Ever since we sighted the alien-like JBL Creature speakers, we've been waiting for a second coming. We didn't have to wait long - the JBL Invader 4.1 system has just landed. The silence of our quiet earth is about to be shattered.
Offering 12W per satellite and 32W of subwoofer, the Invaders offer a lot more power than the 2.1 Creatures. We found the sound to be crisp and clean, without the shrilly noises that accompany cheaper speakers. The subwoofer doesn't go as far to produce bass you can feel - but it is excellent for loungeroom and multimedia needs.
The satellites have futuristic curvaceous designs, and are sleek. This will make it easy for the Invaders blend in with more fashionable computers such as Mini PCs and All-in-ones, as part of the increasingly popular migration of technology into the loungeroom.
For those of you more picky about your sound, you will miss the centre channel. And there is some crawling and reaching involved - it does not have any headphone jacks, so you'll have to use your sound card instead. Furthermore, the treble and bass controls are on the subwoofer.
There are no wall-mounting options for the speakers but these are meant to be seen as well as heard.