Are you tired of listening to your TV speakers? If you are, you will not be the only one in the world to feel that way. So now you want a sound quality upgrade but lack the budget and the space to do so. What if there is an affordable way, a 2.1 speaker system that will fit even the tightest of budgets. Introducing computer speakers, they are widely used by PC users all over the world and can be connected to your TV too.
Computer/Desktop speakers are usually very affordable and are a great option for people who do not have deep pockets. Now the question is which brand? I will suggest getting a 2.1 speakers system from Creative. They have been around since 1981, and have produced many notable products such as their Sound Blaster sound card which is a standard for personal computer sound cards for many years.
Another noteworthy Creative product will be their coveted X-Fi Sonic Carrier which has many positive reviews by critics and even won the Best of CEDIA 2017 Award (AVS Forum). This is their flagship speaker which reproduces 3D immersive audio with their 11.2.4 configuration (Dolby Atmos). Even without Dolby Atmos, you can still use their EAX 15.2 DSP processing that delivers the rear audio channels which will create an enveloping 360-degree surround sound. Creative X-Fi Sonic Carrier soundbar will cost more than $7,000 to purchase.
Of course, we are not looking at high-end audio products today, I just wanted to let you know that Creative is no slouch when it comes to premium sound quality. Before I go introducing the top 2 Creative 2.1 speaker systems which you can purchase as TV speakers even with tight budgets. You will need to find out how to connect your Creative 2.1 speakers to your TV first.
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Connecting Creative Speakers to TV
There are 2 ways to connect your Creative 2.1 speakers to your TV. You can use your television headphone output (3.5mm) to connect to the Creative computer speakers via the audio input. If your TV doesn’t have a headphone output, you can try using the TV’s RCA line outputs (Red & White). This will require a stereo mini to dual RCA adapter cable which will cost you less than $10. You can also check if the Creative speakers that you are buying come with such stereo cable before purchasing. As you can see connecting them to your television is straightforward and easy.
More Information at Amazon – 3.5mm Mini to RCA Stereo Audio Cable
Top 2.1 Creative Speakers
So now you know how to connect a 2.1 Creative speakers system to your LED TV, it is time to check out the speakers themselves. I have selected the top 2 options for you, based on their specs and the positive ratings given by satisfied customers. Without further ado, they are:
Creative Labs I-Trigue 3300
Don’t let their size fool you, these speakers pack a punch and can move their weight around if they need to. They look good and sound even better, with their 3 Titanium drivers located on each speaker (Left and Right). It also includes a 25 Watt RMS subwoofer, designed with a 6.5″ long-throw driver and a flared port tube to increase the bass output efficiency. With the combined effort of both speakers and sub (total power 80 Watts), Creative Labs I-Trigue 3300 will give you better sound accuracy and clarity with clean solid bass, outperforming your TV speakers. Another notable spec will be their frequency response, 30 Hz-20 kHz, which is amazing for a computer speaker system.
More Information at Amazon – Creative Labs I-Trigue 3300
Is a pity that their wired remote control is too short but if we look at the bright side, it acts as an extension if you ever want to connect and use a headphone. Their sleek design fits right into most modern homes and their small footprints mean they do not take much space.
Creative Stage 2.1 Channel Soundbar with Subwoofer
For an even easier placement and more flexibility, then you should go for Creative Stage 2.1 Channel Soundbar. The slim design of the Creative Stage soundbar and its’ subwoofer, allows you to easily fit them in any room. If required, you can even mount the soundbar onto your wall as it includes instructions and other wall-mounting kits. When you pair it with a long throw dedicated subwoofer, your Creative Stage 2.1 sound system will have a total peak power of 160 Watt. Another great feature will be the remote control which provides you with the convenience of controlling volume, EQ preset modes as well as Bass and Treble, right at the comfort of your seat. The EQ preset modes are movies, music, concert, and gaming mode if you are wondering.
More Information at Amazon – Creative Stage 2.1 Channel Soundbar with Subwoofer
Based on the various connections alone, Creative Stage is so much more flexible than Creative Labs I-Trigue 3300. Creative Stage 2.1 Channel Soundbar has the following connections, Bluetooth, 3.5mm Aux input, optical input, TV (ARC), and USB for your MP3 files. The TV connection via ARC already makes Creative Stage so much more advanced than your usual desktop speakers. The sound quality is no slouch either, a frequency response of 55 Hz – 20 kHz, good for both music and movies.
The only drawback will be the eco mode where the soundbar audio cuts out when quiet. This could be annoying when listening to music at low volume as some part of the song may be too quiet and will trigger the eco mode thus cutting the audio until it receives an audio signal to revert back to normal.
Creative Stage vs Creative Labs I-Trigue 3300
If I were to choose between Creative Labs I-Trigue 3300 or Creative Stage 2.1 Channel Soundbar, I will pick Creative Stage as the speaker choice for my TV. It has a lot more features and flexibility, almost outclassing I-Trigue 3300 on every aspect. Though Creative Stage loses out in the frequency response range as it doesn’t go as low. Creative Stage is more affordable and has a lot more positive ratings/reviews. So just based on these points, it is obvious the winner will clearly be Creative Stage 2.1 Channel soundbar.
Final Words
Ultimately the choice is yours between these 2, as both speaker systems have their merits. If possible, you should decide after you have heard them yourself. For the price they are asking for, these computer speakers are really a bang for your buck. No wonder Creative desktop speakers are popular with PC users for so many years. And now with their soundbars, Creative will probably be a popular choice for TV users as well.
