Introduction

Like its name implies, the Creative Stage V2 is the second edition of the company's 2.1 soundbar/subwoofer system. The successor to the popular Stage is wider and slightly deeper, although certainly still compact enough to be placed under a monitor. It now also has Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity and a nicer remote control. Even though all these are clear upgrades, pricing of the Stage V2 didn't go through the roof. Coming in at $110, it's a very interesting option for anyone looking to upgrade their desktop or TV listening experience with a compact and versatile audio system.



The Creative Stage V2 consists of a 40 W soundbar (2x 20 W) and a 40 W passive subwoofer. The soundbar is equipped with a pair of 2.25-inch drivers whose exact specifications, such as build materials, remain unspecified by Creative. The subwoofer uses a side-firing 5.25-inch driver and a front bass-reflex port. In the connectivity department, you're getting just about any input you might ever need: USB, 3.5-mm AUX, optical (TOSLINK), and HDMI ARC. As I've already mentioned, there's also Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless playback. Read on to find out how this thing actually sounds, whether it does offer a nice user experience, and who is it for.

Specifications

The Package

The Creative Stage V2 comes in a fairly large box whose front and back depict the entire system and go over its key features, as well as various connectivity options. The contents of the box are protected with thick foam inserts, so there should be no issues with keeping the system intact during shipping.


Inside the box, you'll find the soundbar and subwoofer, along with an IR remote control, three cables (1.2-meter USB-C, 1.2-meter 3.5-mm AUX, and 1.5-meter power cable), a quick start guide, and some additional paperwork.