Creative Stage 360​​ 2.1 soundbar review

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Stage 360​​ is Creative’s latest affordable soundbar, located in the middle of its product series. Compared with the Katana series that focuses on games, it is more suitable for TV use.

The top product of the Creative product line is the premium SXFI Carrier priced at 900 pounds, while the older Stage V2 is priced under 100 pounds.

This is at a reasonable price point of £200 or £180. I want to say that this may be the best point for pricing. Depending on your requirements and expectations, the more affordable option is a bit underpowered.

Specification

Design Features

This is a compact sound bar that can be used well for small TVs, or it can be comfortably installed under the monitor as a PC speaker.

The subwoofer is very light and can be plugged directly into the soundbar via the built-in cable. Since the cables are integrated, if you want more flexible installation, you cannot buy a longer cable. It is very slim and stands upright, so it is relatively inconspicuous.

The inputs include two HDMI inputs, and then one is HDMI ARC, which outputs to the TV but also accesses audio from the TV. This makes it ideal for modern TVs, game consoles, and streaming media devices such as Fire TV Stick 4K. Other inputs are optical fiber or Bluetooth 5.0.Optical fiber is suitable for PC audio, but 3.5mm/auxiliary input will be a bonus

You can perform basic control over the soundbar itself, including the ability to adjust the volume and change the signal source and power supply of the soundbar.The remote control has some additional features, including the ability to adjust the bass

In use-PC speakers / home theater

I tested it as a PC speaker, used it for music and games, and then used it as a home theater soundbar in my TV room for console games and TV/movies.

Currently, I am using the excellent Edifier R2000DB bookshelf speakers for my work PC. They are very large, and the bookshelf speakers are just the awkward shape of a table. Until recently, I was still using an old pair of Bose Companion 3 Series 2.

For home theater audio, I have a Monitor Audio 5.1 system in one room and Bose SoundTouch 300 in another room. I also have Gen 1 Sonos Beam in my kitchen.

As a PC speaker, the system performs well. Not as good as the Edifier or Bose 2.1, but it is cheaper and more convenient in appearance. HDMI input also makes Creative more useful for consoles.

The subwoofer is okay, it’s very different from cheap sound bars, you can turn it up by +5 or down by -5. After setting the dial, it does provide some room thumping bass, but it lacks some of the charm of my Bose subwoofer. Since the subwoofer is physically light, the bass feels a bit shallow.

This is also valid for use with a TV. I have a little difficulty here, because in comparison, the two systems I personally use are much more expensive and bulky.

This is a major upgrade to the built-in TV audio, which is probably what most people are looking for when considering this. Compared with my Sony TV, it is much more powerful and the bass is much better.

For those looking for a compact soundbar, whether in a small room or under a small TV, this works well. Bass is more dominant than Sonos Beam, but the overall sound quality is not very good.

Dolby Atmos 5.1.2 Audio

Since the soundbar has only two drivers plugged into the subwoofer, the surround sound effect is limited.

For affordable sound bars, the sound separation is moderate and the sound field is good. The effect of height is not obvious, almost insignificant.

Due to my arrangement, my experience with Dolby Atmos is likely to be below the standard. In the PC speaker arrangement, I was too close to the speaker to appreciate it, while in my living room, the room was too big and the ceiling was high, and this small sound bar couldn’t fill it up.

I’m not entirely convinced that Dolby Atmos is needed on affordable small sound bars, but this is an additional feature that most other sound bars in the same price range lack.

Prices and alternatives

Creative Stage 360​​ is currently priced at 180 pounds, with a suggested retail price of 200 pounds.

The older, less powerful Creative Stage V2 2.1 is priced at £85/

If you want the same power output and HMMI ARC compatibility, you have to jump to the £300 Katana V2, but it lacks other HDMI inputs. However, it looks like it will become a better PC/console soundbar.

Sonos Beam Gen 2 costs 449 pounds. Overall it is a better speaker, but lacks bass, and the price is more than twice its price.

The Sony HT-SD35 2.1 is similar in price, but has a higher rated power output and wireless subwoofer; however, it lacks Atmos.

comprehensive

Creative Stage 360​​ is a nice small soundbar, best suited for smaller TVs and rooms. I want to say that it works well in an apartment or bedroom, and it also seems to be a perfect choice for anyone with a dedicated console/PC gaming setup.

I also found that it works very well as a PC speaker, which is more convenient than bookshelf speakers or 2.1 active computer speakers.

Looking at other options on the market at similar prices, I don’t think many can directly compete with the overall specifications and features you get here.

Last updated on 2021-12-15 / Affiliate link / Image from Amazon Product Advertising API