Tag: #soundbar

Creative Launches Katana V2X Soundbar

Creative Technology today announced the release of Sound Blaster Katana V2X, its latest gaming soundbar which offers the same all-conquering audio prowess that the Katana series is known for, and has been re-engineered to not just suit users with smaller spaces for their gaming set-ups, but is also easier on the pocket.

It is the slimmed-down alternative to the highly-rated Sound Blaster Katana V2 which has won various plaudits from reviewers as a choice gaming soundbar, including ‘The best soundbar for gaming is now even better’ (Windows Central), ‘The best PC upgrade you can make’ (VentureBeat), ‘An excellent soundbar for PC gaming and all other media’ (GamesRadar+).

 

Sound Blaster Katana V2X features a slimmer subwoofer ideal for tighter spaces.

A cluttered desktop or TV console may not be the fancy of every gamer – Sound Blaster Katana V2X frees up valuable footprint with a subwoofer that is 40% smaller than its predecessor. The peak power output of 180W makes perfect sense for gaming set-ups in smaller rooms.

That said, the audio quality is maintained where it always matters. This soundbar retains the familiar sound signature of a high-end Sound Blaster, delivering hi-fidelity multichannel audio via the acclaimed tri-amplified Xamp technology, where Creative’s proprietary multi-core DSP controller powers the tweeters, mid-range and subwoofer drivers individually. Super X-Fi Headphone Holography, an award-winning technology which recreates the soundstage of a high-end multi-speaker system in headphones, is perfect for late-night game binges without disturbing the neighbors.

Avid FPS gamers gain an edge in enemy-spotting with special gaming audio modes. SXFI BATTLE Mode enhances in-battle audio cues, both for directionality and distance, while Scout Mode focuses on sound detection so that opponents are heard before they are seen moving on screen.

The cinematic experience is not just limited to gaming – with the integrated Dolby Audio decoder, users get to enjoy Sound Blaster Katana V2X while movie-binging on streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime.

Users can make this soundbar their very own when connected to the Creative app, by customizing the audio via the Acoustic Engine suite and choosing their favorite RGB illumination modes. These settings can be saved as customized profiles on either the app or the programmable buttons on the remote control.

There are various connectivity options to choose from, including HDMI ARC and optical ports, wireless Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C port for USB audio support, 3.5mm AUX-in and SXFI-out for certified Super X-Fi products. This versatile soundbar is compatible with desktops and consoles alike, including PC, Mac, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X and S, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch.

Pricing and Availability

Sound Blaster Katana V2X is priced at £ 259.99 and is available at Creative.com.

For more information, visit www.creative.com/KatanaV2X.

Sony introduces HT-A3000 Soundbar

Sony today announced the HT-A3000 soundbar, delivering an acclaimed 360 Spatial Sound experience ideal for a wide range of customers, that puts you at the heart of your favourite movies and music. Sony Europe also confirms the availability of its highly anticipated HT-A5000 soundbar.

Surround sound at your fingertips

The HT-A3000 features 3.1 channels, three front speakers including a dedicated centre speaker for clear dialogue, and a built-in dual subwoofer for deep bass. Coupled with Vertical Surround Engine and S-Force PRO Front Surround, the A3000 creates virtual surround sound that comes from multiple dimensions so you can fully enjoy the thrill of Dolby Atmos® and DTS:X®.

360 Spatial Sound Mapping

The A3000 gives you access to Sony’s revolutionary 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology when connected to Sony’s wireless rear speakers SA-RS5 and SA-RS3S.

With 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology, you can feel sound from every direction and distance. Sound Field Optimisation uses built-in microphones to ingeniously measure the relative height and position of the soundbar and rear speakers. Based on positional information, it then creates multiple phantom speakers by synthesising sound waves. Thanks to this technology, Sony’s wide spatial sound field fills every part of the room, immersing everyone present.

Optional speakers, your way

Adding an optional wireless subwoofer that handles low frequencies allows the system to reproduce sound with greater impact and power than before. Two models are available, designed to bring out deeper bass, more vocal clarity, and extra fidelity in all types of audio content.

You can add the SA-SW5 subwoofer with 300W of deep, rich bass from a 180mm driver with passive radiator or, opt for the SA-SW3 subwoofer with 200W of sound from a compact bass reflex subwoofer with a 160mm driver.

To take your home cinema experience to new heights, add the SA-RS5 wireless rear speakers with a total 180W of wider surround sound. Featuring up-firing speakers, the SA-RS5 creates richer and more immersive 360 Spatial Sound as well as built-in battery power or, opt for the SA-RS3S wireless rear speakers with a total 100W.

Best with Sony TVs

The A3000 allows you to enhance your home cinema experience further by pairing with compatible BRAVIA XR TVs. Using the Acoustic Center Sync[5] feature, both the soundbar and BRAVIA XR TV become the centre speaker in the home cinema system. Action and sound become precisely aligned, creating complete immersion. You’ll even hear dialogue from exactly where the character is standing in the scene.

Additionally, Acoustic Center Sync works together with the 360 Spatial Sound Mapping setup to deliver a clearer dialogue and more immersive viewing experience than ever before.

Stream your favourite tracks

With the A3000, your music truly comes to life. You can discover a new way of listening with 360 Reality Audio[6] that offers an incredibly immersive live concert or studio session experience. You can also enjoy 360 Reality Audio on Amazon Music HD, nugs.net and TIDAL.

On the A3000 you can easily access popular music services like Spotify and stream all your favourite albums and playlists using Chromecast, Spotify Connect™ or Apple AirPlay 2. You can also stream wirelessly from your smartphone with Bluetooth🄬 technology or use the built-in Wi-Fi to stream music from your own devices.

The A3000 features DSEE Extreme™, which uses Edge-AI to allow for real-time restoration of all your compressed digital music files. This ensures you can restore the high-range sound that is lost in compression for a richer, more complete listening experience.

Voice control

The soundbar works with Google-assistant with Chromecast built-in or Amazon Alexa enabled devices. Just add the A3000 to your speaker group using the Google Home app to start playing music, change the volume or many other functions using just your voice.

Sleek design

The A3000 and optional speakers have been designed under a common Omnidirectional Block concept. Its sophisticated rounded edges represent a single solid block providing wide-spreading sound, while the combination of rich material textures emphasise an affinity with any living room environment.

Easy connection

The A3000 is almost ready to go straight out of the box. Simply connect to your TV using the HDMI eARC connection and power on. With USB, optical in, as well as HDMI out (eARC) and S-CENTER OUT for compatible BRAVIA TVs, you have all the connections you need to enjoy a breath-taking surround sound experience.

Pricing and availability

The A3000 will be priced at approximately €699/￡599 and is available in Europe from October 2022.

Tech Review – Creative Stage Air V2 soundbar

The soundbar is now a popular piece of tech buy for their homes to enhance their audio experince no matter what it may be connected to, you can buy for your TV PC and more and small size on like what we have here today is just as ideal if you are on a budget and do not want an oversized one which some folk are fussy about.

We tested this one with a laptop and phone and of course as expected it blows your default speakers out of the water and a nice thump of bass thrown in for good measure, now you are limited with i/o ports and no HDMI so keep that in mind before buying as often it can be the case people think a HDMI port comes in all soundbars when it does not and this is targeted at a different audience but can be used anywhere still and is portable.

This soundbar has a comprehensive connectivity profile for compatible devices (which include PC, Mac, PS5, Nintendo Switch, mobile devices) – users can conveniently connect a single USB cable for audio and power, or revert to the trusty 3.5mm port for analogue connectivity. It also delights as a wireless speaker, featuring the latest Bluetooth 5.3 technology with six hours of playback on a single charge.

There is no app or anything here to control the EQ but most products like this are the same apart from some gaming options from the brand which are super cool. This is a simple plug and play and it does the job with a nice glossy finish and metal finished grill up from, it is a fingerprint magnet but once settled in place you have no real need to touch the front or sides as the controls are on the side of the unit.

This could be also used a general speaker in the house be it your bedroom living room or kitchen too and easily fills a room, check out the video for samples below and if you are on a bit of a budget and tied up for space and want a better audio experience at home this should be on your list.

Creative Stage Air V2, visit creative.com/StageAirV2.

Video Review

 

Creative Launches Latest Soundbar; The Stage Air V2

Creative Technology today launches Creative Stage Air V2, its latest under-monitor soundbar designed to give users a filling audio experience with a minimalist form factor which is versatile on connectivity options too.

Revamped inside-out from its popular predecessor (Stage Air), Stage Air V2 sports a new look while retaining a slim and compact profile. It delivers fuller-sounding audio with significantly better bass, even though a subwoofer is not included – thanks to its new dual full-range racetrack drivers and an oversized passive radiator.

This soundbar has a comprehensive connectivity profile for compatible devices (which include PC, Mac, PS5, Nintendo Switch, mobile devices) – users can conveniently connect a single USB cable for audio and power, or revert to the trusty 3.5mm port for analogue connectivity. It also delights as a wireless speaker, featuring the latest Bluetooth 5.3 technology with six hours of playback on a single charge – encouraging users to bring it with them on their in-home adventures.

Creative soundbar V2 techbuzzireland

Stage Air V2 is eager to please, whether as a compact and space-saving desktop accessory, or at the kitchen counter to spice up a cooking party. Users undoubtedly get more than their daily share of good audio vibes in an altogether budget-friendly package.

Pricing and Availability

Creative Stage Air V2 is aggressively priced at $48.88 (US), £49.99 (UK) and €54.99 (EU) and is available at the Creative online store.

For more information on Creative Stage Air V2, visit creative.com/StageAirV2.

Tech Review – Goodmans 30W compact bluetooth soundbar

We are all aware most speakers on our TV are not the best but they are getting better, still today we see some very expensive sets with the speakers firing down which is useless unless you have a home stereo system with it and then the additional cost on top of that is what would put some off buying,. Soundbars though have grown in popularity and come in several sizes and of course prices to suit all pockets, once they where and expensive kit but now relatively cheap however there is some that command huge money today and even more than a complete surround system..

This little guy is compact and clean with buttons on one side should you loose your remote control and this are tactile buttons too and work well, the unit is finished off with a glossy plastic and an aluminium grille which looks clean and will suit most compatible TVs.

This works well with your TV and not only this you can also use your smartphone to blast out the tunes too, with a HDMI port on the back it is the best way to connect to your TV as there is no optical present here, the speaker does sound good and does enhance the listening experience and plays music well via your smartphone or streaming service, it is not the loudest soundbar I have had here in for review but easily outperforms poorly placed speakers on older TVs and so on but you can check the sample sounds below for more. Goodmans also offer bigger sized soundbars here but they cost more but the fact there is sizes to pick from is a good one compared to others who do not offer this.

Features:

  • HDMI Input
  • 2.0 Channel Stereo Speakers
  • 30W
  • 41cm Width

Includes:

  • Remote Control
  • Power Adaptor
  • Wall Mount Fixings
  • 3.5mm Line-In Cable
  • 3.5mm Line-In to RCA Cable
  • RCA to RCA Cable

BUY

Video Link

Tech Review – Creative STAGE V2 soundbar and subwoofer. #Tech #STAGEV2

Many of you over the Xmas would have got a new TV for your sitting room or perhaps bedroom but one this consistent with TV speakers is they are generally underwhelming when it comes to delivering sound and with smart TVs selling like hotcakes you will pick them up for a good price which is grand but notice the offers on soundbars in the TV section in any store? Yes the stores also know this too and its an option for you to decide on yourself..

So here is the thing.. Remember 3D tv? Yes it failed and one thing that is consistent is the sound coming from your TV unless you spend thousands on and already 8K TVs are being touted which there is no need for now and simply out of most peoples price bracket now especially in the state the country is in now with the pandemic. So just buy your 4K smart TV which can be picked up for around 600 euro or less depending on screen size. Buy if you are clever you could get a great TV and sound system for under a grand easily and still enjoy a cinematic experince and the creative STAGE V2 is one way to do it which also comes with a subwoofer and I will tell you this it changes how you watch films and listen to music.

This works with everything, Gaming consoles, TV, Phone and Projectors which I primarily use at home because massive screen estate and portability. I always say to people go the optical route with any product as it works better and less hassle and that is how I have set mine up, I have tried several soundbars in the past but none came with a subwoofer which makes all the difference, your couch will vibrate yet alone the floor and this system just does it all, the sound is great, there is some power from the system and volume loud but not as loud as I would like it but that is just me and the same with headphones but yes my neighbours could here it next door so for the average joe it will be more than sufficient.

The build quality is also great and it blends in well with my surroundings and does not look out of place, I have two other speakers already connected to my TV too so I may pair them up with this system for an even more immersive setup but would rather have the same brand as a complete set up, for now these replace the current set up I had and I am really impressed overall with the quality and versatility this system gives, we go through the product below in the video review showing you how it works, different connection options and what you can connect to it which will enhance your experience overall than the usual flat experience you tend to get. Here is a sample I posted on Instagram that I could not include on YOU TUBE..

Overall it is a one stop shop here to have this in your home, you can connect anything to it, it enhances your experience no matter what you connect and it is a well built product that looks well, the price is even better at €109 at the time of posting this review..

BUY HERE 

Unboxing the Roth Sub Zero III TV soundbar. #tech #audio #tv #sound #Roth

Today we check out the Roth Sub Zero III TV soundbar with a quick unboxing and walkaround of the prodcut and contents, this can be either wall mounted or placed on a flat surface and we have the White Edition which looks really nice indeed. Any questions please ask below or on social while we test this out..

BUY HERE

Main Features / Specification:

    • Design:
    • 4x 2.75-inch 4 Ohm Ferrite Drivers
    • 2x Passive Radiator Bass Drivers
    • Thick Wall 3.6L Reinforced Polymer Case
    • Cloth Grill
    • Wall Mount Capable
    • LED Display with Auto Dimming
    • Performance:
    • Wide Frequency Response 40-20,000Hz
    • High Power Class D Amplifiers
    • 90 Watts Peak Output Power
    • Inputs:
    • HDMI x2, plus 1x HDMI output (ARC)
    • 3.5mm Analogue Stereo Connection
    • Optical SPDIF Format (Toslink compatible) – Stereo
    • Bluetooth aptX A2DP Audio
    • Power Input: AC 230-240V, 50 Hz
  • Dimensions:
  • 85cm (W) X 8cm (D) X 8.8cm (H)

UNBOXING