Creative GigaWorks HD50 2.0 Multimedia Speaker System

by Creative

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 2.8 x 3.2 x 5.5 inches ; 4 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B001HMVAWC
• Item model number: MF1590EF
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 15, 2008

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Hi-definition audio from amazingly small speakers
The GigaWorks HD50 speaker system combines high definition drivers with Titanium supertweeters for smooth, detailed audio performance in a compact, elegant design. Built-in BasXPort technology delivers enhanced bass without the need for a bulky subwoofer or hassle of extra wires. The high glossy White finish adds a touch of class to any desktop.



High definition drivers
Enjoy big sound that you wouldn’t expect from such a small, compact set of desktop speaker

Titanium supertweeters
Hear crystal clear highs without muffling or distortion

BasXPort technology
Enhances bass response without the bulkiness of a subwoofer or the hassle of extra wires


Technical Specifications
•    Model: HD50
•    Power rating: 36 W RMS total power (18 W per speaker)
•    Frequency response: 50 Hz-20 kHz
•    Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR): 80db
•    Speaker dimensions: 3.6 x 2.7 x 5.5 inches / 91 x 70 x 141 millimeters
•    Speaker weight: 1.05 pounds / 480 grams
•    Available color: High gloss White
•    Warranty: 1-year limited warranty

Package Contents
•    GigaWorks HD50 speakers
•    Power adapter
•    Stereo-to-stereo audio cable (6 ft.)
•    Quick Start guide

Product Description

The GigaWorks HD50 speaker system combines high definition drivers with Titanium supertweeters for smooth, detailed audio performance in a compact, elegant design. Built-in BasXPort technology delivers enhanced bass without the need for a bulky subwoofer or hassle of extra wires. The high glossy white finish adds a touch of class to any desktop.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Creative's HD50 2.0 Speakers - A Compact But Expensive 2.0 Speaker Set, February 12, 2009

By 

Mark "Technology, Music and Movies" (East Coast) - See all my reviews
(TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (2008 HOLIDAY TEAM)   

This review is from: Creative GigaWorks HD50 2.0 Multimedia Speaker System (Personal Computers)

(What's this?)

The Creative Labs GigaWorks HD50s are designed to satisfy a very small consumer niche. For those looking for speakers that are ultra compact, compatible with HD Audio and attractive, the HD50s are worth the premium. For users with more room who are searching for the best value in 2.0 speakers, there are many superior alternatives. You have to know your needs before being able to take advantage of these speakers.

PROS:

+ Compact design is perfect for uses in cramped quarters

+ HD Audio enables playback of Dolby formats, 7.1 audio and DVD audio

+ Included port allows iPod docking with the optional X-30 dock

+ High quality ports and cables allow for solid connections

+ Attractive looks if you like modern design (tastes vary)

+ Good low-end sound compared to most 2.0 speakers

+ Minimalist design and controls may appeal to some

+ Decent clarity and range, particularly in the mid-range, once they are broken in

+ Compact size and performance makes these an option for cramped TV setups in a kitchen, workout room, RV or boat

CONS:

- Cost is prohibitively higher than alternatives like the T40s, T20s or Klipsch ProMedias

- Price puts this set closer to good quality 2.1 and 5.1 sets

- The long and involved burning-in required before they sound good means many users won't get the most out of these speakers

- The minimal instructions and support information on the website are lacking

- Bass xPorts on top will collect dust

- Lack of an additional mini-subwoofer port (though few besides me look for this)

- Not enough included inputs and outputs (only line-in and s-audio)

- The X-30 iPod dock is hard to find!!! (They probably should have included this)

- No digital input option (USB, optical audio)

SETTING UP

Setting up these speakers is simple, but the included quick-start guide offers little help in troubleshooting. There wasn't much support information on Creative's website when I checked either.

When testing speakers, it's important to understand the source audio. If you are using low bit-rate MP3s of dubious quality, it's impossible to test speaker sound quality. Similarly, you need audio samples with significant bass to test bass, because good speakers will reproduce the sound as it is. Your audio samples should be selected specifically to test low end, mid-range and high end sound separately. I always use a variety of audio samples starting first with CD quality uncompressed audio.

Initially the results were poor. Music with electronic elements in particular did not sound good. I could hear tons of disturbances in the sound, artifacts, hissing and popping. I did a little research and discovered that the laptop I first tested these on had a separate sound controller that negated the benefits of HD Audio. That partially put my mind at ease. But I still wondered, why was there so much distortion?

It turns out these really needed to be burned-in. I have had to burn in other Creative speakers, though none started out sounding as poorly as these. But I found a unique way to do it. Using an LCD TV with a headphone jack, I hooked the speakers up and played some high quality DVDs with uncompressed audio. The difference was night and day. The sound quality was much better, with impressive depth and no distortion even at high volumes. I normally burn-in sound equipment for a few days, but ended up burning these in for two weeks. Once I did that, the sound quality improved a lot.

Many people may not realize just how long these need to be burned-in. Ironically, even though they are not marketed for use with smaller LCD TVs, their compact size and performance makes them ideal for that use in a kitchen, small boat cabin or RV.

THE SOUND

The drivers and tweeters produce very good sound once primed. I am still unconvinced of the claim of "Titanium super-tweeters." Bass xPort does work. You have to make sure you have an audio source with the proper bass. I tested this with a record of jazz bass solos. They may not be subwoofer equivalent, but are very nice for a 2.0 set. If you need real low-end depth, explore 2.1 and 5.1 sets with a powered subwoofer.

The HD50s are listed at 36 watts of RMS total power, 18 watts per speaker. Power ratings can be very misleading. Some low-end speakers might have higher peak power ratings, but not RMS power. RMS power is a better approximation of average power than other measures. So 18 watts per speaker is a good estimate of the sustained power level you can put through these speakers. This is a higher output than many headphone jacks produce.

Another issue is the validity of "HD Audio." HD Audio is a real standard but you need the proper equipment. It is designed to enable Intel motherboards without dedicated audio controllers to produce up to 7.1 surround audio with 192 KHz sampling rate at up to 32-bit resolution. Not every computer runs HD Audio. The HD50s only give you the option of connecting via a stereo cable. Digital inputs would have made it easier to test and enjoy HD Audio.

THE ALTERNATIVES

If you don't have space constraints that require super-compact speakers, the Creative GigaWorks T40 Premium 2.0 Speaker System offer more for the money. Just like the T20s, they are very efficient, producing clear sound with moderate power ratings. The T40s are much taller at about 12 inches, versus the 9 inch height of the T20s and the roughly 6 inches of the HD50s. The T40s and T20s also include separate bass and treble knobs. The standard settings provide good sound output but people still crave the ability to adjust things.

The T40s have an additional mid-range pair in addition to the BasXport. That adds an extra dimension of sound and improves richness. The HD50s and T20s only have the tweeter, midrange and BasXports. In that sense, even with compatible systems the HD50s can't achieve the same depth of sound as the T40s.

The Klipsch ProMedias provide another alternative on par with the T20s, though the T40s are still better than both of them. When it comes to value, the HD50's lose on all fronts at the list price. The T40s hover in the $120 to $130 range, and the ProMedias and T20s regularly sell in the $60 to $90 range. But it's not uncommon to pay a premium for compact speakers.

CONCLUSION

For those looking for compact speakers, the HD50s are worth a look. And for computers compatible with HD Audio, these can sound great if they're broken-in first. If you are primarily looking for a good quality and don't mind larger sets, the T40s, T20s and Klipsch ProMedias are great options.

Beyond the sound quality, value comparisons with the alternatives cannot be ignored. The additional range and clarity of this set will not be worth the added cost for everyone. So do your homework. These can be a nice splurge and will sound better with more use.

Enjoy!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Impressive for a small 2.0 system, January 6, 2009

By 

LG Texas "LG" (Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Creative GigaWorks HD50 2.0 Multimedia Speaker System (Personal Computers)

I am delighted with my HD50 speakers. My desk is small and crowded, and I wanted a simple pair of speakers with the best sound I can find in a tiny package. I use my laptop computer for business as well as my personal stereo. I don't have need for a huge thundering bass, and I don't have room for the clutter of a big subwoofer and additional cables. Although the HD50s are pricy, they truly deliver an impressive and satisfying music listening experience. No, they won't shake the room when playing video games with explosions, and they are not big enough to fill a large room during a loud party, but they truly exceed my every expectation for a personal music listening experience at my desk. I am very, very pleased.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Creative Gigaworks HD50 is one of the best 2.0 Speaker Systems, December 31, 2008

By 

Sidarta Tanu (Richmond, VA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Creative GigaWorks HD50 2.0 Multimedia Speaker System (Personal Computers)

(What's this?)

Pound for pound, this is one of the best 2.0 Speaker Systems. The Hi-definition technology really makes a difference and the high frequency sound is super crisp (with the titanium supertweeter technology). The Low frequency is very good comparing to other 2.0 speaker systems but not good compare to any 2.1 speaker system (but that's probably not a fair comparison as since the 2.1 speaker has a dedicated subwoofer which is also huge/bulky). On price, I think this system is on the high range, but then again Bose speakers system are also pricey.

Here are some of the pros and cons.

Pros:

- Very portable

- The high frequency (tweeter) sound is super crisp which is a big plus

- All wire are long enough so you don't have to use any extension

- Very good sound overall as long as you don't turn the volume too high/to the maximum

- No additional hassle from bulky subwoofer and its wires

- Bass is very good compare to other 2.0 systems

- Very nice design. stylish and sleek.

- Looks expensive (oh wait, it is indeed expensive)

Cons:

- The bass is not anywhere near any 2.1 systems with dedicated subwoofer (if loud bass is important for you).

- It will be nice if it is built inside the speakers for even more portability

- Sound won't fill a big room (like a big living room). to be fair, I haven't turn the volume to the maximum because I don't want to take a chance and break the speakers

- Expensive for a 2.0 systems (and though I'm impressed with the sound quality, it is not as good as Bose or Klipsch speakers with comparable similar price)

- No controller to adjust bass and treble (can adjust it from Ipod or Laptop though)

In conclusion, this Creative Gigaworks HD50 Speaker System will be perfect for a small to medium size room and if you want super crisp sound and a decent bass but don't want to bother with a big subwoofer. This is also perfect if you travel and want to take a high quality portable speakers for your Ipod.

last but not least, for sound (speaker) and display (TV), every person often have different preference so I would recommend you to try it yourself in local store etc (and compare it with Bose and Klipsch) if you can before buying.

Sidarta Tanu