Creative Stage V2 2.1 soundbar review: Best budget soundbar!
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- čas přidán 4. 08. 2024
- Buy the Creative Stage V2 from Newegg: howl.me/clRp51aZ8AO
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Buy the Creative Stage V1 from Amazon: locally.link/0A0d
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My review of the Stage V1: • Creative Stage 2.1 sou...
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Video timestamps:
-Pricing: 00:00
-Design: 00:48
-Connectivity: 02:03
-Remote: 03:26
-Sound demo: 04:28
-Bass: 05:36
-Mids: 07:16
-Highs: 08:34
-Soundstage: 08:54
-Verdict: 10:53
#Creative
#Soundbar
#CreativeStage
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Full disclosure:
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-Unless otherwise specified, I'm not sponsored, endorsed or given any monetary incentives for reviews. All views and opinions are my own.
Enjoy!
-Chris - Věda a technologie
Buy the Creative Stage V2 from Newegg: howl.me/clRp51aZ8AO
Buy the Creative Stage V2 from Amazon: locally.link/gYP9
Buy the Creative Stage V1 from Amazon: locally.link/0A0d
Video timestamps:
-Pricing: 00:00
-Design: 00:48
-Connectivity: 02:03
-Remote: 03:26
-Sound demo: 04:28
-Bass: 05:36
-Mids: 07:16
-Highs: 08:34
-Soundstage: 08:54
-Verdict: 10:53
@@TotallydubbedHD thank you for your advice 🙂
@@user-fy6np8bz5l no worries!
I bought this simply as a way to stop using my built-in TV speakers (which were bloody awful haha) so I'm hoping the audio quality will be a major step up. Thanks for the vid, very informative!
Pleasure, glad you enjoyed the review (and the soundbar!)
Nice review. Got this being delivered tomorrow and can't wait to test it out as my first soundbar
Amazing let me know how you find it!
@@TotallydubbedHD arrived today via Amazon. Easy to setup and sounds pretty good. Mine didn't come with USB c to a cable but instead came with a US power lead which will be useless to me being in the UK. The subwoofer doesn't seem very powerful. Don't feel much air from it lol
@@saxygames2326 that's silly about the wall plug! As for the sub, it might not seem it, but unplug it and you'll hear a difference. Sure it's not going to rattle your house, but adds a great layer of sub- mid-bass to the sound presentation, and allows for the bar to concentrate more on the mid-range.
Great video, Looking forward to getting it for my tv
Thanks - let me know how you find it :)
Please do you know if it is compatible with FIRE TV or if the volume of the Creative display increases with the Fire TV remote?
Great reviews! I found your channel looking at a new set of desktop speakers. You have reviewed 3 sets i am looking at which will fit the size limitations of my desk. I know you prefer the Creative T60 over the T100 which were my initial two contenders. However I have room for a small soundbar like this under my monitor and the sub under the desk. With that in mind do you prefer the sound quality of the T60 or the stage v2? This will be in my bedroom and be used for regular desktop use as well as tv/movies and music. Thanks in advance!
Thanks buddy! Glad you like the videos 🙌
As for your question, honestly I'd still pick the T60, think it'll give you bettered audio reproduction vs the Stage V2. Only thing to consider however, is that the soundbar setup will give you the subwoofer, which would be better for movies
Great assessment, I actually bought this soundbar about a year ago for $100 Canadian for the benefit of my old LG 3D TV in the spare room. It's quite impressive for the price considering the overall sound quality, connectivity options, and the excellent remote control. Dialog also comes through nicely on it, and the surround option does a good job of widening the sound stage. I watched a few of the Mission: Impossible movies on Blu-ray on it last year, and while some movies came through better than others, it was overall a decent experience with the V2. Way better than TV speakers.
Glad you're enjoying it and thanks for sharing!
Awesome reviews you are doing, really informative. Please include when there are blank plastic/glass areas on top of soundbars when that area might reflect light from the tv, seen it on various other reviews and it may get disturbing when you watch tv from the sofa, same if for example a subwoofer has glass/blank top that may reflect sunlight it may not be placed near a window.
Many thanks again, all the best from Scandinavia. Btw is the V2 2.1 still the best bang for the buck in this price range 2 years after your video was posted ?
Glad you liked the video, and good point will think of that next time I come across said design.
Indeed, I'd still recommend this as a budget system :)
Great review thank you... Brilliant content...right on point.
Thanks buddy glad you liked it 😊
@@TotallydubbedHD Hello again...am I having an issue setting it up? Ive an hdmi cable to arc in the tv and connected to the bar...the volume at 35 indicated on the bar seems quite low volume. Its louder when on radio stations...
@@jonathanadams9509 not sure what to advise here, is your TV setup correctly to output audio via HDMI and has it to Auto (maybe not PCM)?
Hi thanks for the wonderful review. Just ordered the product seeing your review. Just wondering do we need to buy a HDMI cable separately?
From memory, it doesn't come with an HDMI cable, but could be wrong, check the package contents on Creative's website to double check! Glad you liked the review :)
Have you tried it with usb?
Great video!! I have a question: between this and the LG SJ2 which one is better? It is almost the same price and I can't decide
Thanks! Not tried the LG, so can't comment buddy
Thanks for your review, really well put together. Can I ask, am I able to control the volume via my TV remote? And does the soundbar turn off and on with the TV? I don't really want to have to use a second remote all the time.
Thanks! Yes it does, but only when connected over HDMI :)
@@TotallydubbedHD brill thanks again 👍
@@fraserp2377 no worries! If you're buying any soundbar via Amazon, links in the description give me commission :)
Will this connect directly via usb to a PS 5 or Xbox Series X console?
Nope!
Will this work well with the LG c1? When it comes to the height of the sound bar? The c1 is fairly low because of its stand.
Best checking the dimension on the manufacturer's website!
Thanks for the review. I know these products are in different price brackets but is there a big difference between the Creative stage V2, Samsung HW-S60T, and Samsung HW-Q60T? I'm trying to pick between these.
Yes there is, from soundstage to mid-range quality
@@TotallydubbedHD Thanks for that informative answer!!!
Hello this is off topic but I wanted to ask you a question, I’m in the process of buying a monitor but have no clue what is good or bad. Can you help me? I want it mainly for gaming
This video will cover everything you want to know and give you the best suggestions: czcams.com/video/t4OMHOsYlY8/video.html
Brilliant and helpful review! Quick question - does the sub woofer need a cable connected to soundbar?
Glad you liked the review! Indeed cable does need to be connected, it's not a wireless sub :)
Hi, looking at getting one of these. My setup would be with a Apple TV and 4K monitor without integrated speakers.
How would this connect with Monitor/Apple TV to allow sound?
I'm guessing via HDMI? Don't own anything Apple, so best looking online lol.
@@TotallydubbedHD you'll pro9bably have to spend 10k on a apple sound bar due to compatibility even though its just an ordinary sound bar with an apple badge :).. been there done that.... that's why i hate apple... they sell 5 years old Samsung tech and make it sound ground breaking... :)
which one is better the Creative Stage V2 or the LG DSH 3 Soundbar? i can't choose between these two. they are very similar tbh.
Not tried the LG, but was impressed by creative, so I'd recommend it
I finally caved and bought one, and frankly it sounds FANTASTIC for the price. Much better in person than CZcams recordings will do it justice.
Personally, i set the Bass to 5, and Treble to 2, and it sounds great. Not overpowering bass, but its definitely there, and dialogue sounds clear.
That being said, you cant expect a miracle, and i think for a Living Room set up, its not strong enough. But for a desktop soundbar it works very well.
Glad you're nejoying it!
Do you have problems with it turning off or connection problems through hdmi ARC?
Thank you for the review, it is very helpfull!
Im currently considering buying the stage v2, but there is one other soundbar that seems to be better at similar price (at least from online opinions).
Did you have an opportunity to listen to Mozos Cinema 2.1?
I read some opinions that it has a better sound then creative but not as good eq presets like clear dialogs. Additionaly there are some reddit threads that the stage can auto-shutdown when on low volume, but maybe it was fixed with updates.
If not, then I think it may by a good soundbar to review as in this price range the stage v2 is very popular :)
Keep up the good work and thanks again for the review!
Not tried or ever heard of the other soundbar, sorry! Glad you liked the review though :)
@@TotallydubbedHD Hi, thanks for the answer!
I made made more research and there are some problems with this stage v2 that people may find usefull.
1. The soundbar has an auto-off feature that activates after few seconds of silence and then needs about 0.5s to turn on again which may be annoying, especially when using with PC. There is a custom firmware that can be installed to fix the issue, but the latest official firmware v39 does not help.
Here is a video with a fix czcams.com/video/MdNxCXcltHA/video.html.
2. The standby white LED is very bright and cannot be disabled without turning the soundbar off by button/cutting off power.
Could you confirm if the 2. point is true? It would be a problem for me since the TV is in the bedroom.
Unfortunatelly there is much less info about the mozos on the internet so there may be some issues that didn't yet surface, but so far i didn't find anything from reviews/opinions.
Thanks a lot for your time, I subscribed to your channel :)
Hi.. i just bought the creative stage v2... i use the HDMI ARC to connect to my samsung TV... when playing youtube, it has sound... but not on netflix... after setting the audio on PCM, now the netflix play with sound... but now the problem is, after i off using my TV remote, the tv and soundbar will off together, but around 20 second, the soundbar will on itself back with the LED on hd... can someone help me... getting frustrated.. 😓😓😓.
Think you just need to switch off the soundbar separately - I might be HDMI CEC issue
But what is this soundbar like VS the Creative GigaWorks T40 Series II stereo speakers?
Not tried that one, but nor would I look to compare desktop speakers with TV speakers - different use case imo
Can you compare it with Panasonic 120w sound bar with wireless subwoofer? Its dolby and dts surround and same price.
No can do, as I haven't reviewed it lol
Great video, I am looking at either the creative stage v2 or the 360, which would you recommend
@@user-fy6np8bz5l thanks! Not tried the 360, so can't comment sorry.
Do they give the hdmi and other cords?
Always been a creative fan.
Have a decent soundbar, but if it folded I would not hesitate.
My Bluetooth earphones by creative are great and my old itrigue 3600 pc speakers are still going strong.
Thought about getting the pebbles but I can't see them being any better at the mo..
In fact this sound bar would do for my PC..😁👍🏻
Ha yes it could be a good'un :D
Would you say this on or the hisense h218 is better? I need one mainly for music(hip hop), i prefer loud and more bass.. i wanna spend not more than 130-150
I'd prefer the Creative as it doesn't suffer from the issues highlighted in the 218 review
@@TotallydubbedHD would you say the overall sound and bass is better on the creative? And is it louder?
@ about the same, if anything the Hisense would be better; suggest watching both reviews and comparing
i question can this soundbar use 110 voltage power or only 220v?
Should be able to, yes!
Between Creative Stage V2 and Logitech Z625 THX which one you think better since both in the same price range?
Not tried the Logitech, so can't comment, sorry!
@@TotallydubbedHD hi bro nice review, plz suggest me a best speakers for mainly for music listening purpose
Hope they will make a Creative Sound blaster XX Katana, bigger, better with Hdmi ARC or EARC weee.
Haha yes! They definitely should do a flagship model.
Does anyone know if the soundbar supports volume control from the TV directly (HDMI CEC) or do I have to always use the soundbar's own remote for that?
Also, does it turn on and off automatically with the TV? These are pretty basic soundbar features, but for some reason they doesn't show up in any of the published specs, on Creative's site or Amazon etc.
I cannot remember from memory; had you asked earlier I'd have been able to answer. Ping Creative an email and see what they say :)
Just set mine (V2) up and it does. To both your questions.
@@peterk5899 Thanks Peter! I actually bought one but the HDMI on it didn't work at all, EXCEPT for the CEC :D no audio from HDMI ARC, only through the headphone jack.
@@iLoveTheseRemoras If your TV says Arc on one of your HDMI sockets there will be a setting on your TV for it..... I had same problem. Mines one of the very first smart TV to come out. On my TV hdmi 2 said Arc on it but know where on my TV I could find a Arc setting in the audio menu. I ended up setting Digital Out to PCM..... And it worked. No idea what PCM stands for but it worked so happy. Volume on TV is now disconnected. Only sound is out of sound bar....
@@peterk5899 None of the settings on the TV made a difference though. I've used ARC on the same TV before, I'm pretty sure the unit was defective.
It would be useful if you post a note on your review for the V1 that the V2 is now available, I only came about the V2 by chance after watching the V1. Very useful videos by the way, well done to you and thanks. Going to order the V2 👍
Legend, yeah, I'll do that now. Thanks man.
How does this compared to samsung hwa450. They have the same price after discounted in my region.
No idea, not tried the other
Would you rather buy the V2 for 90 EURs or the Philips B7305/10 for 160 EURs? I just want to use it at my gaming PC as an alternative for my headset. So a bit of decend "virtual" surround sound as well as general sound quality would be nice. But the system should also be compact enough to fit on/below my desk (and as Im sitting directly in front of the bars, it does not have to be too loud of course ;) ).
@@TotallydubbedHD thanks for your quick response though. I guess I Go with the V2 then as I cannot really think of the Philips being „70 Euros better“ :)
@@robk4693 fair enough - let me know how you find it!
I'm now looking to purchase. Thanks for a very good review.👍
Pleasure, glad you found the review useful! Links in the description give me commission :)
People - I need some help before I send this back. When I connect via 3.5mm cable - the sound is awful. Very distorted. USB connection does nothing and there was no arc cable included. Anything I can try? Thanks!
Sounds odd, shouldn't be the case!
Is it ok to put the sub sideways or does it have to stay stood up
You need to have it vertically to get the best out of it.
How many bits do you get on usb from pc?
24 bit 96khz or 16bit 48khz?
Check the specs!
i got the first model(it's awesome!), is it worth it upgrading?
It would be a minor upgrade, yes. But not a night and day difference!
Is the subwoofer mostly particle board? If so, any formaldehyde smell? Thanks
Pretty sure it is (as are most), but I can't recall any smell!
@@TotallydubbedHD Thanks!
@@EricToronto np!
Is T100 better than V2 2.1 in terms of sound quality, bass? I want to choose between them for desktop speakers. Please suggest.
I'd pick the Stage on the whole if you want a bettered bass response.
@@TotallydubbedHD Thanks. So this is a complete speaker suitable for both laptop and TV?
@@clevitationcr1982 would be, yes
Im planning to buy one soon. Do you still recommend it? Im gonna use it for android tv, ps4 and nintendo switch
Yup!
Hey bro. We have a new 76” QNED TV. TVspeaker sound is not bad, but I would like to improve it if I can for the $100 price. Will it improve my sound quality from built in tv speakers?
No idea about your TV lol.
From other videos about this soundbar, try pressing the + or - buttons after pressing the surround or dialogue buttons ....
Thanks for sharing!
does the Bass, treble and volume reset to default values on power off? can it be fixed with any firmware update??
Don't know, sorry
@@TotallydubbedHD thanks for the reply. I read about this in user reviews. that's why i asked.
@@gokulmrvkm can only image this is people who are switching the unit off by the wall. If it's on standby it'll retain the EQ
@@TotallydubbedHD In India, we often switch off by the wall. Its a common practice to save energy and to save electronic devices from getting damaged by electric surges. I cant say for sure if this is an issue with every unit or its just some. anyways, I've ordered one and will check. I will give you an update once i get it.
@@gokulmrvkm ah I see, fair enough!
FINALLY!! someone testing speakers with real music not NCS music🤦🏼♂️ i hate all of them. Or other testers can't play a real vocal music or smth like that... Jesus thank you! Finally a more usable idea how it really sounds like.
Ha, pleasure! Glad you liked the video!
Is this worth upgrading from the V1?
It's better for sure, but not worth the upgrade
I've TU8000 samsung smart tv. How its compatible with it? Does it enable the dolby feature in sound setting of the TV?
Over HDMI. Just plug it in, then go via your audio settings
@@TotallydubbedHD Does this soundbar supports HDMI 2.1 or it is 2.0. I'm going buy a HDMI cable.
@@arnabghosh110 it's HDMI ARC; doesn't really matter which one it is - HDMI 1.4 should also be fine. You're not passing through a visual signal, just audio one.
Thanks for your reply.
I'm planning to buy it in India.
Is it reliable?
I'm using Creative Inspire 5.1 from 2012 without any issue.
@@arnabghosh110 didn't have issues while testing lol
I've had the V1 for at least a year and a half now, and I've been seriously considering upgrading to the V2 simply for the USB connection.
Fair enough!
the V1 has usb. don't buy the V2. absolute shit in my opinion. the bass is flat. V1 kicks harder and has a crisper sound. from what i seen the business discontinued so they made a cheaper piece of crap to cash out.
Me too, v1 for 2 great years so far. I'd love to get the v2 but just for pure materialism 😏. I speculate the audio quality will be the same...
Nice & Thanks :)
Pleasure!
I purchased after watching your review... I increased bass and treble to number 5 and volume at number 25.. It is observed that movement we switched it off from wall power sockets and again power on, bass and treble setting reset to numbet 0 and volume comes down to numbet 10.. is anyone of you facing same issue or it is bug in product..
Why would you switch it off from the wall socket? I think that sounds normal, other bars behave the same way.
Hi thanks for response...
Considering scarcity of electricity in our country, it is being prompted to switch off devices, when not in use...
@@JimmyThe90909090 ah, that's sad to hear. Honestly, the same principle would apply to any soundbar as far as I'ma ware, could be wrong though. Feel free to contact Creative.
I don't have this issue, but maybe is because I have the last firmware version.
Is the music loud with bluetooth?
Can't remember it being an issue
You are very good at this reviewing malarkey.
Thanks!
@@TotallydubbedHD You're welcome. Now, can you ship me the soundbar please? Seems only fair.
@@robovac3557 lol
@@TotallydubbedHD Ha ha, I'm laughing out loud too. Now, about that soundbar you agreed to ship to me. (You will have to pay shipping BTW). Are there many hours on the clock/ damage? I won't accept any ol' rubbish.
@@robovac3557 😳
Got this set on 83€ deal, waiting to get this and test it out :)
Very nice, enjoy!
@@TotallydubbedHD I really hope it's worth the money, as I don't have too much to spend on soundsystem :/
is it____ really has 160W??
What about loudness?
Gets loud enough for me!
When it I'll launch in India?
Or how to get it in India?
No idea!
1:37 So it doesn't turn off by itself after a while? That's a deal breaker for me.
Double check the manual, maybe there's an off timer. I can't remember
Thanks for the reviews! I have a question, does the V2 still mute after 5 seconds like Stage V1?
Mute, on its own?! Didn't have that issue with the V1 nor the V2
@@TotallydubbedHD Regardless of the source, with silences of 5 seconds or more, the soundbar would go blank. Very annoying with quiet movies ..
@@ryh69PL ah I remember this being reported on my V1 video! Again didn't have issues myself, connected over HDMI
@@ryh69PL there seem to be firmware updates for both v1 & v2. Check the support page!
@@vincent7603 THX mate!
To me it doesn't seem worth the price increase. USB C seems to be the biggest upgrade (but not for $50); bluetooth 5 is good, but it still uses SBC. Your friend has a GREAT singing voice!
Glad you liked her voice :)
And thanks for sharing your thoughts!
It doesn't have Dolby Digital?
Think it does, but I can't remember!
is the v2 worth 25 extra pounds over the v1?
Definitely!
Mate, suggestion - Please ... for God's sake ... show a closeup of the connection ports at the back ... not just the text ... the ports themselves. That tends to be very useful for people considering the product.
02:18 ??
@@TotallydubbedHD You didn't show the ports on the left side (esp. Aux). That only shows me the text ... not the ports themselves. Zoom in a little bit ... I know it's possible. Anyway, just a suggestion.
@@kartikvenugopal3211 ah well!
Surely you know what the ports look like lol, it clearly shows where they are located with the text
but higher priced sound bars sound better.... :) j/k well done on the presentation.
Thanks
How good as a computer speaker
It's fine, but would recommend budget bookshelf speakers instead
I've used it for a year and I suggest saving $200 more for better soundbars. I heard that it doesn't support DD so making arc useless. Anyways arc never did work for me on a LG B8. It just wouldn't detect. I'm not the only one though. In regards to the settings reseting when you turn off power from the wall socket, it is not a bug. According to the reply I got from Creative, it is meant to be like that since it has no memory. Only choice is to leave it in standby. My JBL 150 remembers my settings even if I turn off the power. Well Stage V2 is cheap, can't expect too much.
Thanks for sharing, but why would you pull it out from the wall each time?
@@TotallydubbedHD Saving on electricity bills, not sure if it consumes power in standby mode. Also for safety reasons.
@@Gashanos wouldn't worry about both tbh
I bought mine to use for now, gonna save for a nice 5.1 system on black friday. After I get a good one the creative will go in my bedroom.
I have moved Stage V2 to my bedroom too after I switched to LG S80QY without rear speakers few months ago. Unfortunately rear speakers are unavailable in my region.
Firstly, good video, very helpful.
The Sound Demo though is kinda, well kinda worthless. the demo, your video is being processed and played through the viewers system and their speakers. So it is going to sound as good or bad as their system not the the Creative Stage. Something to keep in mind and tell the viewers.
Without an audio demo people complain, and with it, a minority complain - so, I choose to have it.
But, as mentioned the audio demo isn't ideal over CZcams and thus my opinion is what you should consider/listen to.
can't help but to comment that...this sound bar is just not up to par for those who are looking for a decent speaker. I've owned the T40 and both Stage v2, and i packed up my Stage v2 right after listening to it for 5 mins. T40 is just too much better in terms of clarify, mid, and even the bass. T40 may not have the punchiness on the bass but the overall clarity and fullness of the sound make up to it. Stage v2 sounds... hollow, empty, muddy bass, blurry mid, and..just not as good as reviewed by many online.
commenting this so that ppl will not regret like i do after buying Stage v2. and the price for T40 is the same as Stage v2 now (promotion from Creative Lab in SG).
Yes, T40 doesn't have the connectivity options like bluetooth, but the sound is just at another whole new level as compared to Stage v2.
Cheers!
Thanks for sharing, given the price, I still think it's an incredible soundbar. Maybe you should have given it more time.
@@TotallydubbedHD given it's price, I think any of the Edifier speaker around the same price range would do better. Am just sharing so everyone knows what to expect, especially those who are looking for a better speaker, not just a cheaper speaker. Cheers.
@@dl9640 which Edifiers out of interest ?
@@TotallydubbedHD hi. Can check out R1280DB or R1700BT.
czcams.com/video/qm3G5A-F5tE/video.html - R1280
czcams.com/video/tccM1DTZ6ss/video.html - R1700
@@dl9640 I've reviewed quite a few of the Edifiers, and while they're great - but they wouldn't be my pick for TV setups, namely due to the input (Aux/RCA/USB/Optical), further, they all don't have a dedicated subwoofer, which means they cut off the lower end frequencies quite substantially. One of my biggest complaints of the S3000 Pro for example. Great value for money though, and ones I would thoroughly recommend for (most) PC setups.
I don't understand why companies keep putting always-on LEDs on the front of their products. For that reason alone I would never buy this. It is a constant distraction.
Fair enough, but think it can be dimmed, can't remember - worth checking the video or manual!
The sound demo was a bad joke. You let it play in a setting for like 3 seconds before switching. You should at least have let it run for 10 seconds with each setting.
Sorry you didn't find it helpful.
Bluetooth bad quality codec is quite disappointing. Edit: but SBC codec isn't that bad from what I'm reading! It is just good enough.
SBC is the lowest quality out there buddy!
It's not that I hear badly if you use it
only that information is lost if you listen to formats in flac
I dont like lights on the front as it distracts from watching movies
Play others songs
C2.1 is junk on Android and ios. 0 stars out of 5.
It’s a HUGE shitty stupid decision to make that dumb LED display permanently on hahaha who wants that, that’s so off putting, unnecessary and really annoying. So glad i didn’t buy this…
Yeah bit annoying but not overly bothered myself tbh
Little bit of black tape is all you need... literally
This is absolutely junk. Do not buy this!