Creative Stage V2 PC Soundbar Review

A Closer Look

The Creative Stage 2.1 soundbar actually launched last year, and while this is technically a replacement for it, it’s also more like the next model up. The V2 is larger in every dimension, coming in at 68cm wide, versus the V1, which was 55cm wide.

There’s a small Creative logo on the left side of the soundbar, but otherwise, that’s the only marking or branding on the exterior. Nice and simple, and unlikely to distract you.

The mesh is a curved hard metal finish rather than fabric. Actually, if you’ve seen pretty much any other soundbar in the last few years, you know what to expect here. The Creative Stage V2 doesn’t really shock or innovate in terms of design, but that’s fine with me.

There’s a bit of glossy plastic on the edge trim, but otherwise, I think it’s all pretty clean and tasteful.

It is glossy at the top, which will undoubtedly need dusting from time to time, but it does look good.

There’s a more reinforced section on the rear, where you’ll find two large recesses for the inputs and outputs.

It’s important that these are so heavily recessed, so cables don’t foul up your attempts to wall-mount it. There’s USB, HDMI and AUX on this side.

Over here, you’ll find the optical input, subwoofer output, and the power input. It’s just a C7 Lead too, so no external power brick or anything.

The mounting system is straightforward, with two keyhole mounts on each side of the soundbar. However, wall mounting equipment is not included, but two sturdy screws in your wall will do the trick, as this isn’t a burdensome thing to hang on your wall at 2KG.

The subwoofer is pretty tidy looking, favouring a taller and slimmer format to increase the volume, rather than taking up more floor space.

There’s a bass port sitting nice and low, ensuring it can push some airflow fowards.

A small Creative logo at the top.

And a very simple hard-wired design around the back.

The main speaker is a 5.25″ design mounted on the right side, so it should give us plenty of punch to compliment the soundbar its self.