Creative Sound Blaster Katana V2 review: The best soundbar for gaming is now even better
Source: Rich Edmonds / Windows Central
The original Creative Audio Equalizer Katana was well received by us and the wider gaming community. It became 1 of the get-to soundbars for the TV in the large room or gaming setup in the role. Information technology wasn't a perfect device and had a few minor problems that take largely been rectified by Creative with the new Sound Blaster Katana V2.
In this refresh, Artistic promises more than 60% additional power than the previous model, a brand-new remote controller, a larger subwoofer, and some additional connection back up. Whether this helps retain a spot on our best PC speakers list for the Katana remains to be seen, then allow's swoop in and run across what's new with Creative's latest gaming soundbar.
Creative Sound Blaster Katana V2
Bottom line: The Katana V2 from Creative offers immersive audio with considerably more ability output than its predecessor. The revamped remote too makes 1 of the best gaming soundbars less of a chore to live with.
The Good
- 250W of peak output power
- Great sound for movies and gaming
- Sleek design with RGB lighting
- Vastly improved remote command
The Bad
- Not not bad for larger rooms
- Need to be positioned correctly for best audio
Creative Sound Equalizer Katana V2: Price and availability
Source: Rich Edmonds / Windows Primal
The Creative Sound Blaster Katana V2 is an expensive piece of kit. If y'all're only going to be using this device for gaming on a PC or console, it'southward far more expensive than elementary two.one speakers, but the difference is night and day. If you want one of the best audio soundbar experiences for gaming, y'all'll need to spend more and the Katana V2 commands a $330 price tag.
It'south non overpriced, which makes it a good selection for gaming on the larger screen too. Cheers to the 250W summit power output, improved sound with Super X-Fi support, at that place's plenty to dearest nigh the Katana V2, and the loftier price is well worth it.
Creative Sound Blaster Katana V2: What's good
Source: Rich Edmonds / Windows Central
I actually liked the original Sound Blaster Katana and idea Creative did a fine job. There were a few things I didn't like, namely the remote control, merely other than that information technology was an fantabulous speaker system and one you lot'd find difficult to replace for a console or PC. When the company came out with version two, I was interested to learn what had changed.
For starters, there's a substantial increase in power output, assuasive for the advanced audio tech to be added and improve the audio experience. I'yard talking total support for Artistic Super X-Fi. Then there's the improved remote command with programmable buttons and a slightly redesigned soundbar with new connectivity ports. All this makes the all-time gaming soundbar even better.
Looking for the best gaming soundbar? This is it.
Even though Creative managed to cram in yet more functionality inside the Katana V2, it's virtually identical to its predecessor in terms of dimensions bated from a slight crash-land in height. The new Katana V2 comes with 6 drivers in total, alongside an external subwoofer unit. Compared to version one, we're looking at some considerable improvement here, including the apply of aluminum domes.
The subwoofer has also seen an upgrade to assist it perform well fifty-fifty at lower sound levels. I've been talking almost a 250W meridian power output, only the V2 is rated at 126W of consistent root mean square (RMS) ability. This is a footstep upward from the 75W (and 150W peak) found on the original Katana.
Whether you're smashing Covenant in Halo Infinite and want impressive-sounding explosions or are hiding behind the coating to The Conjuring, you'll savour what this compact soundbar has to offer. And you'll be able to hook up all your favorite devices to the Katana V2 cheers to the excellent list of connection ports.
| Category | Katana V1 | Katana V2 |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers | 2x 63mm (2.5-inch) mid-range drivers 2x 19mm (3/4-inch) tweeters 1x 165mm (half-dozen.v-inch) subwoofer driver | 2x 63mm (2.5-inch) mid-range drivers 2x 34mm (1.3-inch) tweeters 1x 133mm (5.25-inch) subwoofer driver |
| Power output | Upward to 75W RMS (150W Peak) | Upwardly to 126W RMS (252W Tiptop) |
| Frequency | l-twenty,000Hz | 50-xx,000Hz |
| Audio Blaster Acoustic Engine | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Super X-Fi | ❌ | ✔️ |
| SXFI Battle Fashion | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Microphone | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Connections | Bluetooth 4.2 Optical-in AUX-in USB-A USB flashdrive | Bluetooth 5.0 HDMI ARC Optical-in AUX-in USB-C SXFI-out |
| Soundbar dimensions | 600mm x 79mm x 60mm (23.6 x iii.1 x 2.4 inches) | 600mm ten 95mm ten 62mm (23.six x 3.74 x 2.44 inches) |
| Sub dimensions | 130mm x 299mm ten 333mm (5.one 10 eleven.eight x 13.one inches) | 150mm 10 367mm x 367mm (5.9 10 xiv.4 x 14.4 inches) |
Artistic allows for Bluetooth 5.0, HDMI ARC, optical-in, AUX-in, USB-C, and SXFI-out. I plant the Bluetooth to be a vast improvement to the Katana V1. The blueprint of the Katana V2 is similar to the original model, which isn't a bad thing as that was a sleek speaker system. In that location'south a new display on the V2, as well as a diffused RGB underglow effect as opposed to reflection-based.
There's as well a new headphone port on the front of the soundbar, which just provides easier admission than reaching around the back. The revamped remote controller makes it more convenient than e'er to switch EQ modes and manage the audio output of the Katana V2. The EQ presets are pretty good for switching between games and movies, but you lot can fine-tune the speaker using Creative software.
Merely really, regardless of EQ preset, you're going to take a proficient time with the Creative Sound Blaster Katana V2. This is a fantastic soundbar that shouldn't sound as good as it does.
Creative Sound Blaster Katana V2: What's not good
Source: Rich Edmonds / Windows Fundamental
There are a few minor issues with the Katana that are related to its form factor. This is a soundbar with a separate subwoofer module, which results in some punchy bass and clear sounds for gaming and enjoying the odd movie. Only this requires correct positioning to enjoy the full feel on offer. You really need to be sat in front of the Katana V2.
This isn't a deal-breaker for an office setup since it's highly probable you'll have the soundbar positioned below your monitor, but it's a whole different story for a larger room with a big screen. Using the Katana V2 with the best 4K TV for Xbox volition provide excellent results, especially if your sat directly opposite, but this soundbar doesn't have anything on 7.i surround speakers.
To be clear, the Katana V2 isn't terrible in larger rooms, only you will demand to creepo upwardly the volume (taking advantage of that 250W top power) and ensure no i is sabbatum off to the side. It'due south but that you tin can find better sound products (like Creative'due south ain SXFI Carrier) for your TV, and that's okay since this is positioned at gamers.
Creative Sound Blaster Katana V2: Contest
Source: Razer
At that place are some great speakers out there, and if you lot're looking specifically for soundbars, yous can't really go wrong with some competitor picks to the Audio Blaster Katana V2. Creative itself has numerous soundbars available that can be used with a PC or panel, but we're likewise big fans of the Razer Leviathan.
The Katana V2 is pretty pricey, coming in at $330, and in that location are certainly more affordable soundbars available, including the Panasonic SoundSlayer, but if you opt for cheaper soundbars you lot'll lose sure features like surround sound and big drivers.
Creative Sound Blaster Katana V2: Should you purchase it?
Source: Rich Edmonds / Windows Fundamental
You should buy this if ...
- Yous desire a compact speaker system for your TV or PC
- Yous don't mind paying a premium for a rich audio experience
- Y'all don't desire a true surround speaker setup
You shouldn't purchase this if ...
- You want a true surround audio experience
- Y'all don't desire to spend hundreds on a speaker
A soundbar is a solid purchase for PC and console setups, be it in the role, gaming, or living room. So long equally you're going to be positioned directly in front of the screen (and soundbar) you'll bask some seriously proficient audio with the Creative Audio Blaster Katana V2. This isn't for anyone who wants a true (and more immersive) 7.one surroundings speaker system for the TV.
This may be a small soundbar with a defended subwoofer, but you can crank upward the volume and hit upwards of 250W of peak output power. That'southward a serious dial for such a compact organisation, which is what leads to the rather premium toll tag. The Katana V2 changes a few things to the V1 that makes information technology even better for gaming, including a more than sleek-looking pattern.
The remote control is far better, and the improved audio makes information technology a killer companion for any PC or console. In that location are a few small-scale niggles with the Katana V2, nonetheless. You won't want to throw this into a large room that's primarily used for movies and music as you volition need to position the soundbar to become the most out of the available drivers, but this is easily one of (if not the) best gaming soundbars y'all can buy.
Artistic Sound Blaster Katana V2
Bottom line: Artistic improved the Audio Blaster Katana with a new remote and increased the power output to really ramp up the immersion in movies and games. This is the soundbar to become for your console or PC.
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