To celebrate its 80th anniversary, Onkyo is giving the active speakers in its CREATOR Series a special new look. The GX-30ARC and GX-10DB are being released as limited editions in a “Bordeaux Walnut” finish. Behind the classic hi-fi look lies modern technology featuring Class-D amplification, DSP, and connections for computers, smartphones, and turntables. Thanks to HDMI ARC, the larger model also handles TV audio.
Greetings from Liverpool
The design draws inspiration from the 1987 Onkyo D-200 Liverpool monitors. The anniversary models echo their appearance with dark gray accents, a textured black baffle, and the Bordeaux Walnut finish with a walnut-like look. Matching black, angled stands position the speakers on the desk to face the listening position.
The CREATOR Series is designed for music lovers, gamers, and people who do creative work on their computers. The amplifiers are already built in, so no additional hi-fi amplifier takes up space on your desk. Depending on the model, these compact stereo systems can also be paired with a TV or a vinyl player.
GX-30ARC: From the Desktop to the Turntable
The larger GX-30ARC operates as a two-way system with a 10.16-centimeter mid-bass driver and a 1.9-cm tweeter. The Class D amplifier delivers a total of 50 watts. In bi-amping mode, the tweeter and woofer are fed by separate amplifier channels: 17 watts per stereo channel are allocated to the low-frequency range and 8 watts to the high-frequency range. A DSP handles the digital signal processing.
Onkyo specifies the frequency range as 55 hertz to 20 kilohertz. The manufacturer lists the maximum sound pressure level as 115 dB for the stereo pair at a distance of one meter.
In terms of connectivity, the larger model offers a particularly wide range of options. USB-C connects the speakers to a computer, while Bluetooth 5.3 enables wireless music playback. It also features an optical digital input and a 3.5-mm analog jack. The stereo RCA input can be switched between line and phono modes; a ground terminal is also included. This means you can even connect a turntable.
HDMI ARC establishes the connection to the TV. This allows the stereo pair to handle TV audio in addition to music and gaming at your desk. If needed, an active subwoofer can be added via the subwoofer pre-out.
GX-10DB: Smaller, but sociable
The GX-10DB brings this concept to a more compact format. Without the stands, its enclosure is just 17.2 centimeters tall. A 7.62-cm mid-bass driver and a 1.9-cm tweeter are powered by a Class D amplifier with a total output of 34 watts (or two channels of 17 watts each). This model also features a DSP.
Onkyo specifies a frequency range of 70 hertz to 20 kilohertz and a maximum sound pressure level of 110 dB for the stereo pair at a distance of one meter. USB-C, Bluetooth 5.3, an optical input, and a switchable line/phono RCA input with a ground terminal are also included. A subwoofer output allows for extended bass response. HDMI ARC and the additional jack input are exclusive to the GX-30ARC.
Prices and Package Contents
According to Onkyo, the two anniversary models are available: The GX-30ARC 80th Anniversary Edition costs 379 euros per pair, and the GX-10DB 80th Anniversary Edition costs 279 euros per pair.
Both models come with angled speaker stands, an IR remote control, and speaker and USB cables. The GX-30ARC also includes an HDMI cable.
More information: https://onkyo.com
