Creative launches premium desktop speaker, Pebble Nova

Creative Technology launched the new premium-grade Creative Pebble Nova. It complements the company's existing Pebble series - desktop PC and laptop speakers made for home and office use.

The shiniest Pebble on your desk

Creative has many Pebble speakers (too many, in fact). To understand what the new Pebble Nova offers, here’s how Creative differentiates each Pebble product.

 

Baseline models

The baseline category is Creative Pebble (including Pebble V2 and Pebble V3). These are ultra-affordable (around S$50 to S$60) yet compact desktop speakers bringing 2.0-channel audio, with simplified connectivity options like 3.5mm Aux, USB-C, and Bluetooth 5.0 to 5.3 audio. 

Two offshoot variants, Pebble Plus and Pebble Pro, are within the Pebble lineup. The Pebble Plus is for users who want 2.1 audio, since it adds a subwoofer unit for that extra bass.

The Pebble Pro is the RGB version with higher peak power (20W, beyond the usual 8.8W to 16W in the rest of its lineup). Together with the original Pebble speakers, these five form the first sub-category of Creative’s Pebble lineup.

 

Wave two

The second sub-category is the X-series, which consists of the Pebble X and Pebble X Plus. They are larger and louder because of the 2.75-inch full-range drivers (the regular Pebble series have (2-inch to 2.25-inch drivers) and 60W peak power.

Again, the Plus variant comes with an independent subwoofer for 2.1-channel audio. The additional boost in volume and power also doubled X-series official launch prices, sitting pretty within the S$100 to S$200 range.

 

Going Premium

That brings us to the new launch, Pebble Nova. It’s the first of Creative’s third sub-category for these round speakers, and the brand said it represents the premium version of Pebble. Naturally, it's even more expensive than the other two lineups.

Pebble Nova features and specifications

The premiumisation starts from its design, with Creative adding detachable, adjustable stands that let the users raise their Pebble Nova and take advantage of its iconic 45° driver elevation. Like some of the Pebble speakers above, it also has RGB lighting.

Pebble Nova uses co-axial drivers, consisting of one 3-inch driver and one 1-inch tweeter per speaker, on top of passive radiators for distributing sound. This differs from the non-premium Pebble speakers, which typically contain one driver.

Oddly, the Pebble Nova sticks to the same connectivity options across its Pebble series, defying its premium categorisation. You get Bluetooth 5.3 streaming (SBC only), one 3.5mm Aux, and USB-C audio (65W USB PD power-only input, USB-C PD power adapter provided). Unlike other self-proclaimed premium goods, it lacks higher-res audio codecs and optical input. 

Creative compensates for its lack of audiophile options by offering a highly customisable Acoustic Engine sound profile via the Creative desktop app. It has features like Surround, Smart Volume, Bass, Dialog+, Crystal Voice, and RGB tuning, which are self-explanatory.

“The Pebble Nova embodies our commitment to enhancing the audio experience for users who demand quality and style. It’s not just another product; it represents the next step in the evolution of the Pebble family,” states Song Siow Hui, CEO of Creative.

Pricing and availability

Creative Pebble Nova retails at S$399 at the Creative Online Store. More information can be found here.

For those who feel the new Pebble Nova doesn't quite suit their needs, perhaps check out the more versatile Creative Katana V2.

Our articles may contain affiliate links. If you buy through these links, we may earn a small commission.