Creative Katana User discussion thread

[holybell84]

Just setup my comp; no optical cable included, I prob have to head down to Challenger to look for one to connect to my ps4 pro.

 

[wwenze]

- My bad.. I just check the user guide it seems like is a passive subwoofer only.

It not a LFE output. if LFE maybe external active sub would be supported

There are subs that accept speaker level inputs

The difference between speaker out and preamp out is just that the former can supply more current anyway. But both will obey Ohm's law when you connect it to a load.

Only issue with speaker out is we don't know if it may be bridged, only when it is single ended then we can connect it straight to a consumer amplifier. But subs with speaker level inputs are supposed to be fine with that.

 

[visuallin]

Just setup my comp; no optical cable included, I prob have to head down to Challenger to look for one to connect to my ps4 pro.

I got mine this morning, fast delivery. Using USB audio for now, will do some testing over the weekend.

 

[86technie]

Kind of disappointed how the Katana soundbar demo set was placed
at Best Denki Vivocity.
Was hoping for a live setup where customer could play game with
the soundbar than they can feel the power of Katana.

Simply put the Katana soundbar like that, most will think
it is just a regular PC speaker.
Not to mention small space it won't shine so should
just have a small corner with live demo.

 

[crosswind]

Just went to demo the creative katana. My 2cents worth would be go for it if u have a pc setup, and a no go if u wanna use it for tv.

Anyway who can't wait for creative are able to get it straight off best denki at $419.

 

[dewjef]

I got mine this morning, fast delivery. Using USB audio for now, will do some testing over the weekend.

Thanks TS for review. I went ahead to order online with CNY offer on Thursday night,and received yesterday (big & heavy box). I had spent whole sunday with it for movies & music.This is my 2nd PC speakers after
Creative Pcworks 4.1 (2 speakers spoiled, using as 2.1).
Built quality is pretty good to me.i had tested computer mode & BT at the moment.yet to connect up game console optical in & aux input.
Powerful enough for a standard hdb bedroom.
Updated firmware (using short usb cable per instruction),installed Creative connect.playing with aurora setting,changed my mind as i thought aurora is redundant.
Physical connection is simple.

 

[visuallin]

My Impressions: They came smaller then expected and from looking at pictures but they are very capable speakers for games and movies with more then enough power to fill an average bedroom/study.

Best suited for near field listening. Good enough for casual listening of music and just pumping up the volume to a groove.

A neat feature is it's integrated headset jack for those who wanna bypass their onboard mobo audio.

Doesn't seem to have a standby mode but I may be wrong on this.

My last 2 speakers were AE Aego M and Swans H4 so totally unfair to compare with a 'soundbar' design.

If Creative priced the Katana more competitively they have a real serious winner. They forgot they ain't Razer but still really good effort on Creative's part.

 

[86technie]

Very capable speakers for games and movies with more then enough power to fill an average bedroom/study. Best suited for near field listening. Good enough for casual listening of music and just pumping up the volume to a groove.

A neat feature is it's integrated headset jack for those who wanna bypass their onboard mobo audio.

Doesn't seem to have a standby mode but I may be wrong on this.

My last 2 speakers were AE Aego M and Swans H4.

If Creative priced the Katana more competitively they have a real serious winner. They forgot they ain't Razer but still really good effort on Creative's part.

The standby mode I have check with Creative before.
This is the irony part, if you connect VIA USB.
Depending on the USB controller power saving feature
than the unit may turn off after sometime.

Whether or not does your PC USB controller have such feature
you may have to check with the manufacturer.
Creative have mentioned on their part they can do anything about this.

Unless you are not using USB connection than yes the unit will go into standby after sometime of not using.

 

[visuallin]

Is there any indicator if it enters standby mode? Cos I decided to simply shutdown the PC for a few hours but I came back with both the On/Off and SBX white lights still on.

The standby mode I have check with Creative before.
This is the irony part, if you connect VIA USB.
Depending on the USB controller power saving feature
than the unit may turn off after sometime.

Whether or not does your PC USB controller have such feature
you may have to check with the manufacturer.
Creative have mentioned on their part they can do anything about this.

Unless you are not using USB connection than yes the unit will go into standby after sometime of not using.

 

[86technie]

Is there any indicator if it enters standby mode? Cos I decided to simply shutdown the PC for a few hours but I came back with both the On/Off and SBX white lights still on.

Had similar issues before, gosh maybe need to ask Creative about this.
Do you mind send a email to them see what they say?
Cuz my unit I have returned already can't do any more testing.
Thanks.

 

[Numbskull]

Mine auto turn down after 20-30 min of inactivity.
One way I found to check is to have the lighting on, when it is in standby even the lighting is turned off.

As for USB cannot power down or not. That is one is up to PC manufacturer, you can actually set in your PC setting whether USB devices are allowed to go safe mode or not under system properties but I think also on case by case basis.

Is there any indicator if it enters standby mode?
Cos I decided to simply shutdown the PC for a few hours but I came back with both the On/Off and SBX white lights still on.

 

[Numbskull]

http://support.creative.com/kb/ShowArticle.aspx?sid=135835

Seems like this is according to manual.

 

[cKm]

For those interested..lazada selling @ 10% off. Can add coupon code to reduce further.
http://www.lazada.sg/creative-sound-blasterx-katana-multi-channel-gaming-soundbar-11473123.html

 

[xuan87]

Hopefully I get to try these out at the IT Show this coming weekend. Desperately want this to be good. As much as I love my X7+EMU Speakers setup, they take up so much desk space!!

 

[cKm]

I bought one to replace my logitech z-5500 as they take up too much desk space and clutter due to wires. Loving it so far! Sound quality is really good and really loud, the subs take up tons lesser space than my previous speakers too.

 

[psycho270]

the katana really looks very interesting and looks to be good on a desktop set up. did a quick listen at the suntec just now. but my t3 is still going strong after 6 years, i have no excuse to switch lolol

 

[xuan87]

Hmm prices doesn't look that appealing at the IT Show... 399 with free crappy earphones.

I will probably just take a listen at the Katana tomorrow and see if I like the sound.

 

[kelvinti]

I have a LG 2.1 soundbar connected to my Samsung Series 6 6400 49" TV in my bed room now.

I wonder is it worth to get the Katana sound bar to replace my 5 years old LG 2.1 soundbar in term of getting a much better multichannel stereo sound effects for movie watching in my bed room?

Any kind advice?

 

[86technie]

I have a LG 2.1 soundbar connected to my Samsung Series 6 6400 49" TV in my bed room now.

I wonder is it worth to get the Katana sound bar to replace my 5 years old LG 2.1 soundbar in term of getting a much better multichannel stereo sound effects for movie watching in my bed room?

Any kind advice?

TV use I suggest get a HTS soundbar instead.
Katana is good but the to tap on it's full potential, usage with PC
is highly recommended.

 

[kelvinti]

TV use I suggest get a HTS soundbar instead.
Katana is good but the to tap on it's full potential, usage with PC
is highly recommended.

I see. Okay. Thanks for the speedy advice.