Creative Katana V2 - Why You Should Buy THIS Gaming SoundBar for PC

[@chrism65]

I picked up the V1 yesterday, and it's pretty great. It's definitely better than the cheapo logitech speakers I had on my desk before

[@louisevalentine44]

used to have have the first gen katana , bought it because of the cool lighting effect but actually the sound is not too bad consider the cheap price to any other real sound bar but way better than the razer wants for sure. love to see how they improve for v2 , i thought they have stop producing.

[@nohandlehere55]

I bought the v2x. In a nutshell, it is a compact solution for PCs with a USB interface (if you don't want to deal with kudgy HDMI splitter for non-ARC monitor setups). Sound is pretty flat and doesn't have a good depth of field (even messing w/ the EQ settings), but good enough for lower end PC gaming. For a Home Theatre, save up a little and get something a step above...like a Sonos or a soundbar from Costco. I'm keeping because of the conveinience on a PC, but not really great sound quality for the price.

[@MrCtmcclain]

I was thinking about getting the Katana V2. Thanks for the review.

[@joris8175]

Hey thanks man. Was really deciding between the Razer leviathan v2 or this one. Looks to me like this one really does the trick. Thanks man!

[@GamersClinic]

Hi Joris! You're welcome & Thanks for watching. I also had to choose between the two, but the vast connectivity options on the Katana V2 outweighs the Leviathan V2.

[@vincenzocasano2772]

I'm sold! Was looking at this soundbar and the Leviathan V2, but this one has more features than the one from Razer. Excellent review btw 🙂

[@GamersClinic]

Hi Vince! Don't get the Leviathan V2, I ordered both at the same time, and returned mine >

[@Kritex]

@@GamersClinic What’s the reasoning for returning the Leviathan V2? I’m very interested in both. But I can’t seem to find the Leviathan V2 here in Thailand.

[@GamersClinic]

Hi Krit! I returned the Leviathan V2 because it doesn't sound as "bright" and clear when compared to the Katana V2 for me. When using the audio presets on the Katana V2, the quality difference was quite big as I feel that the Katana V2 was more carefully tuned, while the Leviathan V2 only had a "stronger and more punchy" bass. The other reason for choosing the Katana V2 was also because the Leviathan V2 had very limited connectivity options and can only use with PC and phone. Though this is only based on my audio preferences, so it might be different for others. But if you are still interested in getting one, you can find it for around 5,600 THB on Shopee by searching Megearshop ^^ (It first launched in Thailand for 10k THB, and around 16k to import from Razerstore Online, but it's price has gone down to a reasonable level now) Glad to see another Thai follower here btw ^^

[@Kritex]

​@@GamersClinic Hey Edward, thank you for your reply. I have also heard that the Leviathan V2 doesn't sound as good. However, I've been lurking on the r/Razer subreddit and there have been multiple people claiming to have it sound better (to the point where it sounded a little less worse than the Katana V2) after tweaking the settings, either by uninstalling a driver that Synapse automatically installed, uninstalling Synapse all together as well as buying the Dolby Atoms software for $15. Coincidentally I also saw the Leviathan V2 on Shopee that you have mentioned and was considering picking it up. I suppose that it being 5,000 baht cheaper than retail and almost 7,000 baht cheaper than the Katana V2, it might be worth a pickup. I've also talked with the Megearshop owner that they can send it for warranty with Razer HK, albeit with a small shipping fee (around 500-800 baht). It's great to see a Thai based content creator on KZbin speaking English - it's a rare find. Keep up the good reviews as I watch every of your videos, even bought the Razer Iskur and Secretlabs Titan Evo 2022 Softweave based on your recommendations :) Edit: I also saw the Leviathan V2 listing on the Razer Flagship Store on Shopee when it first launched. I wonder if anyone pre-ordered it and if their orders were fulfilled as it seems the listing has disappeared from the Shopee store as opposed to being out of stock.

[@Infinplayz]

@@GamersClinic I just returned my razer one today and am getting the Katana v2

[@MrCtmcclain]

...Or possibly the Razer Leviathan V2. I love my Razer PC headset, and I'm a big fan of their products too.

[@drunkentoaster]

My first Katana V2 was a nightmare, it kept popping randomly and turning off so i sent it back (couldn't get my money back because i threw away the box like a dumby) and i am currently waiting for my rma replacement. It sounded amazing tho but i didn't know you can change sound profiles with it so i ended up messing with equalizers trying to get the perfect sound out of it.

[@estovaono]

One of the few pretty complete videos of this product! Thanks! Stupid question… how do you Connect it to your ps5? I use my pps5 with a monitor which only have 3.5 jack port… i assume I lose audio quality. Let me know, please! Thanks!

[@GamersClinic]

Hi estovaono! Thank you for the feedback. I'm glad that you found this video helpful. As for how I connected it to the PS5, I use HDMI ARC on the LG C2 "TV". For your case, as you are using a monitor which has a 3.5mm jack, you can use that method which will still be able to give you a 2.1 stereo sound, or you can run a USB A to C cable from the PS5 to the Katana V2 which will also work and it will give you a "5.1" surround sound. Hope this helps ^^

[@estovaono]

@@GamersClinic thank you so much!!

[@Chiefhao]

great review video! this is way more compact then my previous setup of the G560 gaming speakers. Hated the USB connection and later the subwoofers USB connection rendering the entire unit unusable. I will be considering this as for my next purchase after watching this review video

[@GamersClinic]

Hi Chief! Thanks for watch and the feedback ^^ Compared to the G560, it is quite a big upgrade in sound quality. The bass of the Katana V2 has about the same punch as the G560, but the mids and trebles are a lot better. If you do get it, I hope you'll also love it ^^

[@glenlipkens6647]

@@GamersClinic Im in the market for new speakers, is this a better purchase :O

[@GamersClinic]

@@glenlipkens6647 As there are many options for PC speakers in the market, I will recommend the Katana V2 if you are specifically looking for a "soundbar" form factor that is designed for PCs. It's a great PC soundbar for the price in my opinion, but there are also a lot other choices with higher sound performance if you have a larger budget ^^

[@glenlipkens6647]

@@GamersClinic I do have a larger budget. I want a good sound for KZbin, Spotify & movies for gaming im using a headset. Ive been looking for the G560. Also ive been looking for studio speakers but theye too large for my desk & wallmounting isnt an option either

[@GamersClinic]

@@glenlipkens6647 Ah, that's why you excluded bookshelf speakers + amp combo. Based on my listening preferences, the Katana V2 is slightly more powerful than the G560 and can deliver clearer vocals. It's also newer 😁

[@bigkabuto]

It's interesting that you said the bass IS very strong, because I just got back from watching another reviewer and he compared it to JBL Bar Deep Bass and it just isn't nearly as good he said. Damn, I wish I could demo the Katana V2.

[@GamersClinic]

Hi Thijs! It would be nice if you could find a shop with a demo unit, because each person will have different preference on how much bass they like. Though, technically, the JBL Deep Bass does have a more powerful subwoofer unit of around 200W if I remember correctly, so it will be a lot more punchy, but that is designed mainly for a living room use so it needs to be more powerful. The Katana V2 was designed for use as a desktop soundbar so it will have slightly lower output. For your reference, my gaming room size is about 22 sq. m and the Katana V2 is pretty much enough to fill the room with the lows. I did try using a larger soundbar+sub (250W from Harman Kardon) before as a desktop soundbar and it was tooo overwhelming for me lol. But again, depending on your preference on how much bass you like, it may or may not be enough for you. Hope this helps ^^

[@bigkabuto]

@@GamersClinic I just checked, my living room is 23 sq.m and I sit about 3.5 meters from my TV, which will be the soundbar too. It's probably a good idea to go to the stores, demo on and stand/sit the same distance from it. Sadly the Katana V2 can only be ordered from Creative's site, its not available in my country in any stores. JBL I can demo though.

[@GamersClinic]

@@bigkabuto At 3.5 meters away, the bass might feel a little less punchy. It's still there, but you won't be able to "feel" the rumble as compared to sitting next to it, and because of the slightly short subwoofer cable, it will need to be near your TV. As for volume, it's loud enough for 23 sq.m, so I guess it comes down to how much bass do you want, and if you will be taking advantage of the built-in SXFi chip/soundcard that's in the Katana V2. 😉

[@Zastrutzki]

5 months in, still has the plastic wrapper on the remote. Somebody is about to sell this set.

[@GamersClinic]

Lol Hi Kai! The set is still with me, but it’s just my OCD of liking to keep my tech stuff looking new, which also comes with the benefit of having things easier to sell when I want to replace them 😋

[@ProjectPewgf]

Edifier needs to release gaming headset with 2.4hz for 15ms or lower latency. Bluetooth still too laggy even aptx ll. (Apx ll sounds horrible).

[@kalvorax]

do you think this soundbar would be good to use with the sound blaster x4 via optical or spdif?

[@piotrekderlecki9574]

Hi, I'm facing the choice of v2 or v2x katana right now. The price of both is practically the same, which will be better to choose? Regards 😊

[@killabt2502]

I like your gaming/work station layout. Where did you get your LED keyboard and mouse combo pad?

[@GamersClinic]

Hi Killa B T! Thank you :) The mousepad I'm using in this video is the Razer Goliathus Chroma Extended Mousepad if you are interested in it. I also have a video on how to choose a Razer mousepad on the channel that talks about finding the right mousepad surface to suit your needs that you can view here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqrMeJ5nj713r7c

[@gamerbuddy6969]

I just picked up the Razer Leviathan V2 a few days ago on discount. do you think I should return it and get this instead?

[@GamersClinic]

Hi Buddy! Personally I prefer the Katana V2 as it sounds better for me. The leviathan V2 is loud but needs some extensive tuning via the synapse app. The other is that the Katana V2 has an ARC hdmi port which is very useful for me in connecting to multiple gaming consoles, which is why I chose to keep the Katana V2. Hope this helps :)

[@hanshensen8660]

It measure 65mm in height at the front. Does it slope down? If so would you let me know the height at the rear of the sound bar? Thanks!

[@GamersClinic]

Hi Hans! I missed putting that in the video. It's 50mm at the rear of the soundbar :)

[@hanshensen8660]

@@GamersClinic Great! Many thanks!

[@GamersClinic]

You’re welcome ^^

[@guillaumepare9651]

If you want to attract audience, I strongly suggest you do a PC sounbars that has any 3D capability comparison review. Despite a great interest, noone did that. Only single products reviews here and there. 2.1 system cannot do any surround and, while better, a 5.1 system is not suited for many peoples. Surround also get better. The Leviathan V2pro is supposed to be very good on that.

[@danagoyette7932]

Does that SXFI-Out USB port work with random non-Creative USB audio devices?

[@GamersClinic]

I’ve tried Razer and Steelseries headsets, and they don’t work. So I’m guessing it only recognizes Creative products.

[@jcmo69]

why are you plugging as headset into a soundbar

[@GamersClinic]

Hi Backyard Trailcam! The Katana V2 has an excellent built-in xi-fi processor which can deliver great virtual surround. And because the soundbar is only limited to front channels surround, sometimes when I want to game with full surround, I will plug in a headset :)

[@Live1509]

Well at least they removed the shitty micro USB that was on the V1. That connector is too fragile 🤨

[@GamersClinic]

Hi Live1509! Yup, the original micro USB connector is indeed a bit loose and wobbly.

[@mikaelvellmun7228]

tried it- terrible sound these reviews are so bs