With the Pebble speakers, the time-honored company Creative has made a name for itself in the desktop speakers. Pebble generally stands for a good price-performance ratio paired with the iconic, compact spherical shape. With the 2.0 set Pebble Nova, the manufacturer now ventures into premium areas, which are actually more reserved for classic shelf speakers. After all, Creative wants to have 279.99 euros (RRP) for the marbles. Is that really justified?
The Pebble series from Creative, yes, exactly, the old sound blaster manufacturer, now covers almost the entire price range of the desktop speakers, from simple 2.0 speakers for beginners to 2.1-SETP for somewhat more difficult demands. In addition to the iconic spherical shape, it was primarily the offered and surprisingly strong sound quality for speakers of this size that made Pebble a fixed size. With Pebble Nova, the manufacturer now ventures into high price levels.
The speaker set, which consists of two speakers, can be obtained in white or black, according to your preferences. It is immediately striking that the two death stars are significantly heavier and somewhat more voluminous than the previous offshoots. 149.2 x 150.8 x 153 mm is still considered very compact, but the weight is not without. A not inconsiderable part is not necessary to ensure the base, which ensures a safe stand, regardless of whether you install the speakers directly on it or use the approximately ten centimeters long stands. Of course, the base is screwed on and the processing makes a high -quality impression.
The connection options are positively in the eye. You can operate Pebble Nova via USB-C, or via a 3.5 mm jack connection. In addition, the set is also equipped with Bluetooth 5.3, so that you can use your tablet or smartphone as a sound source. Furthermore, there is a 65W PD adapter for the network connection that offers more power than normal USB power supply. Praise: all the necessary cables are on board and the connection is super simple.
On the right speaker you will find suitable touch control elements for volume, power and sound source, whereby an LED shows you which mode you have in operation. Green for aux, blue for-advice times-exactly, Bluetooth and violet for USB operation. If you then remember that the speaker with the controls belongs to the right side, you can basically do nothing wrong. Oh yes, you can of course also regulate the hinges and quite subtle RGB lighting on the lower side.
It quickly becomes clear why Pebble Nova is a little more voluminous than its older siblings. On the one hand, the membranes are installed 45 degrees upwards. This is rather less optimal for sounding a room, but the better for use on the desktop, because the speakers aim at your ear height. On the other hand, there is a lot in the elegant ball houses. Creative has recently relied on dual coaxial drivers, consisting of a 3-inch driver and a 1-inch wedding and backwards is a passive radiator for strong bass.
The drivers cover a solid frequency range from 55 to 20,000 Hz and pump out a lot of performance. 2x 25w RMS are announced, with a PD adapter connection at the top up to a total of 100W. That is enough to get your ears to glow in front of the monitor.
As an extra on the PC, there is also the Creative app that you have in USB operation with Acoustic Engine audio technologies such as surround, smart volume, bass, dialog+ and crystal voice. This also includes a wide range of presets for various media, genres and even individual games. They are not always in a nutshell, but you can further improve your sound experience, especially since you can also re -regulate by EQ. But don't worry, the software is only optional and not a must, the marbles also work well without the app.
The sound is absolutely impressive for the small size of the speakers. The rich woofers that are not trusted at first glance are particularly surprising. In general, the speakers impress with a clear and balanced sound quality. Acoustic instruments come into its own and in detail, which leads to a beautiful wide sound carpet, which is reinforced by positioning and aligning the membranes. Even at low volume, the speakers offer a full sound that is pleasantly warm and balanced, without sharp tones.
The heights might have a little more presence, but the bass and middle are absolutely fine, so that voice output can also be heard very clean, but more violent gaming scenarios still ball. You can still adjust the heights with the EQ of the software if necessary. The speakers are not only ideal for gaming, but also for films, videos and music. The suitability as a desktop speaker is particularly impressive, where they perform incredibly well. They are less suitable for the interpretation, but if you sit right in front of the computer, they are basically perfect.
If ...... if you need a compact, sound-strong 2.0 set for your desktop, which cuts a good figure even without a subwoofer and offers many connection options.
Save it if ...... if you want to make a room with your speakers. The performance is there, but the Speaker orientation makes a relatively little sense.
Conclusion
Sound strong, but something too expensive Premium 2.0 set for your desktop
Creative Pebble have conquered a permanent place in my gamer heart for some time. The sound, but inexpensive sound marbles are simply ideal for use on the desktop PC, or if you operate your switch or playstation at the desk via monitor. Pebble Nova as a premium variant is in no way inferior to his little brothers and scores in almost all matters.
Apart from the original and stylish shape, which can be used with and without a stand, the membranes, which are inclined by 45 degrees, ball the sound directly into your ears, if you sit at your desk. The dual drivers ensure a surprisingly massive and powerful sound, which can convince especially in the deep and medium tones, which is the most interesting areas for gamers. With a little adjustment via EQ in the Creative app, the heights that could be a little more brilliant in standard operation can also convince. The overall balanced and warm sound flatters the ears, whether with games, films or music.
In addition, there are extensive connection options via USB, AUX and Bluetooth, so that you can use Pebble Nova almost fully, and a simple but well thought -out operation. However, the price of almost 280 euros is also quite juicy for premium desktop speakers, even if you are offered a lot, especially in comparison with also very good 2.1 system Creative Pebble X Plus, which costs about half of it and is only a few weaker. If you can wait a little until the road price is sunk, you will get an all -round successful couple of speakers for your money.
overview
Pro
- original, compact design
- Speaker alignment ideal for use of desktops
- many connection options
- simple operation
- Optional software with many options and presets
- PD adapter for more power
- impressive and balanced sound
Contra
- Actually only makes sense as a desktop set
- Hochstones could be a little more brilliant (but can be adjusted via EQ)
