Creative Katana User discussion thread

To test or not to test that is the question?

  • Yes, please give me your opinion.

    Votes: 19 55.9%
  • Yes, don't want to spend on something that either fails or have design issues.

    Votes: 7 20.6%
  • No, we know you will bash Creative definetely.

    Votes: 2 5.9%
  • Your choice, got time go test.

    Votes: 6 17.6%

  • Total voters
    34

Dr.Vijay

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But unless it's a closed room, you won't get a good feel of the product; sad case for all audio products in general.

Now can test at Best Denki Vivo according to facebook. Can go try and buy there.
 

Dr.Vijay

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My hands-on article on HWZ covers the HTS experience.

As I've a full fledged HTS setup at home, I want to run it side-by-side to compare the difference in expectations; that's what I want to do next. It will be challenging and not to its advantage as my hall is large, but that's precisely what I want to do - throw it in the fire and see if it can withstand such extreme use-case scenarios.


Wow Dr Vijay has spoken. Good assessment, some people like me are looking at an all rounder for both near field and not-too-far field listening. Do test it as a HTS and update us, thanks.
 

86technie

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My hands-on article on HWZ covers the HTS experience.

As I've a full fledged HTS setup at home, I want to run it side-by-side to compare the difference in expectations; that's what I want to do next. It will be challenging and not to its advantage as my hall is large, but that's precisely what I want to do - throw it in the fire and see if it can withstand such extreme use-case scenarios.

@Dr. Vijay, with respect I also wish to do the same but
since I am into HTS for so long and Creative supporter
since the Blaster era. (Sound, 3D, CD-rom and etc.)
Competing the Katana Soundbar against AVR + 5.1 setup
is clearly out of the picture cuz Katana is still a PC segment
soundbar.

When I test I actually based on my experience of
Creative Katana (PC Segment) VS my own Sony CT380
(HTS Segment)that I owned that is why I can write such a long article.

To be honest, Creative are still PC speakers manufacturer.
When talking to the rep/engineers, could also that feel their field
of expertise is in PC.

Their subsidiary Cambridge Soundworks which actually is a Home Theater speaker expert/manufacturer with many popular products with rave reviews in the USA but since that is US based hence Creative did not allow it to be sold here.

The only exemption is the Cambridge Soundworks Megaworks 250D/550D
those are CS design not Creative.
But Cambridge Soundworks division was closed down many years back,
the Newton HD was the last great set of speakers.

https://www.cnet.com/products/cambridge-soundworks-newton-hd-home-theater-system/review/

Creative last attempt at 5.1 design was my faithful Gigaworks G500
which I shared that I felt the design and footprint was almost close to that.

If you pit Gigaworks G500 against HTS segment soundbar, probably it could win seriously no job in terms of sheer power and bass.
This I also share with the engineers but why did I give up my G500 is because prolong usage it overheat and died.

If the G500 had an external amp something it would have been a good product. Katana and the G500 share almost the same characteristics, punchy sound and deep bass since both are design for games.

I got nothing against you for testing the Katana in a auditorium room but as mention the sub placement will be a key factor.
The ideal placement as seen in my video is that the sub will be below
the main unit with the driver facing front. (The rep place it that way.)

Since Katana is PC segment based soundbar, how will it fare if one were to treat it as HTS soundbar that I leave to you.
For my I have come to a verdict for PC use is great no doubt.

But for HTS/Pro/Audio space user, sadly Katana is not for me.
After that demo session, I went through again the testing that I done which was recording in my mind with my own Sony CT-380 to conclude.

Few things still bug me especially positional audio when using devices other than PC it can be hard to be heard
due to Dialog Plus.
Yes sometimes I wish Creative should have no closed Cambridge Soundworks, if they are still around.

Cambridge Soundworks Newton Soundbar maybe we still live to see it.
Nevertheless Katana Soundbar is a worthy PC soundbar but HTS users not all may consider it.

Not to forget some competitors had soundbar that is priced lower than Katana like Yamaha, Sony and etc.
 
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poooooo

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No problem, be here to help if there's question or problem. :)

what do you feel about the built in soundcard, is it comparable to some of the stand alone usb/pcie soundcard already in the creative/asus lineup?

tia
 

86technie

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what do you feel about the built in soundcard, is it comparable to some of the stand alone usb/pcie soundcard already in the creative/asus lineup?

tia

Asus I don't have comment since I have never owned one before.
It's a rather good question and also raise a question
whether do you need a separate sound card or just
use the in built sound card.

Since the Katana has a in build soundcard which also allows
you to customize most of it, for those without soundcard
Katana is a All in one solution especially for laptop users.

If you are currently have a soundcard or plan to buy a soundcard
to connect to the Katana, I still recommend just use the in build soundcard.

Even if you already have a soundcard, to get the most out of it will not
be VIA 3.5mm but rather Optical input with Dolby Digital Live enabled.
(For Creative soundcards).

31613719154_4cde622713_b.jpg


I hope this answer your question how the in build sounds you can hear from the Katana itself.
 

poooooo

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Asus I don't have comment since I have never owned one before.
It's a rather good question and also raise a question
whether do you need a separate sound card or just
use the in built sound card.

Since the Katana has a in build soundcard which also allows
you to customize most of it, for those without soundcard
Katana is a All in one solution especially for laptop users.

If you are currently have a soundcard or plan to buy a soundcard
to connect to the Katana, I still recommend just use the in build soundcard.

Even if you already have a soundcard, to get the most out of it will not
be VIA 3.5mm but rather Optical input with Dolby Digital Live enabled.
(For Creative soundcards).


I hope this answer your question how the in build sounds you can hear from the Katana itself.

thks:s12: looking forward to audit it when i have the opportunity.
and the quarterly online sales :s13:
 

86technie

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Redone my entire review however movie and Soundblaster connect
will have to wait till I have the demo unit with me than I can conclude
the testing.

OK, I have also put it this way.
Katana soundbar is actually a cheaper alternative to Sonos Playbar
which I think Creative is trying to compete against.
Both utilize software to harness more out of their product but
Sonos is not only three times more expensive.
Sonos support multi-room function which the Katana doesn't have.
 

xuan87

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I already have the Creative soundblaster X7 with the EMU speakers for my desktop setup. Is there anyway to combine this in use with the existing setup?

From the way I see it, the Katana is more space saving, but the EMU speakers might still sound better. It will be preferable for me if I can use the Katana to improve my current setup rather than to replace it (although the space saving is greatly needed!)
 

86technie

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I already have the Creative soundblaster X7 with the EMU speakers for my desktop setup. Is there anyway to combine this in use with the existing setup?

From the way I see it, the Katana is more space saving, but the EMU speakers might still sound better. It will be preferable for me if I can use the Katana to improve my current setup rather than to replace it (although the space saving is greatly needed!)

Now this is very hard to advice cuz issue is that Katana
has already a inbuild soundcard.
To get the Katana full potential, it is still recommended
to use USB connection from the PC to the Katana.

X7 With EMU XM7 are actually more for music but lacking
in bass unless the EQ is adjusted.
Katana wise is a all rounder, whether music, movies and of cuz
gaming the bass will surely outshine the EMU XM7.

You can still pair the X7 with the Katana while still leaving
the XM7 alone simply by just connecting from the X7 VIA
optical input into the Katana (Not VIA it's RCA to 3.5mm that
will only give you stereo not surround).

And enabling the in build Dolby Digital to get that surround sound.
31613719154_4cde622713_b.jpg


But again I feel it rather waste since you will have two setup unless you
want to sell away the X7 with EMUX7 since Katana itself it's pretty much a All in one solution already.

Or use the X7 with EMUX7 as a Hi fi system that is up to you to decide.
Since from the X7 to the Katana recommended is go through optical with Dolby Digital turned on, you won't be able to tell any difference even if you have the X7.

Furthermore Katana have 7.1 virtual audio but only if you use USB connected to the PC.
Many X7 with EMU 7 user maybe unhappy when Katana launch.

Spend so much money on X7 with EMU 7 setup, now came a All in one solution with impressive bass and it is cheaper.
Of cuz if you are unhappy about this, I can always direct your question to them.

You maybe one of the many unhappy users when Katana was launch.
Hope this helps.
 

tkl23786

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Damn.......... i am also a Soundblaster X7 + E-MU XM7 user....

Creative...why do this to us???

But isn't Creative going to launch the super expensive soundbar that costs a few thousands of dollars in the near future too??? The X-Fi Sonic Carrier...

http://sg.creative.com/soniccarrier/
 

xuan87

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Now this is very hard to advice cuz issue is that Katana
has already a inbuild soundcard.
To get the Katana full potential, it is still recommended
to use USB connection from the PC to the Katana.

X7 With EMU XM7 are actually more for music but lacking
in bass unless the EQ is adjusted.
Katana wise is a all rounder, whether music, movies and of cuz
gaming the bass will surely outshine the EMU XM7.

You can still pair the X7 with the Katana while still leaving
the XM7 alone simply by just connecting from the X7 VIA
optical input into the Katana (Not VIA it's RCA to 3.5mm that
will only give you stereo not surround).

And enabling the in build Dolby Digital to get that surround sound.

But again I feel it rather waste since you will have two setup unless you
want to sell away the X7 with EMUX7 since Katana itself it's pretty much a All in one solution already.

Or use the X7 with EMUX7 as a Hi fi system that is up to you to decide.
Since from the X7 to the Katana recommended is go through optical with Dolby Digital turned on, you won't be able to tell any difference even if you have the X7.

Furthermore Katana have 7.1 virtual audio but only if you use USB connected to the PC.
Many X7 with EMU 7 user maybe unhappy when Katana launch.

Spend so much money on X7 with EMU 7 setup, now came a All in one solution with impressive bass and it is cheaper.
Of cuz if you are unhappy about this, I can always direct your question to them.

You maybe one of the many unhappy users when Katana was launch.
Hope this helps.

Hahaha no lah, I'm not unhappy. Of course I won't blame Creative or be pissed off with them for coming out with a new product.

You're right, the Katana may be better for movies and gaming, while the X7+EMU will be better for music (I actually got the X7+EMU for the music playback). The DSP in X7 is also very good at improving the shiok factor when gaming or watching movies.

Ideal scenario is to be able to use both sets together to enhance the overall factor but if Creative does not recommend or cannot use them together, then I guess I'll have to make a choice. The space saved if I use only the Katana is damn tempting.

EDIT: Whoa! Didn't know the Katana was previously offered on Massdrop!
 

86technie

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Hahaha no lah, I'm not unhappy. Of course I won't blame Creative or be pissed off with them for coming out with a new product.

You're right, the Katana may be better for movies and gaming, while the X7+EMU will be better for music (I actually got the X7+EMU for the music playback). The DSP in X7 is also very good at improving the shiok factor when gaming or watching movies.

Ideal scenario is to be able to use both sets together to enhance the overall factor but if Creative does not recommend or cannot use them together, then I guess I'll have to make a choice. The space saved if I use only the Katana is damn tempting.

EDIT: Whoa! Didn't know the Katana was previously offered on Massdrop!

Forwarded your question to Creative, when they reply I will share it here.
 

xuan87

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Forwarded your question to Creative, when they reply I will share it here.

Thanks bro!

Will probably wait for the next IT show and demo it there. They usually have a huge presence.

Hope they don't give an attractive bundle together with the EMU headphones, I won't be able to resist!
 

visuallin

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I actually had a good conversation with the Creative US Marketing or Sales personnel through Massdrop. Quite sad that a local has to get in touch with a local company's US rep through a predominantly US online platform.
 

Numbskull

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Have you tried reaching out to Creative locally before?

I actually had a good conversation with the
Creative US Marketing or Sales personnel through Massdrop. Quite sad that a local has to get in touch with a local company's US rep through a predominantly US online platform.
 

86technie

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Thanks bro!

Will probably wait for the next IT show and demo it there. They usually have a huge presence.

Hope they don't give an attractive bundle together with the EMU headphones, I won't be able to resist!

What they mention is what I have shared.
X7 + EMU X7 is for music but possible to connect to Katana VIA optical input.
Yes March IT show, they will showcase both products there.
Whether I be there or not just to look look see will see.
Cuz I hate crowds. :s13:
 

SpaceMonkey

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Where in Singapore sells this sweet system?

Considering to replace my Bose 130 Cinemate. Personally I find Bose sucks.
 

86technie

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Where in Singapore sells this sweet system?

Considering to replace my Bose 130 Cinemate. Personally I find Bose sucks.

For real? :s22:
Rather upgrade to Yamaha or Naim Soundbar.
Bose cost 3 times of the Katana.
 

SpaceMonkey

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For real? :s22:
Rather upgrade to Yamaha or Naim Soundbar.
Bose cost 3 times of the Katana.
Was using a Bose Cinemate 130 and the product give way and had to return product to Atlas in less than 6 months usage.

Personally haven't seen or heard the sound projecting from this product but based on the write up and Dr Bee Jay's experience looking so immersed, this product seems like the next thing to look out for.

Sent from LGE LG-H990 using GAGT
 
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