Inspire 2600, Sleek and Simple computer speakers, by Creative.
Written: Apr 01 '02 (Updated Apr 01 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Slim, Sleek, Powerful, wall mounting, Interchangeable grill plates.
Cons: 4.1 speaker system price.
The Bottom Line: If you're looking for flexible slim speaker systems, without paying the real costs, the Inspire 2600 by Creative is your solution.
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| lavoisier's Full Review: Creative Technology Inspire Slim 2600 2 Speakers |
As a part time worker at the local computer hardware retail store, I have seen the sales of LCD monitors soar, since the prices of standard LCD monitors have plummeted down to large CRT display levels. This means, if you have the money to buy a high quality 19" monitor from LG, Samsung, Viewsonic or a quality 17" Sony FD Trinitron, you definitely can afford a 15" LCD monitor. Sure you may sacrifice the viewing area at first, but it's worth it. But with those clients, I often have a problem with trying to compliment computer speakers along with that their LCD monitors. This has often plagued me, until when the slim speakers came around, including the Inspire 2600.
For those that have just bought a new computer and you know what happens, if you guessed cheap speakers, you've got it. Because as a result of cutting costs for the vendor as well as for the consumer, they only offer you low quality speakers, not intended for heavy multimedia use, like many computer users are into right now. With MP3, DVD and games that are out there, these speakers are just inadequate. Plus, even those who would like to improve their audio experience, even with LCD monitors out there, they still like something to really compliment that. With the Inspire 2600, it can easily replace those integrated speakers on those LCD monitors for a much higher quality audio.
What comes in the package?
The package is bundled with a manual, a remote control, wall mounting kit, speaker stands, 2 magnetically guarded satellites and a subwoofer. All of which are packed nicely in the box, which also shows the products and its main contents inside the box.
Setting Up
The installation process should take no more than 15 minutes for any computer user, especially for the beginners. The manual is also a very helpful way of installing the speaker system quickly and easily, without trying to have someone else do the work for you, ideal for the aged population, as the number of aged people who are using computers is soaring. You just take the satellites, volume remote control; audio input cable and plug them to the subwoofer, as it acts as a hub for the speaker system, like many speakers systems that are equipped with a subwoofer.
Experience
The slim and sleek design of the speakers allow you to compliment these speakers for those that are using the LCD monitors, because in this world of electronics and appliances, smaller is much more valuable than bulky. And with the capability of mounting the satellites on the wall, it can further save even more space on your desk than you could with many conventional speaker systems.
Even with the slim and sleek design, it doesn't mean you have to sacrifice audio quality either, because with the drivers built inside the satellite speakers and the subwoofer, it allows you enjoy high quality audio, without really sacrificing qualities to great speaker systems, except for the size of the speakers.
The bass delivered out of the subwoofer is out of this world for a speaker system within its class, as it provides more than sufficient booming bass in any audio setting, such as movies, digital audio and even bass intensive games, such as Doom, Flight Simulator and many more. But like many lower priced speakers, it does distort at high volumes though, especially with the Inspire 2600.
The trebles out of the speakers are also very clear and crisp, the way that I would like it and it's great for those slow and steady audio tracks and it provides even a clear enough voice for comedies on TV, if you happen to watch TV through your computer too.
For movies, even though these aren't digital speakers, nor that they're THX certified, they're still great for movies, even though it lacks at least 2 satellites for that purpose. With booming bass and clear trebles, you can surely have a much better experience with movies, than you ever did in your life, even if you've been thinking of replacing your old speakers for a long time.
With 6 watts (RMS) of power from each satellite,19 watts (RMS) from the subwoofer and with a total of 31 watts (RMS), it easily justifies for the price as well as for the sleekness of the speaker system compared to the Inspire 2400.
Using the volume control is easy, because of the large volume control knob on the remote allows you to fine tune the speaker volume even further to enhance their audio experience. Even those with rather small hands can do this easily and quickly without any fuss or over adjusting.
Plus the grill plates are user interchangeable, so these speakers can suit the taste of many users, without ever setting up completely different speaker systems for different users.
Recommendation
Even at a price of around $55, it may be expensive for a 2.1 speaker system, and many may spend on quality 4.1 speaker systems for the same money. But don't really let the price shock you at first. Because of the extra power and sleek form, it makes it even more valuable than ever before and you'll truly find these speakers a godsend to your multimedia experience. These are also great speakers for those that have rather lousy speaker systems and would like to spend a little more money for just quality. With the Inspire 2600, you have quality as well as reliability and years to come pleasure.
Recommended:
Yes
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Member: Hugh Jazz
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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