The Stage series of soundbars from Creative started way back in 2019 with the Stage Air, and it has since gotten many variations and improvements. The new Creative Stage SE seems to be the middle child, slotting in between the Stage Air V2 and the Stage V2. The Creative Stage SE retails for S$89.
Unboxing
In the box, you will find the following:
- Creative Stage SE
- USB-C to USB-A Cable
- Quick Start Leaflet
- IR Remote control
- Power adapter with interchangeable adapter plug
Quick comparison
The Creative Stage SE is a blend between the Stage Air V2 and Stage V2. It is not designed to be a portable soundbar like the Stage Air V2, but gains Sound Blaster audio features and more powerful sound output.
Build quality and design
The size of the Creative Stage SE is closer to the Stage Air V2. Measuring at 41cm long and a height of 6.8cm makes it easy to slot under any monitor. There are four rubber feet on its base to keep the soundbar stable. Creative Stage SE features an all-black boxy design which is constructed mainly from plastic which feels just ok in quality. Creative Stage SE has a glossy finish which I’m not a huge fan of as it makes it look less premium. Matte finish would be preferred.
Having said that, the clean and simple design of the Creative Stage SE makes it easy to blend into any desk setup. The only button is located on the multi-functional knob on the right of the soundbar, which can be quite stiff to actuate, sometimes causing the Creative Stage SE to shift from its position. It would have been better if the button is easier to press.
Connectivity and controls
The Creative Stage SE is powered by the provided AC adaptor and you can connect your audio sources in two ways – (1) USB, (2) Bluetooth. There is no 3.5 input which the Stage Air V2 has which is a slight bummer.
The multi-functional knob allows you to adjust the volume by rotating it. The volume adjustment made on the knob is reflected accordingly in Windows or iPhone. You can also manually turn on or off the soundbar, switch between USB and Bluetooth mode via a press. To get access to the rest of the Sound Blaster audio features and audio enhancement, then you would need to use the included remote. At the moment, the Creative Stage SE is not recognised as a device on the Creative app.
The remote controls offers more features such as play/pause, mute, tone adjustment, and activating Surround and Clear Dialog modes. Tone adjustment refers to tuning the audio to sound either more warm or bright. Surround opens up the sound stage and dials in highs, while the Clear Dialog emphasises on mids to bring out vocals.
Sound quality
Without a subwoofer, I expected the Creative Stage SE to lack bass but I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of low end it can deliver from a single soundbar setup. I found that the Creative Stage SE sounds best when audio is played at higher volumes (at least 50%), as the mids then to more prominent and exhibit greater clarity. At lower volumes, the midrange can sound a little recessed.
Having said that, the Creative Stage SE delivers a very well-rounded sound with enough low end to give the audio enough body and warmth. Treble provides sufficient shine to the overall mix. You can definitely feel the extra boost in power if you own the portable Stage Air V2, as the Creative Stage SE is rated at 48W. The soundbar can get really loud – enough to fill a small bedroom with immersive audio.
Conclusion
If you don’t value portability, then I’d recommend getting the Creative Stage SE over the Stage Air V2 as it offers better sound at a slight price hike. It is slight pity that you don’t get a 3.5mm AUX input as it limits its usage as a desktop soundbar. At S$89, the Creative Stage SE delivers very value in terms of sound for what you’re paying. If you don’t have too much space on the left and right of your monitor then the Creative Stage SE is certainly an option to consider to level up your current sound system.