When it comes to soundbars, Creative actually offers many options between their two key lineups – (1) Stage series, and the (2) Sound Blaster Series. The Sound Blaster series are generally geared towards gaming and movies. The new Sound Blaster GS5 evidently follows the aforementioned theme headlining RGB lighting and SuperWide audio technology as key feature. The Sound Blaster GS5 retails for S$119.
Unboxing
In the box, you will find the following:
- Creative Sound Blaster GS5
- USB-A to USB-C cable
- Remote Control
- Power Adapter 30W + Power Plugs (US/JP,CE,UK)
- Quick Start Leaflet
Build quality and design
You can treat the mew Sound Blaster GS5 as the bigger brother of the GS3. The Sound Blaster GS5 is a larger soundbar measuring at 51cm long with a height of 8.3cm (510 x 102.7 x 82.6mm / 20.07 x 4.04 x 3.25 inches). This size should fits just right under any 24-inch or 27-inch monitors. The Sound Blaster GS5 features an angled design where the soundbar points slightly upwards. Design language of the GS5 follows that of the GS3, where the structural shell uses a matte black plastic that helps to keep it more modern over glossy plastic, and reduces fingerprint stains.
One noticeable change on GS5 vs the GS3 is that there is a display LED under the speaker grille to show the modes and status of the GS5 soundbar compared to a coloured LED indicator. Having a display LED showing more detailed indicators is great but the LED somehow remains lit and does not fade away. Personally, it does get quite distracting for me as the LED is bright and it is angled towards my eye. I hope it is possible for Creative to implement an auto-dim feature via a firmware update in the future.
Build quality is generally good. Sound Blaster GS5 offers a nice heft to it and the two generously-sized rubber feet helps keeps the soundbar firmly in place on the desk. There is a button cluster and knob located on the right hand side of the soundbar. The knob offers a continuous stepped motion for adjusting volume. But like the GS3, the buttons of the GS5 are still a tad stiff to actuate which is a slight disappointment as I’d expected Creative to improve on that aspect. Otherwise, the overall feel of the soundbar is pretty good. It doesn’t by any means feel premium but it surely does not feel cheap.
Given the Sound Blaster GS5 is targeted towards gamers, Creative added RGB lighting to the soundbar in the form of a diffused RGB light strip located on the base of the soundbar. I like this RGB implementation as it isn’t too shouty but still lets you add some sort of personality to your desk setup. Pressing the RGB button cycles through the multiple lighting presets such as Chasers, Aurora, Peak Meter, Glowing, Wave and Cycle. Long pressing allows you to change the brightness. For more control of the RGB lighting, you can install the Creative App to further customize these effects.
Sound quality
The Sound Blaster GS5 peaks at 60W and the volume you get is noticeably louder compared to the smaller GS3. At its default sound mode (ie. SuperWide off), there is solid bass presence coming from the GS5 that offers impactful kicks and does extend deep enough for a satisfying low-end rumble especially at higher volumes. Midrange is present with decent forwardness and clarity. Treble is also clean and shines when needed but nothing too spectacular. Compared to the GS3, the GS5 offers more powerful sound with pronounced bass – great for movie watching or gaming.
SuperWide on the Sound Blaster GS5 comes in two flavours – (1) Near Field, and (2) Far Field. Creative says Near Field is more suited for desktop use while Far Field is better for living room use (ie. longer distance from soundbar). Both options instantly opens up the soundstage but slightly tames the overall sound. Bass are less punchy and can sometimes blend into the midrange muddying it a little. Vocals also sounded slightly less forward. This effect is more apparent on the Far Field option. I do find the Near Field option to be a nice middle ground for enjoying a wide immersive sound especially when playing open-world games. For music enjoyment, I’d stick to keeping SuperWide off, but will enable it when I’m gaming or watching shows.
Connectivity and controls
Sound Blaster GS5 now comes with a remote control so you can quickly change settings. Alternatively, you can always use the knob located on the right-hand side on the soundbar. Like the GS3, the knob is surrounded by a cluster of three buttons – (1) input source selection, (2) SuperWide modes, and (3) RGB settings. The knob-based design makes it easy to quickly adjust volume, and it also doubles as a mute button.
As for input options, you have four ways – (1) USB, (2) 3.5mm AUX-in, (3) Bluetooth, and (4) optical. The newly added option optical vs GS3 allows the Sound Blaster GS5 to be used with a TV. The input source selection button cycles through the options in the following pattern: Optical > USB > Bluetooth > AUX. There is also a headphone-out port located where the knob is so you can conveniently connect a pair of headphones when the situation calls for it.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a more powerful compact-sized soundbar than the Stage SE and GS3, the new Sound Blaster GS5 looks to fill that gap. At S$119, the Sound Blaster GS5 is S$30 more expensive than the smaller GS3 but you’d be getting a more powerful sound, added versatility with optical connection, access to Creative App and its Acoustic Engine sound features. And if you game frequently, the SuperWide feature does a nice job at expanding the soundstage for a more immersive gaming experience and having RGB options won’t hurt either.