Max's blog

Creative Gigaworks Progamer G500 is a 5.1 speaker which comprises of 5 speaker and 1 subwoofer. This speaker set is THX certified which means that this set have tested and certified for it’s performance and audio quality to meet THX audio standards.

Each of the 5 speaker is rated at 36 watts RMS 8 ohm per speaker, 130 watts 6 ohm RMS subwoofer and it’s total system power is at 310 watts. (5 X 36 + 130 watts)

The center speaker with metal grill cover and it is placed horizontally.

Removing the metal cover, you will see the full-range driver which is used in the 5 speakers. Full-range drivers is able to produce as much audible frequency range as possible.

There is a flare Dynaport in the speaker which helps to extend mid-range sound. I find that this flare port in the speakers really the speakers produce realistic sound like gun shots.

The gun shots heard from these speakers are as if the shots were fired from it and there is depth and realism.

The speaker is titled vertically.

The center speaker is supported by 3 studs which raise the speaker.

The front right speaker

The speaker is titled upwards.

The 5 speakers are connected via red and black audio connection but a RCA connector at the end of the audio cable.

The 130 watt subwoofer

The subwoofer houses an 8″ front-firing long-throw 6 Ohm woofer driver in it so the bass produce is towards the front.

Both the right and left have flare port which improves the low frequency produce by the woofer. (Bass reflex design)

The right side

The rear of the subwoofer is the built amplifier with all the connections located here.

Typical connections such as the 5.1 connection for pc which comprises of 3 3.5mm jack. One auxiliary input , remote and power input, 5 RCA connections which connects to the 5 speakers and one switch for users to turn on or off the unit.

Notice that I added two heat sinks to the back of the woofer so subdue the heat after long hours of usage. My unit have been serving me for 1 months now and I have not encounter any problems after 4 hours or more of usage.

For those who intend to buy the Creative Gigaworks Progamer G500 THX 5.1 speakers but fear of the heat issues, I have some advise for you.

1)Switch off the unit when not in use. (This means the standby light shouldn’t be on at all.)

2)Do not place the subwoofer where there is not enough ventilation.

I always do the above for all my electronics equipments, this not only help me save electricity but also to prolong their life.

The remote

The remote with a red light indicating that the unit is in standby mode.

The remote when the unit is switch on.

To adjust the volume, all u need to do is to turn the knob of the remote. Clockwise is to increase the volume whereas anti-clockwise decreases the volume.

The headphone jack

Pressing the center of the remote will allow you to adjust the individual volumes of the center and rear speakers (center and rear).

To increase the bass of the speaker, you will need to select sub (subwoofer) and adjust according to your preferences. When using the Creative Gigaworks Progamer G500 THX 5.1 with PC, adjust the PC soundcard bass level like 70% to maximize the speaker bass instead of adjusting the units sub level.

I find that by doing this the bass is more clearer and louder than adjusting the units sub level. To increase the loudness of the vocals and audio clarity, you will need to select the treble settings.

The upmix mode, upmix 2 channel audio into 5 channel audio.

It’s time to test the speaker.

Music

I be using my PC which have Soundblaster Audigy 2 ZS THX certified sound card for this test.

Apologize – OneRepublic

During the start of the song, the instruments played were loud and clear like as if I was at a live concert. When the bass kicks in, the subwoofer bass is loud, clear and thumping. The vocals were nicely render and clear.

Kiss Goodbye – lee hom

The water rendering in this song is breathtaking which make feel that I’m actually sitting in front of the wave. The instruments are loud and clear like as if the speakers were instrument.

Overall music performance on the Creative Gigaworks Progamer G500 THX 5.1 Speakers is excellent and the audio is nicely render like live concert. When playing techno songs on this speakers, the bass produce will bound to wake your neighbours up.

Gaming

For this test, I be using the PlayStation 3 and Creative Decoder DDTS-100. I played Fallout 3 on the PlayStation 3, the characters vocal were clear. I really like the realistic gunshot produce by the speakers as it sounded as if it was fired from it.

The explosion in the game were loud, clear and realistic. Yet another wonderful performance of the Creative Gigaworks Progamer G500 THX 5.1 Speakers, the audio render will immerse you in the game.

Movies

For this test, I played Resident Evil: Degeneration. The speaker create a eerie and scary environment which make you feel that you’re in the movie especially the scene where the character is surrounded by zombies. There is a part where the glass shatters and fall to the ground, the speakers render the glass shatters nicely.

The part where the van blows up, the vehicles explosions were loud, clear and realistic as if they were blown up right in front of me.

Conclusion

When listening to the Creative Gigaworks Progamer G500 THX 5.1 seapkers, the audio experience will immerse you and make you feel you’re at the scene of the movie or game. I really like the eerie environment render, it aid more suspense and thrill when watching horror movies.

If you’re looking for an affordable 5.1 speaker for these purposes than look no further. Creative Gigaworks Progamer G500 THX 5.1 Speakers is an excellent speaker for games, movies and music.

written by Max \\ tags: 5.1 speaker, Creative, Creative Decoder DDTS-100, Creative Gigaworks, Creative Gigaworks Progamer G500, Creative Gigaworks Progamer G500 THX 5.1 Speakers, Fallout 3, Games, Gigaworks, movies, Music, playstation 3, Resident Evil: Degeneration, THX