touch volume control, a rarity on the speakers of any price class. It works really well and at first you would think they lack the level of control of the traditional volume dials, but are very close. The buttons are very solid with no creaking or wobbling sound and well integrated into the body. A very cool touch, adding to the prestige of the overall package. One thing we did not like was that it looked touch controls just as tasteless as the chrome frame. A less flashy look would have been nicer. One thing we would like to see in future version of the Creature volumes are backlit keys that would make them easier to identify in the dark.
Both satellites are connected via sub fairly thick cable, be aware that although it may disconnect the sub, the cable is permanently connected to the SATS.
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The Creature III has surprised us when it came to performance. We connected it to both our Sony VAIO laptop Z12 smartphone and Nokia N900. And the boy were we surprised! Although it could easily fill a room with sound, it seems when it comes to the near field listening. With a 3-inch cone used in the subwoofer, we did not expect the system to really hit those deep notes, but it did enough base to the middle and high support, creating aa fairly uniform, full sound. The effect was even more impressive when we sub hidden behind our agency: it was a bit strange to hear that relatively open and dynamic, just two small egg-sized speakers.
With small satellites and a very small part, we did not expect audiophile quality music and the system does have its limits. These limits will only become clear over 80% of the total volume. SATS while maintaining their composure throughout the volume range, the sub showed its weakness in certain difficult passages at higher volumes. Present, where the sub will start sloppy and less defined, farmers unwanted tunes. This is not uncommon, especially when a small cone the difficult task of handling the low frequencies makes it necessary to push a lot of air in the process.
If the volume louder, it becomes harder to keep up the deficiencies and clearer. The satellites are surprisingly good, but if we were to nitpick, we would say it’s a little bright and stained with specific numbers, even after dialing down the treble. We think that the JBL SATS leaves as it is, keep it small oval trademark, but it is the sub to be increased. With such a low-powered, we expect the system to keep cool completely, but the top of sub gets a little hot. Nothing to worry about, but thought it worth mentioning.
Conclusion
JBL Creature III is distinguished by a unique, modern design that still looks fresh after eight years. It is a slightly modified design that looks even better than the original. The total system size is impressive low and must be perfect where space is stylishly value, or just small speakers, but we think we’re going for a smaller part wasn’tt the best move. Do we miss the cool lighting effects that we think need to return to the Creature series. We just touch the volume controls, which an impressive degree of control was provided, something we do not expect.
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The treble, bass and volume are placed on the sub, if you ask us, probably the worst place to put these controls. Treble and bass are not a lot of things you’ll adhusting, but the power is hidden behind the sub volume, close to all cables. Even if you place the sub on your desk, to the power button is a bit of a stretch. Application of the sub ox the floor will prove to be more of a challenge. This check should be given to the other and were made in Cool touch controls.
But it really impressed us with his sound, excel near field listening. A system of this magnitude has limits, particularly in the bass department, but it would be difficult to get a better sound at this size to get. The JBL Creature III gets a 7.9 out of 10.
