Creative Katana User discussion thread

[iron2000]

I have a question.

For the bass I see the remote can tweak and the EQ in the software can tweak also.
How does the 2 bass values relate?
One add to the other or one multiply the other?


The more I listen and think, the more it sounds like a flat cheap sound.
I remember last setup got guitar rift listen will like high and got 3d feel but Katana listen like flat and capped not high.

Maybe if I plug in direct to PC and not monitor hub it will sound better?
Now I very bias that its bad so cannot test it now, doesn't sound like the price to me.
Or maybe I try to factory reset.

 

[HamsterKing]

I have a question.

For the bass I see the remote can tweak and the EQ in the software can tweak also.
How does the 2 bass values relate?
One add to the other or one multiply the other?


The more I listen and think, the more it sounds like a flat cheap sound.
I remember last setup got guitar rift listen will like high and got 3d feel but Katana listen like flat and capped not high.

Maybe if I plug in direct to PC and not monitor hub it will sound better?
Now I very bias that its bad so cannot test it now, doesn't sound like the price to me.
Or maybe I try to factory reset.

I got my Katana plugged in to my PC it doesn't sound flat, and depended on the output too if the output sound card is bad then it may affect the sound, even cable may affect the sound.

Sent from HTC U11 using GAGT

 

[86technie]

I have a question.

For the bass I see the remote can tweak and the EQ in the software can tweak also.
How does the 2 bass values relate?
One add to the other or one multiply the other?


The more I listen and think, the more it sounds like a flat cheap sound.
I remember last setup got guitar rift listen will like high and got 3d feel but Katana listen like flat and capped not high.

Maybe if I plug in direct to PC and not monitor hub it will sound better?
Now I very bias that its bad so cannot test it now, doesn't sound like the price to me.
Or maybe I try to factory reset.

Remote tweak is hardware level while software EQ is software level.
You can play around, no right no wrong here.
It could be many factors especially what mode you are in.
Is it music? Gaming and etc?

That is why I had the same feeling as you that I didn't buy Katana
as the sound is just flat and you have tweak the settings to sound better.
I am here just to help you guys since gaming Soundbar for PC/console
are very few.

HTS Soundbar most need to connect to TV not monitor.
Since monitor the sound output is bad, it doesn't support Optical nor HDMI ARC and Dolby/DTS Pass-through for use with PS4 slim and etc.

 

[iron2000]

I got my Katana plugged in to my PC it doesn't sound flat, and depended on the output too if the output sound card is bad then it may affect the sound, even cable may affect the sound.

Sent from HTC U11 using GAGT

I too plug the Katana via USB to PC.
But at first is via the monitor's USB port that goes to the PC.
Now I try direct USB to PC.

Maybe I can try PC to Katana via 3.5mm through my ASUS soundcard to bypass the internal soundcard.

I just feel there is no depth in the sound. Too shallow.

Remote tweak is hardware level while software EQ is software level.
You can play around, no right no wrong here.
It could be many factors especially what mode you are in.
Is it music? Gaming and etc?

That is why I had the same feeling as you that I didn't buy Katana
as the sound is just flat and you have tweak the settings to sound better.
I am here just to help you guys since gaming Soundbar for PC/console
are very few.

HTS Soundbar most need to connect to TV not monitor.
Since monitor the sound output is bad, it doesn't support Optical nor HDMI ARC and Dolby/DTS Pass-through for use with PS4 slim and etc.

I don't play any of their modes/profile.
They sound lacking something to me.
I just tweak the options on my own, sometimes just switching to Neutral profile.

Ya, to me the speaker rely too much on software.
I feel its too digital (sometimes the sound is a bit robotic) maybe lack some warmth?

I think Katana best for outdoor PA system

 

[86technie]

I too plug the Katana via USB to PC.
But at first is via the monitor's USB port that goes to the PC.
Now I try direct USB to PC.

Maybe I can try PC to Katana via 3.5mm through my ASUS soundcard to bypass the internal soundcard.

I just feel there is no depth in the sound. Too shallow.

I don't play any of their modes/profile.
They sound lacking something to me.
I just tweak the options on my own, sometimes just switching to Neutral profile.

Ya, to me the speaker rely too much on software.
I feel its too digital (sometimes the sound is a bit robotic) maybe lack some warmth?

I think Katana best for outdoor PA system

, actually same thoughts cuz PA system sound are flat.
Maybe Creative ask AV vendor who do PA speakers for the
speaker unit.

Katana relies too heavily on DSP and software so not hardware
unlike proper Soundbar.
For me that is the reason I didn't buy cuz I want something
that can plug and play.

Play around, if it doesn't suit you than sell off and get Aego 3 Soundbar.

 

[stupidog]

, actually same thoughts cuz PA system sound are flat.
Maybe Creative ask AV vendor who do PA speakers for the
speaker unit.

Katana relies too heavily on DSP and software so not hardware
unlike proper Soundbar.
For me that is the reason I didn't buy cuz I want something
that can plug and play.

Play around, if it doesn't suit you than sell off and get Aego 3 Soundbar.

if i gonna change i won't buy soundbars anymore.

will change to a new set of my spoilt bose companion 20.

much more better sound than this current one.

 

[TheEye]

None of you other users have any issues with light settings not saving upon power-down?

It's just me then?

 

[iron2000]

I try 3.5mm from PC to Katana.
Can control volume like normal but still sounds flat.
The super loudness is a USB Audio thing on Windows 10 it seems.

Its just not shiok listening to epic songs like those from Macross Frontier and Delta.
On the old Labtec + Asus setup can get goosebumps when listen they hit the high notes and higher, Katana is like flat capped sound.

Music on Katana is an epic fail to me, they did brand it as a gaming speaker though.
I wonder is Katana better than the Sonic Gear speakers my father has hooked up to his TV PC...

The Aego 3 series I see got remote I scared already.
Just now go look for S/PDIF cable (I wanted to believe S/PDIF will make it rock but 3.5mm already like that..) then see Harvey Norman got Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 Bluetooth. This one nice? Or should get some Logitech speakers as I think I read that Labtec got bought by Logitech years back. No more Creative for me.

Or I switch back to my Labtec Pulse 424 and wait some more years.
(Seems like old speakers are better than new ones.)

 

[wwenze]

if i gonna change i won't buy soundbars anymore.

will change to a new set of my spoilt bose companion 20.

much more better sound than this current one.

Step 1 of troubleshooting Bose Companion 2 / 20: Check the power supply

 

[86technie]

I try 3.5mm from PC to Katana.
Can control volume like normal but still sounds flat.
The super loudness is a USB Audio thing on Windows 10 it seems.

Its just not shiok listening to epic songs like those from Macross Frontier and Delta.
On the old Labtec + Asus setup can get goosebumps when listen they hit the high notes and higher, Katana is like flat capped sound.

Music on Katana is an epic fail to me, they did brand it as a gaming speaker though.
I wonder is Katana better than the Sonic Gear speakers my father has hooked up to his TV PC...

The Aego 3 series I see got remote I scared already.
Just now go look for S/PDIF cable (I wanted to believe S/PDIF will make it rock but 3.5mm already like that..) then see Harvey Norman got Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 Bluetooth. This one nice? Or should get some Logitech speakers as I think I read that Labtec got bought by Logitech years back. No more Creative for me.

Or I switch back to my Labtec Pulse 424 and wait some more years.
(Seems like old speakers are better than new ones.)

Yes unfortunately Aego 3 is VIA remote, there is no remote pod.
However should try audition Aego 3 at Audio basic before making decision.



Between Logitech Z625 (With Optical) and Klispch Promedia BT.
Some mention Logitech Z625 is bassy but I yet to try as it is a new model.
Klispch Promedia BT is decent for all purpose, music, games and movies.

However Klispch Promedia BT only have two 3.5mm input while the Logitech
Z625 have 2 X 3.5mm, RCA and optical.
Katana for music is disappointing, don't forget that the speaker driver are really small.

 

[wwenze]

I try 3.5mm from PC to Katana.
Can control volume like normal but still sounds flat.
The super loudness is a USB Audio thing on Windows 10 it seems.

Its just not shiok listening to epic songs like those from Macross Frontier and Delta.
On the old Labtec + Asus setup can get goosebumps when listen they hit the high notes and higher, Katana is like flat capped sound.

Music on Katana is an epic fail to me, they did brand it as a gaming speaker though.
I wonder is Katana better than the Sonic Gear speakers my father has hooked up to his TV PC...

The Aego 3 series I see got remote I scared already.
Just now go look for S/PDIF cable (I wanted to believe S/PDIF will make it rock but 3.5mm already like that..) then see Harvey Norman got Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 Bluetooth. This one nice? Or should get some Logitech speakers as I think I read that Labtec got bought by Logitech years back. No more Creative for me.

Or I switch back to my Labtec Pulse 424 and wait some more years.
(Seems like old speakers are better than new ones.)

https://books.google.com/books?id=d...oAQg1MAM#v=onepage&q=Labtec Pulse 424&f=false

If HWM can compare it against ATP3, then it would be a pretty good speaker.

And yup, old speakers - or rather, good speakers at relatively lower prices in the past, are better than more expensive speakers now. I feel that Z623 might even be worse than ATP3 (except in subwoofer). You should stick to your Labtec and audition speakers before buying them.

If you want a confirm upgrade... then you'll have to get at least a M50W that kind of performance and price level. Or just go for bookshelves instead. Bookshelves have been getting cheaper from all the competition, while "computer speakers" have been getting more expensive due to lack of competition (Labtec is dead, Altec Lansing is dead, Cambridge Soundworks is dead, the old Creative is dead), the market is dominated by Logitech and they can sell us crap for whatever price they want, both the manufacturer as well as the distributor.

But since 2.0 bookshelves alone don't give you the bass a subwoofer does, you can consider using the Labtec's sub with the new bookshelves. Unfortunately the Labtec's satellites can't be separated from the sub so you need some way to feed only low frequencies to the Labtec. Either via speakers (or amp, if passive bookshelves) with a sub out, or via system settings to generate a .1 signal so you can plug the subwoofer to the subwoofer channel of your sound card.

 

[iron2000]

https://books.google.com/books?id=d...oAQg1MAM#v=onepage&q=Labtec Pulse 424&f=false

If HWM can compare it against ATP3, then it would be a pretty good speaker.

And yup, old speakers - or rather, good speakers at relatively lower prices in the past, are better than more expensive speakers now. I feel that Z623 might even be worse than ATP3 (except in subwoofer). You should stick to your Labtec and audition speakers before buying them.

If you want a confirm upgrade... then you'll have to get at least a M50W that kind of performance and price level. Or just go for bookshelves instead. Bookshelves have been getting cheaper from all the competition, while "computer speakers" have been getting more expensive due to lack of competition (Labtec is dead, Altec Lansing is dead, Cambridge Soundworks is dead, the old Creative is dead), the market is dominated by Logitech and they can sell us crap for whatever price they want, both the manufacturer as well as the distributor.

But since 2.0 bookshelves alone don't give you the bass a subwoofer does, you can consider using the Labtec's sub with the new bookshelves. Unfortunately the Labtec's satellites can't be separated from the sub so you need some way to feed only low frequencies to the Labtec. Either via speakers (or amp, if passive bookshelves) with a sub out, or via system settings to generate a .1 signal so you can plug the subwoofer to the subwoofer channel of your sound card.

I'm kind of leaning towards the Z625 as the Promedia BT is more expensive.
I see the NoAudiophile site got DSP corrections for Z623, maybe can use for Z625.

My desk got no space for bookshelves.
Also see the NoAudiophile review of Swan D1010-IV, like very good and also cheapest at $179 at Cybermind. But too big. Actually the sats for Z625 might be too tall for the speaker position also.

Actually I feel paiseh to audition speakers at stores, cannot get into audiophile mode to critic in public.

Now got the urge to go buy a set of Z625 and maybe sell the Katana to Cash Converters.

 

[86technie]

I'm kind of leaning towards the Z625 as the Promedia BT is more expensive.
I see the NoAudiophile site got DSP corrections for Z623, maybe can use for Z625.

My desk got no space for bookshelves.
Also see the NoAudiophile review of Swan D1010-IV, like very good and also cheapest at $179 at Cybermind. But too big. Actually the sats for Z625 might be too tall for the speaker position also.

Actually I feel paiseh to audition speakers at stores, cannot get into audiophile mode to critic in public.

Now got the urge to go buy a set of Z625 and maybe sell the Katana to Cash Converters.

Err.. Sell katana online.
Cash converter will give you the worse rate.
Maybe $100 or so only even though yours got warranty.
At shops, I too also can't test too throughly if not crowd or people will start to build around.
However no choice, can't risk buying a speaker than later have to sell it.

 

[wwenze]

I see the NoAudiophile site got DSP corrections for Z623, maybe can use for Z625.

Do you also see that just 3 sentences above the download link for the DSP correction noaudiophile says that he is reviewing it as a USD$100 speaker and not a friggin' SGD$269 or whatever price you manage to get in Singapore?

 

[Zr]

anyone have the pop sound problem?

 

[nervagent]

Hi just got mine today. My intention is to purely use this on my TV and not on my PC.

my question here is - For adjusting the EQ settings, can i adjust via my PC first to what exactly I want and from there unplug and plug it into my TV. Will the EQ settings be carried over too?

 

[Nights]

anyone have the pop sound problem?

ME! I connect it to my Sony TV using optical input. If I set PS4 slim to output bitstream I get random popping sound. Initially I thought it could be the tv audio pass through problem. So I connect the optical input directly to Xbox one X. Same problem! So that rule out the problem with the tv. No problem if I set PS4 & Xbox one to stereo or 5.1 surrounds. But 5.1 surrounds sound like normal stereo only and it sound so much different to Dolby digital.

 

[Nights]

USB for PC.

3.5mm for my PS4 Slim.
Tested FFXV with Gaming profile and its loud and don't know if I not used to it that it sounded rather unnatural. At town the BGM is comfy but in battle suddenly BGM louder, don't remember my Labtec like that. The volume is more up and down compared to my previous set up.



I had a BOOM moment yesterday already

The volume really cannot, need to be more fine.

How do u connect it to PS4 slim using 3.5mm?

 

[iron2000]

How do u connect it to PS4 slim using 3.5mm?

For my PS4 its:
PS4 [hdmi out] > [hdmi in] pc monitor [3.5 out] > [3.5 in] Katana

But I'm not using Katana now

 

[wwenze]

Hi just got mine today. My intention is to purely use this on my TV and not on my PC.

my question here is - For adjusting the EQ settings, can i adjust via my PC first to what exactly I want and from there unplug and plug it into my TV. Will the EQ settings be carried over too?

No .