Headsets are a popular choice among gamers for audio, but there’s no denying the immersive experience only a good set of speakers can provide. The original Creative Katana soundbar and subwoofer combo was well-loved for its ability to deliver such rich sound quality. Today, we’re reviewing the Creative Katana V2 to see if it lives up to its predecessor.
Tech Specs
Let’s start by diving into the technical specs of the V2. It’s actually quite compact, making it easy to fit on a desk. There are plenty of connectivity options, so whether you’re hooking it up to a computer, gaming console, or TV, you’ll find it versatile. Some upgrades over the original version are worth noting, which we’ll discuss more below.
– System Power: Up to 126W RMS, 250W peak
– Frequency Range: 50Hz – 20kHz
– Supported Codecs: SBC
– Connectivity: HDMI ARC, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C, SXFI out, 3.5mm out, AUX-in, optical in, subwoofer out
– Soundbar Speakers: 2 x 2.5” mid-range, 2 x ¾” tweeters
– Subwoofer Speaker: 6.5” woofer
– Microphones: 2x MEMS
– Dimensions: Soundbar: 23.6” x 3.74” x 2.44”, Subwoofer: 5.9” x 14.4” x 14.4”, Remote: 5.9” x 1.57” x 0.78”
Packaging
The Katana V2 comes in a stylish black and orange box, complete with a handle for easy transport. The front showcases the product, highlighting its RGB lighting and various features. Inside, you’ll find multiple cables for different types of connections, a power supply, a wall mounting bracket, an IR remote, and quickstart guides in several languages.
Design
The design sees some minor but appreciated improvements from the first version. The front and top speakers are wrapped in a sleek metal grille, with a brushed metal surface on top. The most noticeable change is the new LED display, which shows input information in a clear, white font. While you can control many functions using the buttons above this screen, the remote handles most tasks.
The bottom features a thick RGB bar that cycles through over 18 million colors. You can choose from several effects, like the classic rainbow or different pulsating modes. You can switch presets with the remote or dive deeper into customization via the app.
Measuring 23.6 inches long, the soundbar is ideal for a 24 or 27-inch gaming monitor. The subwoofer has a more minimalist look, free from distracting logos, with the speaker cone now positioned lower.
Connectivity
The V2 builds on the strong foundation of its predecessor with even more connectivity options. USB-C replaces the old USB-A and offers high-resolution 24-bit audio at 96kHz. Bluetooth is updated to version 5.0 for better performance. HDMI ARC ensures high-quality audio for TV connections without extra cables. There’s also a dedicated output for Creative headsets that support Super X-Fi, along with optical and AUX-in options, and a subwoofer out port.
A handy 3.5mm input jack is located on the front next to the LED display, which links to the built-in X-Fi DSP chip, enabling effects on regular headphones.
General Audio Quality
To give a thorough review of the Creative Katana V2’s sound quality, we’ll break it down into overall performance and gaming-specific features.
The Katana V2 employs five speakers in total: pairs of mid-range drivers and tweeters, plus a subwoofer. While the layout is similar to the original, the newer model features slightly larger drivers and increased total power output, enhancing its sound capabilities.