Creative Stage 360

I had been waiting for Creative to release an updated variation of the Stage V2 sound bar. While the V2 was acceptable it lacked Dolby codec supports and HDMI ARC broader connectivity With the Stage 360 this is the kind of value soundbar I have been waiting for from Creative. Packs a nice quality balanced sound into a small package with much better support across the board. Pro's: 2 HDMI Inputs for your devices HDMI ARC support Dolby Atmos support Smaller footprint Improved base Cons: Missing some EQ Tailoring previously available in older models of the V2 like Dialog Enhancement. I have tested this out in 2 setups and I prefer to use the HDMI ARC to route all Audio to the soundbar and have my Firestick and PS5 go direct to the TV. This method allows for a single remote to manage everything. My Firestick remote is able to control the soundbar, Samsung 50inch 4K Tv, and PS5 without issue. Tested out the Dolby Codec support with my PS5, Disney+, Netflix, and Amazon Music/Prime. For content that supported Dolby Atmos it correctly identified and decoded the audio as expected. Very impressive sound at lower volume levels. I barely have to crank it up before its plenty loud enough for my office while working. At a 5 the volume is room filling and I sit approximately 6 ft from the sound bars placement under the TV. I definitely recommend this soundbar for folks who want quality sound on a budget. Planning to purchase a second for my mother-in-law sweets tv

This thing sounds ok, but poor for the price. The bluetooth doesn't always connect, and the audio via hard line connection to a PC often cuts out entirely, providing only what sound is emitted from the subwoofer. It made it 10 days of light use before exhibiting this behavior. Internet searches show this exact behavior is not at all uncommon. I intend to try to return it for a refund and buy something different, assuming that the fact I already broke down and disposed of the packaging isn't a problem.

The following was my first review. (After weeks of back and forth with Creative support, I have no resolution on keeping this device working. After several hours of use the audio starts to distort and then disappear completely. It's a great sounding sound bar when it works, but the frustration is not worth it. And now of course my return time has expired. So make sure this will work with your TV. Support people have been great in response time, but I have given up in trying to make this work. I had considered buying a new TV, but after setting it up on a newer TV, still having the same problem.) After much back and forth with Creative Labs, finally it was decided to return my Stage 360 for repair, which Creative paid shipping for, both ways. In less than 2 weeks I received a new unit and it has worked perfectly from the setup. So don't give up if you have an issue. Creative will support their product. (Chris from Tech Support was awesome). I only use this on my TV, so I have no review for other devices.

No images needed. The controls at the sound bar failed including volume up (down works), power, and source. Everything still functions via remote. I don't often need the sound bar controls but once in a while, YES, they should work! (Like if I lose the remote!) Customer service concluded with a statement "sounds like the buttons have failed". Then they did not offer any assistance, and blew me off as the warranty was for 1 year. I have owned the unit for only 18 months. I had a good impression of Creative as a quality electronic product manufacturer as my wife had a couple of audio players over the years that lasted a long time and served her well. Online reviews seemed good as well. However, the real test is how a business treats you once a product has failed for no apparent reason. At least I expected them to offer a repair service - even if they charged me for it. They expressed no interest in determining root cause of the button failure. That raises questions about Creative's committment to problem solving. My guess is that it is a chip or software failure as all but a single button stopped working. As I said, we did not use these controls enough to cause the issue. The sound quality is just "ok". Separation is not great which I expected to be better. The clarity is good which allows you to "pick out" distinct instruments when listening to musical selections. It has been a big upgrade to my TV speakers, but that isn't tough to do.

The soundbar delivers solid connectivity options, including HDMI 2.0, HDMI ARC, optical in and Bluetooth 5.0, so it’s flexible for TV, gaming console or computer setups.

I use this sound bar with my computer and it works fantastic. Sound is perfect, optical connection is superb, and the size is convenient all the while providing excellent sound.

Not quite what I had hoped for. The sound quality is just OK. The input light in the middle of the sound bar stays on all the time. That's somewhat annoying. I put a piece of black tape over mine. Also...every time you power it on...it goes to bluetooth rather than the last selected. Normally I run the optical input. So every time I turn it on...I have to toggle through inputs. Also the little signal wire coming from the passive subwoofer is hardwired through a little hole in the back of the speaker with no grommet, or protection. If I had to buy again...I wouldn't.

Tinny sound, weak Bluetooth antenna, subwoofer basically never works, takes to long to start up. I rarely post reviews on Amazon but I've had such a miserable experience with this device that it warrants a rare opinion from me. Take THAT for what it's worth.