Creative Labs Gigaworks S750 7 Piece THX 7.1 Speaker System

This system replaced a Klipsch ProMedia 5.1 (original/not Ultra) system. The Klipsch system died (for the second time), and I used the warranty money to purchase this Creative system.

I actually only wanted a 5.1 system, but could not find a product I liked more (summer of 2006). I considered the Logitech Z-5500 THX-Certified 505-Watt 5.1 Digital Surround Sound Speaker System (I think), but I liked how the Creatives had separate tweeter and mid-range drivers (though I don't know enough to know if that makes a big difference). I also didn't like how the Logitechs looked, but I think the Creatives are pretty uninspired there, too.

Everything, including the stands, is made out of plastic, but in some cases it feels really good, like how the grills slide out of place.

The remote/control pod is boring. I miss the analog-ish knob of the Klipsh remote: the Creative remote makes you mash the buttons for quick changes in volume. The volume-level indicator is also in discrete increments, but depending on the volume being adjusted (main, center, side, sub, treble), each LED level indicator might have several levels with in it, which are not shown. (That is, the indicator light might take a dozen presses to add a new light, even though the volume is increasing with each press.)

The upmix feature was a nice surprise, though, so I could get sound out of all the speakers with only a 5.1 sound card. I have no idea how well the propriety "M-Port" works.

A total negative: The multi-channel that came with the system was only a 3-4 and not a 4-4, so one end didn't have the gray plug. wtf is that, Creative?

It would also be nice if the system had a battery to save my volume settings (from the control pod) so I could flip the switch on my surge suppressor without losing them.

One of the dust caps on a tweeter in a satellite came with a dent in it. I spoke with a customer service person and they said it would not affect the sound and so I did not push for a replacement.

In retrospect, I probably would've purchased the Logitech system instead. I think it's volume knob, song-display, and wireless rear satellites win me over.

The sound performance out of this system is pretty good. Like you'd expect, there are no mids but the subwoofer is excellent and the system runs relatively efficently. Excellent for PC use when matched with an appropriate sound card.

However, there is a cronic problem with this system. The internal components have no air flow what so ever and the system will blow varistors and mosfets, which is cheap to repair if you're an electrician but Creative will charge in excess of $300 to do so. This affects ALL systems. Don't take my word on it, google the problem for yourself.

Thus, I cannot recommend these speakers to anyone.

The performance of this product is great compare to others speaker systems. A good sound card + this system = mom's pain. There wasn't problems to my to install it, the product was delivered in good conditions.

I order online from there company. They send me broken box. I want to return but they say if you return they will charge you for the money.
I pay for 500 dollars for this? then i go home i use that speaker .the website say it can connect to muvo mp3 player. I try but it not work.
They send me problem speaker!!!

Total waste of money, unless the only thing you want to do with this system is connect it to another Creative Labs product, like one of their PC cards. This system cannot be connected with anything else, be warned.