CONCLUSION

   Space restrictions is not something rare, not just for PC gamers but every consumer out there which is why the marketing pitch for the Sound Blaster Katana SE (when launched) included everyone. Does it deliver however? The short answer is yes, it delivers and then some. Granted, bass levels may not be quite the same and the “in your face” low frequencies (although far more subtle than a dedicated sub) may not be quite what we’ve all learned to expect from soundbar models with their own subwoofer (usually placed on the ground) but thanks to its power output and audio clarity (largely thanks to the large 109mm mid-range drivers) the Sound Blaster Katana SE more than makes up for that. Needless to say, for optimal results especially while gaming you will need to play around with the different modes (scout mode included) but in the end you’ll never look back to what speakers you had before. The one thing that annoyed me with all past Katana models was the delay in bootup and yes, it’s still not fixed (around 15 seconds) with the SE model either which leads me to believe that this has to do with the dual amps (self-test or something). The change from hard to soft media buttons may not be something I like or dislike but from time to time I do feel like the hard buttons of my Katana V2 model don’t work very well so perhaps this is just Creative further improving on that aspect of the soundbar.

   So, just how much are you required to spend in order to get your hands on the latest Sound Blaster Katana SE model? Well at the time of this review the Katana SE is actually on sale for USD259.99 inside the USA (US.CREATIVE.COM) but on its normal price of 329.99Euros inside the EU (DE.CREATIVE.COM) and so once again things look better on the other side of the Atlantic. With that out of the way what I can say about the Sound Blaster Katana SE is that it’s a solid soundbar which not only looks great but it will probably outperform most soundbars out there that don’t include their own subwoofers and that’s why it deserves the Golden award.

PROS

- Very Good Build Quality
- Space Requirements (Lack Of Subwoofer)
- Audio Clarity & Crispness
- 90WRMS Output (180W PMPO)
- Wired & Wireless Use
- 24bit/96KHz USB Audio Card
- Dual Beamforming Microphones
- RGB Lighting System
- General Connectivity
- Headphone Out with Super XFi
- Available Modes
- Price (USA)

CONS

- Price (EU)
- No USB Audio Player
- Creative SXFI App (MS Store/Android/iOS Only)
- Lack Of Subwoofer (Reduced Bass Performance)