The Creative Stage Pro is the latest 2.1 soundbar model from Creative Technology retailing at S$199 in Singapore. With a “Pro” in its name, it is a step up from the Stage V2 (2020) with improved features and offers a different product positioning from the Stage 360, a 2021 model for larger living spaces which supports Dolby Atmos and does not support USB-C and AUX-In connectors.
The Stage Pro supports HDMI ARC, USB-C, Optical-In, AUX-In and Bluetooth 5.4. When connected to TV that support ARC, the Stage Pro auto powers on and off conveniently. And if the TV supports Dolby Audio, it will also auto-enable, otherwise it would use PCM audio.
The other upgrade from the previous Stage models is the SuperWide technology that lets you switch between near-field sound staging and far-field sound mode. I’ve tried the SuperWide on the Soundblaster GS5 soundbar and I prefer that tuning better than the Stage Pro.
Here are the spec comparison among the Stage-series 2.1 soundbar models:
| Creative Stage Pro | Creative Stage 360 | Creative Stage V2 | |
| Surround Sound | Dolby Digital Plus | Dolby Atmos | Sound Blaster Surround |
| SuperWide Technology | Yes | No | No |
| Frequency Response | 50 – 20,000 Hz | 55 – 20,000 Hz | 55 – 20,000 Hz |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | ≥ 85 dB | ≥ 75 dB | ≥ 75 dB |
| Dimensions | Soundbar: 81 x 550 x 112 mm Subwoofer: 420 x 115 x 265 mm | Soundbar: 75 x 565 x 88 mm Subwoofer: 422 x 115 x 250 mm | Soundbar: 78 x 680 x 100 mm Subwoofer: 423 x 116 x 250 mm |
| Total System Peak Power | 160W | 240W | 160W |
| Bluetooth | 5.4 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Optical-In | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI | HDMI ARC | HDMI ARC, 2x HDMI 2.0 | TV ARC |
| AUX-In | Yes | No | Yes |
| USB | USB-C | No | USB-A |
| Retail Price | S$199 | S$329 | S$149 |
The Create Stage series are designed to replace your built-in TV or computer monitor speakers that are lacking in volume, depth and dynamics. Connect to the TV using HDMI ARC port and it will sync the power and volume. Connect to your computer using USB-C and it makes use of the built-in digital audio chipset for high-quality audio controls (but it does not work with the Creative Software). For other audio systems and amplifiers, you can use the Opt In or AUX depending on which is available. Finally, the Bluetooth 5.4 easily pairs to your wireless devices like smartphone for audio.
Through the remote control, you adjust settings without going near the soundbar where the buttons on the top have limited options. On it, you can adjust bass and treble levels, turn on and off the LED display, change the audio presets (Movie, Gaming, Vocal, Music). You can also control the playback tracks when the devices are connected over Bluetooth and USB-C (tested with Foobar2000 on Windows).
The Stage Pro delivers a wide wall of sound through the soundbar and the subwoofer, offering low-end weight to the sound but not as massive or deep as discreet subwoofers. Overall sound is warm and full, while its upper frequencies are not as forthcoming. When listening from about 3 metres away in my living room with SuperWide disabled, the music lacks clarity and sparkle but it has no problems filling my living room. This is due to the way different frequencies behave in spaces. When I shift my listening position closer to about 1 metre, the treble clarity improves because it reaches to my ears at a louder audible level without getting drowned by the midrange and bass.
Switching on the SuperWide Near Field, the sound stage expands slightly to enjoy wider sound presentation. Instruments once heard from the dead centre are more diffused in front of me. There are more instrumental separation and the music is more immersive. The optimal position to listen is around 1.5 metres, but this mode also works fine in larger rooms.
For the SuperWide Far Field, the midrange is expanded with exaggerated echoes at slower decay to create the illusion of space. A massive sound stage is errected which sounded like a stadium concert. In large rooms, this secondary decay sound blends with the primary direct sound and the balance does not work well. In smaller rooms, the primary sound balances better and I can experience great immersion to the sound. Using this mode to watch movies and play games will get your senses in overdrive within this bubble of sound.
Verdict
The new Creative Stage Pro delivers powerful immersive movies and gaming audio for small and medium rooms, offering various connectivity options for TV, monitors, computers, smartphones and sound systems. The subwoofer increases the audibility of lower frequencies to produce more impactful sound compared to 2.0 soundbars. Upper frequencies sound better balanced in smaller room settings. For larger rooms, the Stage 360 is a better choice. For better music experience, I would recommend the Pebble X or the Pebble Nova.
