The T3250 Wireless from Creative is a compact 2.1 desktop speaker system that aims to prove that ‘compact’ doesn’t mean ‘compromise’ on big sounds.
Product on Review: Creative T3250 2.1 Speaker System
Manufacturer: Creative
Street Price: UK: £59.99 US: $69.99
If your PC is housed on a small yet convenient computer desk, your choices for desktop speakers may feel restricted due to the space available to you; especially when you get an idea of how large some 2.1 speaker systems can be. Those who use their PC daily for various purposes, yet are in this position, may not want to compromise on the loss of that ‘big sound’ often provided by a subwoofer.
This is where the Creative T3250 comes in. Utilising various technologies in the satellites such as DSE (Dual Slot Enclosure) to improve mid-bass and frequency distribution, and IFP (Image Focusing Plate) to give a wider ‘sweet spot’ in regards to tonal accuracy, you could say that Creative have set out to create a compact system specifically capable in delivering big sounds. The down firing subwoofer has a footprint of just 184 x 184mm and compliments the satellites with the deep bass that many enjoy from their games, movies and music. For the cherry on top, Creative have included Bluetooth connectivity to allow users that extra flexibility.
Overview by Creative
The Creative T3250 Wireless features Bluetooth® capabilities to stream music wirelessly from most stereo Bluetooth devices. Built to deliver impressive sound performance, it features Creative IFP for a wider acoustic sweet spot with improved sonic directivity, Creative DSE for louder playback with more mid-bass, and a custom-tuned down-firing subwoofer for punchy bass reproduction. It also comes with an audio control pod for ease of usage.
Technical Specifications
System Configuration 2.1 system
Dimensions Satellite: 147 x 73 x 88 mm (5.8 x 2.9 x 3.5 inches),
Subwoofer: 222 x 184 x 184 mm (8.7 x 7.2 x 7.2 inches)
Weight Satellite: 2 x 216g (2 x 7.6oz)
Subwoofer: 1.6kg (3.5lbs)
Bluetooth® Version Bluetooth 3.0
Bluetooth® Profile A2DP (Wireless Stereo Bluetooth)
Supported Codecs SBC
System Requirements
For wireless streaming: Compatible Bluetooth devices that support the Stereo Bluetooth Profile (A2DP)
For direct connection to Line-in jack: Analog audio devices with a 3.5mm output
Dimensions Satellite: 147 x 73 x 88 mm (5.8 x 2.9 x 3.5 inches),
Subwoofer: 222 x 184 x 184 mm (8.7 x 7.2 x 7.2 inches)
Weight Satellite: 2 x 216g (2 x 7.6oz)
Subwoofer: 1.6kg (3.5lbs)
Bluetooth® Version Bluetooth 3.0
Bluetooth® Profile A2DP (Wireless Stereo Bluetooth)
Supported Codecs SBC
System Requirements
For wireless streaming: Compatible Bluetooth devices that support the Stereo Bluetooth Profile (A2DP)
For direct connection to Line-in jack: Analog audio devices with a 3.5mm output
Packaging & First Look
The packaging alone is representative of how compact this system is with the total weight just breaking past 2Kg. On the front of the box, we are greeted with a large image of the product, with its various features mentioned via the portholes in the top right, and its uses at the bottom.
At the back we get a more detailed description of what the features do in various languages, while the specifications are listed on the side.
The Creative T3250 Wireless 2.1 speaker system.
The satellites connect to the subwoofer via standard 3.5mm jack.
The hardlined cables from the subwoofer include a control pod which gives off/ volume control and access to Bluetooth pairing. Of course there is also a plug for power, and, curiously, a hardlined 3.5mm jack for input too.
Closer Look
The down-firing subwoofer has a compact footprint of just 184 x 184mm and a large reflex port allowing for the movement of air.
The subwoofer driver looks to be 3.5 – 4″ and is not covered, so care needs to be ensured if you grab this by the underside.
Though the input can be used universally with any device with a 3.5mm jack output, there is little versatility in regards to multiple connectivity, though this is unlikely to be a real downside for those with the soul intention of using it with a desktop PC. The Bluetooth connectivity alone allows for further expansion with mobile devices.
The satellites feature 2″ drivers and are surrounded by a widened conical housing which makes up part of the focusing plate. At the top of the satellites there is an opening to allow for air movement which is channelled via the DSE technology.
Front and back views of the satellites.
Performance Testing
Setup, Design & Observations
Setting up the T3250 is very quick and simple as there are no drivers needed and little explanation needed on how to plug in the jacks. Simply plug the satellites into the subwoofer, and plug the subwoofer into your stereo audio output source (phone, TV, monitor, desktop, laptop). The satellites are connected via a single 3.5mm jack, which made it a little awkward to position without having to split the cable more than what it already was, this could be a problem for those with large monitors of >22″. The control pod feels sturdy but is light, making it difficult to keep stationary, it does however rotate smoothly for volume control and has a nice tactile click when you turn the speakers off and on. To connect via Bluetooth, hold the Bluetooth button till the green LED flashes then you can search and connect to the speakers using your portable device.
The satellites are made from a tough plastic and features a glossy façade, while the subwoofer seems to be made of MDF with plastic feet and soft rubberised pads.
Multimedia
Via A2DP Bluetooth streaming, high quality music playback is possible from your mobile phone or tablet. Listening to various playlists via the SoundCloud App, music was enjoyable though there was a noticeable emphasis on bass which seemed to slightly lowered the presence of the mid tones. Vocals, while still present, sometimes lost prominence and in rock and metal songs, heavy rhythm guitars became a little washy, lacking in definition. Though this seems to be a particular trade-off for tight, creamy bass, and crystal upper mid tones and treble, lending itself more to immersive gaming (Skyrim, Battlefield 4, Dota 2, Killing Floor) and movies (Big Hero 6, Interstellar).
The maximum volume level was loud enough to fill a small room but will undoubtedly have limited application due to its size, power and ultimately its design. There was a slightly higher volume observed from use with the desktop PC and there was a small amount of distortion/clipping experienced. Though this is a common observation made with some speakers due to the higher power being driven by a soundcard, a small reduction in volume removed the distortion completely.
Conclusion
In our testing, the T3250 was full of character and charm, and though it will not replace the studio monitors or provide the balance and accuracy audio enthusiasts seek, Creative have created a speaker system that many will enjoy. The bass is surprisingly good, making for great gaming and movie experiences as well as subjective music listening. The addition of Bluetooth connectivity means that these speakers can be enjoyed leisurely by friends and family whenever the occasion arrives.
There are some considerations to mention but they are oversights at best when considering that this is a product targeting home desktop use and thus designed for such role. Firstly, it was difficult to position the satellites due to being tethered to the same jack, if you have a large monitor or screen you may need to split the cable farther than you may find comfortable to enable optimal positioning. Secondly, the bass sometimes drowns out certain sounds in the mid tones and may be unsuitable for those who dislike a bass centric audio signature.
All considered, the T3250 can be found for around £50 which is quite fair for a 2.1 speaker system and while it would have been nice to see a wireless desktop remote, the features and performance will satisfy or even surprise the majority of home users thus making the T3250 easy to recommend.
The T3250 2.1 speaker system delivers those big sounds in a surprisingly compact package and whatever your preference is, the smooth and precise bass brings movies and games alive.
Pros.
+ Compact 2.1 System
+ Solid construction
+ Sleek aesthetics
+ Great bass/ Enjoyable sound
+ Bluetooth connectivity
Cons.
– Satellites connected by a single cable
– Some may prefer less bass
+ Compact 2.1 System
+ Solid construction
+ Sleek aesthetics
+ Great bass/ Enjoyable sound
+ Bluetooth connectivity
Cons.
– Satellites connected by a single cable
– Some may prefer less bass
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