The GigaWorks T20s are Creative’s newest addition to its ever-growing line of computer accessories. Designed to deliver full-range stereo sound for the highest fidelity results and maximum music pleasure, the GigaWorks T20s are bigger and better built than most computer speakers, plus you don’t need a subwoofer kicking around your feet to get desk-shaking bass. But the best feature of all? They rock!

Based on the design principles of the GigaWorks family, the silver GigaWorks T20s pretty much set a new performance standard for 2-way desktop stereo computer speakers. Designed as the perfect choice for people who demand the finest quality in stereo enjoyment but don’t want to hook up a ‘proper’ hi-fi to their computer, the speakers offer excellent bass and treble levels without neglecting mid-tones.

Simple installation is guaranteed thanks to a single 35mm cable (also connects to MP3 players, mobile phones and other compatible devices), leaving you to simply attach the power adapter and connect the speakers together using the supplied cable. There’s no special software provided and you won’t have to spend hours tweaking settings (unless you want to).

Incorporating GigaWorks engineering, the GigaWorks T20s feature high-end dome tweeters and high-performance mid-range cone drivers. Each enclosure also incorporates Creative’s BasXPort technology, which enhances bass response without the need for a subwoofer.

The clean design of the magnetically-shielded satellites makes them tasty for use alongside MP3 players and PCs as well as keyboards or synthesisers. The design includes basic connectivity (35mm port only) but there are controls for power/volume, bass and treble, as well as a headphone port for private listening and AUX-In port for connecting a second peripheral. The black grill plates are removable too, making the speakers look more like contenders.

Technical details aren’t too shabby either. You get 14-Watts (RMS) per channel, frequency response of 50Hz to 20kHz, and signal-to-noise ratio of 80dB. These specifications apply to the speakers operating from the supplied 12-Volt AC 2.9A power adapter, so unfortunately you can’t use batteries for on-the-move audio hi-fidelity.

The GigaWorks T20s were a massive improvement compared to our test rig, and we’re confident that you’ll enjoy the same upgrade experience if you’re still using the 2.0 speakers supplied with your computer. In our test the high-end tweeters and mid-range drivers delivered detailed highs and warm mid-tones, with Creative’s BasXPort technology delivering good levels of bass.

Crucially, there was little blare distortion when we turned it up to 11. This is impressive for 14-Watts per channel. The clean, elegant design of the GigaWorks T20s will also appeal to audio buffs (they look like proper speakers), and the front-mounted controls eliminate the need to bend down under your desk or fiddle with external controls.

The only downside is that there’s no remote control and the speakers aren’t powerful enough to fill a large room - so don’t ditch your hi-fi just yet! But for deskbound stereo computer duties such as creating and listening to music, playing games and watching DVD-Movies, the GigaWorks T20s come highly recommended, as long as you don’t want an immersive surround sound solution or expect high-end hi-fi quality.

[8.5]

[Best Speaker Pricing UK]
[Best Speaker Pricing US]

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Christian Harris, 09.03.06