Creative Labs 5700 Inspire 5.1 Digital Computer Speakers (6-Speaker, Black)

List Price: $299.99

Features:

• 5.1 home-theater audio in movies and games with connectivity to a set-top DVD player, gaming console, or PC
• SLAM (Symmetrically Loaded Acoustic Module) subwoofer with a highly reinforced dual chamber cabinet
• Optimum sound dispersion and sonic imaging with unique arced center channel
• 30 watts RMS subwoofer, 21 watts RMS center satellite, 7 watts RMS per channel, frequency response of 35 Hz to 20 KHZ
• Contoured face-plate design satellites

Accessories:

Wharfedale MovieStar 60 Speaker Stands, Pair (Speakers Not Included)

Customer Reviews:

great sound...big price [Posted on 2002-09-15]
I bought these speakers, when I couldn't find a set of Klipsch where I live. I took them home, and with very, very high expectations, (given the amount of money I had just spent...) plugged them into my computer. Set up was amazingly easy, and it was very clear where everything went.

I then tested them and was blown away. With the exception of Klipsch 4.1s at the store, Ive never heard sound quality this good. I turned the volume all the way up, and distortion was nearly non existant, and didn't even start to become noticable until I hit the top volume. The included remote is also very, very handy.

My only real complaints are that the sub can't quite handle complicated stand up bass solos that are found in jazz with all the clarity that I would like. ("So What" sounded a TAD muddly, but not too much to ruin the song)...and they're expensive.

However, these are little complaints that don't really detract from these speakers at all. One bit of adivce: to get the best out of these speakers though, you WILL need a creative sound card, and honestly, you should not buy them if you don't have one. If you do, these are highly reccommended, unless you can find a set of klipsch (which are even more highly reccommended).

Pathetic Sound [Posted on 2003-01-06]
In an attempt to find a 5.1 replacement for my dated FourPoint Surround Sound system (Also a Creative Product), I came across the 5700 Series. The only reason I gave it any stars was the fact that it had a remote...a big plus. However, I am willing to sacrifice that for sound quality. My two-year old system with less power somehow produced lower base, crisper highs and a nicer midrange than this set of speakers. I promptly returned them in exchange for the Klipsch ProMedia 5.1 system. I am very happy with this setup, and with 500 watts total power, the bass and sound reproduction is closer to where I want it.

Save your money and buy the Klipsch...you won't regret it.

Excellent sound [Posted on 2003-04-09]
I replaced a Klipsch 4.1 set with these speakers in hopes of resolving a buzzing problem I was having with my new Soundblaster Audigy Platinum sound card. I was definitely not disappointed. Not only is the sound awesome, there is no buzzing problem, presumeably because they are digital instead of analog. They have more power than I could ever hope to use and not go deaf. The digital output is very accurate. They are excellent for both games and music. Now my computer is the best stereo I have ever owned.

I might not be using them right [Posted on 2003-11-03]
I've owned one of these systems for a while and i've never seen it kick out of dolby pro logic. even when playing a dvd ( Lord of the rings) in Dolby digital mode. the sound is great however. have had problems with droppign the rear speakers on the ground but they still work perfectly.

if some one could tell me what i'm doign wrong and how to get dolby digital or DTS out of my system that would be great. my Sound card is an Audigy 2 platinum ( anohter great buy)

PS please exuse my spelling. i'm not a idiot. i jsut hate self editing.

I'm not Quite Sure about These Speakers [Posted on 2004-11-23]
I've got two sets of these speakers. The older set, for the most part, works fine. I've had occasions where I lose the rear speakers and I'm not too sure that I'm getting proper sound out of the subwoofer. But, for my needs, they're fine. The newer set (about 1 and 3/4 years old, now) are more of a problem. After days of checking and swapping settings, cables, connections, and amplifiers, I've determined that the digital DIN connector on the back of the amplifier has just stopped working. I ended up putting my Audigy sound card back in analog mode and running four-point sound out of that into the RCA jacks instead of the 5.1 digital sound. Again, that's fine for my use. But, I'm rather upset that an amplifier connection less than two years old would just quit. The speakers sound fine. It's just that the problems I'm having with the linkages make me wary of buying future Creative speakers.

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