Creative has unveiled the XF1, a 2.0 desktop speaker set that packs 72 watts RMS, dual Hi-Res Audio certification, and Bluetooth 6.0 with LDAC into a compact enclosure. In Germany, the speakers will go on sale on August 6, 2026, for 159.99 euros via creative.com. If you’re looking for a desktop speaker that supports high-resolution audio via both USB-C and wireless connections and can be expanded with a subwoofer later on, this is an interesting option.
Key facts about the Creative XF1 at a glance
- Power: 72 watts RMS, fully active 2-way design with dedicated amplification per driver
- Sound: Frequency range 55 Hz to 40 kHz, dual Hi-Res Audio certification (wired and wireless)
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 6.0 with LDAC, USB-C audio (24-bit / 96 kHz), 3.5-mm AUX, subwoofer output
- Controls: Creative Nexus app with 10-band EQ and over 120 presets
- Price & Release: 159.99 euros, available in Germany starting August 6, 2026
Creative XF1: 72 watts RMS in a compact 2.0 system
The XF1 has the internal model number MF1730 and features a fully active 2-way design. Each driver has its own amplifier, controlled via digital signal processing (DSP). This is designed to minimize distortion and maintain a balanced sound across different volume levels—even when you briefly turn up the volume.
Each speaker features a custom-designed 3-inch woofer and a 3/4-inch tweeter. According to Creative, the woofers were designed using finite element analysis (FEA) to extract more volume and clarity from the small enclosure. On paper, this adds up to 72 watts RMS: 26 watts each for the woofers and 10 watts each for the tweeters. The frequency range extends from 55 Hz to 40 kHz, the signal-to-noise ratio is at least 85 dB, and the total harmonic distortion plus noise (THD+N) is less than one percent.
Dual Hi-Res Certification and Bluetooth 6.0
Connectivity is where things get exciting. The XF1 is dual Hi-Res certified: once for wired playback and once for wireless playback via Hi-Res Audio Wireless. Wireless playback is handled via Bluetooth 6.0 with the LDAC codec, in addition to the SBC and AAC standards. Bluetooth 6.0 is still a rarity at launch—most current devices use 5.3 or 5.4.
There are two ways to connect to the system via cable: USB-C with up to 24-bit / 96 kHz, and a 3.5-mm analog line-in. There’s also a dedicated subwoofer output with automatic mode switching. In practical terms, this means you can start with the 2.0 set and later upgrade to a 2.1 system without having to buy everything new. If you’re considering an Edifier desktop speaker with a similar design, the Edifier M90—which we reviewed —offers a direct point of comparison, featuring Bluetooth 6.0, LDAC, and an optional subwoofer expansion.
Connections and Controls
The XF1 is controlled via a multi-purpose rotary knob for power, volume, and source selection. On the back are a pairing button and a power-saving switch. The latter should be particularly welcome to PC users: Many desktop speakers automatically turn off after a prolonged period of silence and are then off at exactly the wrong moment. With the XF1, you can control this yourself.
Creative XF1 Technical Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Creative XF1 (MF1730) |
|---|---|
| System | 2.0, fully active, bi-amped |
| Power | 72 watts RMS (2× 26 W woofers, 2× 10 W tweeters) |
| Drivers | 2× 3-inch woofers, 2× 3/4-inch tweeters |
| Frequency response | 55 Hz – 40 kHz |
| SNR / THD+N | ≥ 85 dB / < 1% |
| Bluetooth | 6.0 (SBC, AAC, LDAC), up to 10 m |
| USB Audio | USB-C, up to 24-bit / 96 kHz |
| Additional Inputs | 3.5-mm AUX (line-in) |
| Output | Subwoofer Out (automatic mode switching) |
| Certification | Hi-Res Audio + Hi-Res Audio Wireless |
| Dimensions (per speaker) | 155 × 99.7 × 191 mm |
| Weight | Left: 1.29 kg, Right: 1.36 kg |
| Colors | Black, White |
| Price / Release Date | €159.99 / August 6, 2026 |
Creative Nexus App: EQ and Over 120 Presets
Sound customization is handled via the Creative Nexus app. It features a 10-band parametric equalizer for those who want to fine-tune the settings themselves—such as a more neutral curve for mixing, a richer profile for movies, or a more powerful sound for gaming. If you prefer a quicker setup, you can choose from over 120 ready-made EQ presets, which, according to Creative, were developed by the company’s in-house audio specialists and cover more than 20 music genres as well as nearly 100 games.
Design: Compact with Cork Feet
Visually, the XF1 is understated. The minimalist 2.0 system is designed to sit next to a monitor or laptop without dominating the desk. It’s available in black and white. The removable cork feet add a nice touch: they align the speakers toward the listening position while providing a warm, subtle contrast to the plastic housing. Weighing just over 1.3 kilograms per speaker, the system takes up a manageable amount of space.
“For many of us, the desk has become the center of work, entertainment, and creativity,” says Ernest Sim, CEO of Creative Technology. The XF1 is designed to bring “room-filling power with richer depth and clarity” directly to the workspace.
How does the XF1 stack up against the competition in its class?
At 159.99 euros, the XF1 is positioned in the same price segment as Edifier’s popular desktop models. A direct comparison is inevitable: The Edifier M90, with 100 watts and HDMI eARC, plays in a similar league, while the slightly more affordable Edifier M60 reviewed here also features LDAC and a compact design. Creative’s trump card here is its dual Hi-Res certification combined with Bluetooth 6.0—and the clearly defined upgrade path to a 2.1 system.
Creative is no newcomer to the desktop segment. Even the older Creative T60 reviewed here demonstrated that the manufacturer builds compact PC speakers with solid features. The XF1 now takes things a step further, both in terms of performance and audio certification. If you prefer wireless and smart solutions, you should check out our WiiM Sound review —a different approach, but one that also focuses on Hi-Res.
Price and Availability
The Creative XF1 will be released in Germany on August 6, 2026, for 159.99 euros and will initially be available through the official Creative website. Creative is launching the product globally in Japan first, followed by other markets. Information on availability in brick-and-mortar stores is available from authorized retailers.
Conclusion on the Creative XF1
The Creative XF1 is a well-designed desktop speaker that offers a modern package with 72 watts RMS, dual Hi-Res certification, and Bluetooth 6.0. In particular, the subwoofer output and the freely adjustable power-saving switch demonstrate that practical desktop use was kept in mind. Whether the sound quality justifies the 159.99 euro price tag can only be determined through a detailed listening test. On paper, at any rate, the XF1 delivers exactly the features you’d expect in this class—and with Bluetooth 6.0, even a little more.
