Creative xf1 speaker review
Creative has long been associated with computer sound technology and music, producing speakers that punch above their weight, literally ..
Their latest offering arrived in the third quarter of this year in the form of the xf1.
Let’s turn the review around and get to the sound first since it’s been extensively reviewed already. Many reviewers have agreed it has good sound especially in the higher frequencies. It has clear mids and treble without being piercing. Its main deficiency is the lack of solid bass which is not surprising given its diminutive proportions. You can add a sub but that’s one more cable and one more purchase. For what it can do you won’t miss that deep bass for zoom, YouTube and general use or even light music. If you want deep punchy bass you might need something more substantial.
I compared it to my reference setup based on the KEF LS50 driven by a rotel a11 tribute amp and clearly there is a difference. Apart from a more solid bass and punch, there’s better sound staging and depth as well as definition but on its own as a $250 speaker it is highly impressive. Given the small footprint and ease of use it’s a good starting point for good sound.
Practically it is a solid built two way active speaker that has Bluetooth, an auxiliary in and a usb based dac input. If you use the usb input you have to use the inbuilt volume control but if you use Bluetooth you can control volume via your computer.
All needed connectors and plug adapters are included and it works across most voltage in the world.
It is compact but if your monitor sits less than 15cm from the table you may need a boost especially if you use the provided cork pads which tilt the speaker towards your ears. Those are a nice touch and also provide some isolation especially if your table is not very solid. You’ll need a small screwdriver to screw on the pads.
There’s an auto power off which also means you need to turn it on when you start your computer again.
The included cable allows plenty of distance but too much separation between the speakers isn’t so good for close proximity listening.
Even at higher volumes it remains composed and there are no transmitted vibrations to the table. You can still hear them clearly even from an adjacent room if you turn them up.
There’s no remote control but even about them spells well made even if there are no real premium materials.
Competition like the audio engine a2 or kanto will cost more and it sounds better than the pebbles from its own company.
In my opinion, the xf1 fills gap in which the user understands the limitations of size on the depth and bass, which allows most of the money spent on this speaker to be channeled towards decent fidelity and convenience in a small package. Recommended especially if you can get one under SRP.
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