JBL Creature III Self-Powered Multimedia Satellite and Subwoofer System

UPDATED --- I had to re-review this product after listening for 100+ hours with various types of music... now 5/5!+++ This is perhaps the most mobile set of 2.1 speakers out there; very very light weight, the box is reusable for traveling/repackaging around, especially since I have to go to many places and I *WANT* decent sound wherever I go+++ Overall aesthetically pleasing with a very small form factor (goes with the light weight and good traveling) for the sound it puts out+ Sound *is* a small positive, given the small form factor+ Very, Very easy to set up- Bass is lacking, without a doubt; even turning up the bass knob all the way up just makes it sound all muddyPointers: you have to spread these speakers far from each other, at least 6 feet apart physically, to get decently "opened" sound; it is night and day if you put them a 20"/23" monitor's distance apart versus 8 feet apart (this does almost max out the cord length). These speakers are suited towards ***soundtracks / classical / orchestrated music***; Classic/Alternative/Rock such as Val Halen, Lost Prophets, and Rise Against sound ehh, but the Gears of War 3, Transformers, Braveheart, and The Sims 3 soundtracks are much better.I got 'em for $68 on a Gold Box deal... Don't pay more than that, as the value per performance/ease of use/form factor would not be there anymore.UPDATE --- 8-22-12 ---The concept of "breaking speakers in" was originally inconsequential to me, but now, after listening for 100+ hours (easily) for about a year, I JUST had to update this review ... After "such break in," it sounds much, MUCH better now. Everything from Dragonforce and Carly Rae Jepsen, to Daft Punk's Tron and a wide variety of trance, sounds THAT much better now. Yes, bass is "lacking" for those who really want some oomph, but for $65 (now), the portability, ease of setup, and overall sound to price (performance/cost ratio) is easily a 5/5. I am comparing these to my old Z-2300s (which are great for movies and delivered what I needed for ~100 at the time); for ~35 less, the JBL's lesser performance comparatively is negated by the aforementioned aspects. If you're on the move like me (TDYs, PCSs, etc) and want above average sound for ~65, these ARE the way to go.

I have been a musician for over 15 years now and I can honestly say that these speakers deliver crystal clear sound. JBL did an awesome job here I can make out all the different notes, bass drums, bass guitars, electric guitars, background vocals, and all the little layers within the various genres of music. To give you some perspective, I have studio quality speakers that give you a true sound (so you can properly mix) and have used BOSE headphones for years (to hear all the little details you can only hear with headphones).I can honestly say that these little speakers are outstanding and sound much more expensive than they are. A great value considering the sound and under 100 dollar price. My only complaint is that the sub is pretty larg considering the sats but that is a minor gripe. I was able to fit this nicely behind a flat screen monitor on a decently sized desk.From a sound perpective, these sound best when played at a lower volume in comparison with your system's settings. In other words it is best to use your soundcard to control the level of out put to get the best sound. I suspect those giving negative reviews don't have thier systems properly configured and turn the speakers way up. This always gives you a terrible sound as speakers will feedback when the volume knob is turned all the way up to "11". There is a reason why musicians have certain preferred settings on equipment that give them the sound they are looking for.If you are looking for a speaker set to DJ at a party, look elsewhere. If instead you are looking for a set to fill a room with crystal clear sound at the right levels, then look no further. These speakers sound way better than they are priced; just make sure your settings are right so you can enjoy the crystal clear sound these little guys offer.