Creative SoundBlaster GS5 Review: Worthy Of The SoundBlaster Legacy?

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Greetings mate and Welcome aboard!

Stuart Charles here, HomeStudioBasics.com helping YOU make sound decisions, so…

Last time we discussed the Stage SE Mini, then the Air V2, and then the Stage SE (regular version). I didn’t recommend the first 2, but felt as though the Stage SE was a good product. That said, let’s review the Creative SoundBlaster GS5 and see if it could be the best option out of the 4.

Today we’ll find out if it’s ultimately worth a purchase based on price to performance; highlighting its overall build, aesthetic, features/functionality, and sound profile.

By the end of this article, you’ll know if it’s right for you, and if it isn’t, I’ll steer you in the direction of something that is.

Deal?

Cool.

Let’s dive in!

All specs, box contents, button functions, and pricing towards the end.

Interestingly enough, the GS5 looks a lot like the Stage Air V2, only it’s longer, thiccer, and comes with a remote like the Stage SE.

The same honeycomb configuration covering the cones/drivers makes a return and integrates seamlessly into the entirety of the unit.

Creative SoundBlaster GS5 Review

Again we have Creative’s logo adorned in silver which nicely contrasts the rest of the all-black profile. One problem I have with all of them is they gather more fingerprints than a murder scene, and the GS5 is no different.

If you’re OCD about it like me, you’ll likely be doing a lot of wiping to keep it looking fresh and clean, and/or using gloves or… tissues when handling it. Yes, I’m kind of weird.

The overall build is quite solid, and it’s the heaviest out of the 4 at around 3.3 lbs. The provided power adapter includes 3 different interchangeable twist-on plugs depending on which country/region you’re in, and they’re fairly easy to snap into place.

In addition to the familiar Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C options, Headphone-Out, and Auxiliary-in, the GS5 ups the ante by also providing an optical input for use with consoles.

This is a pretty huge deal considering the other 3, while technically working via plug-and-play USB, didn’t get nearly loud enough with my PS4; even after maxing out the volume inside the audio settings.

This is fairly common with gear that wasn’t designed specifically for gaming systems, so the GS5, with its optical input, immediately stands out as a more feasible option for both PC users and console homies.

Moreover, power output gets a nice boost with up to 30W RMS (2 x 15W RMS) and 60W Peak Power.

Required Reading: RMS Power vs. Peak Power; A Very Important Distinction

Like most things tagged “SoundBlaster”, the GS5 doesn’t disappoint when it comes to features.

First of all, it lights up like Nicolay with a fat blunt in his mouth, and if you know me, you know I’m a sucker for love. And for light shows.

So we’re already off to a good start.

And it’s not just one color, no siree-bob. There are a bunch of cool color settings at your disposal, and if you want to be super ultra-gay about it, there’s a rainbow setting for that too.

Lube sold separately.

Furthermore, the unit comes with a remote for all those lazy ass homies who haven’t moved from their couch indentations since the Reagan administration. And fret not, with the GS5 + remote, you can rest assured that getting up and moving around is now a thing of the past.

Thank heavens!

And if all that wasn’t good enough, the bevy of connections on the back means you can connect it to damn near anything: your mobile phone, tablet, computer, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, TV, MP3 player, and even a pair of headphones.

Just try to keep it PG, alright mate?

But wait, there’s more.

There are some sound enchantment features on the side of the unit, but don’t panic at the disco; you won’t have to actually get up to use them! Who knew?

The handy dandy remote includes everything you need: gaming/movie mode, energy-saving mode, source selection, and in my opinion the most useful feature in SuperWide mode.

With this, toggle between SuperWide Near Field (displayed as Sn), SuperWide Far Field (SF), or Off (OF).

Use Far Field if you’re in the living room, and Near Field at your desk/studio space. The fact that Creative understands the difference is quite a breath of fresh air.

Required Reading: What Is A Nearfield Monitor? Exploring Precision Audio in Sound Production

Tone Button

To keep the value train a chuggin’, we have even more buttons.

The – (minus) tone button gives you a warmer sound, increasing the prominence of the bass reproduction and vocals.

The + (plus) tone button increases audio brilliance, in effect making the high and upper mid frequencies sound crisper and more lively.

Finally, download the Creative App (scroll down) for some added audio processing technologies, RGB customizations, EQ adjustments, and more.

Sound Impressions

Source(s): Spotify, PS4, FLAC
Playlists: Here, Here, and Here!

SuperWide mode is pretty fantastic (also like Nicolay) and comes reasonably close to feeling like surround sound, at times, and in short bursts.

I will also say that this is hugely track-dependent and has a lot to do with how the song/beat was recorded, mixed, and mastered. If you’re a regular reader of this site, you’ll know how much I harp on this and how important it is.

The Nicolay sausage fest never felt so satisfying.

A quick example from last night’s listening session is the track “Oceans15” by DJ Grumble. Though I’m not a huge fan of the beat itself, the way he spaced things out is rather excellent and immediately grabbed my attention. This is key. If my entertainment center is just shy of 5 ft. (58″), the image extends far beyond that; upwards of 3ft. on either side.

This is astonishing when you consider the GS5 is only around 19.5-20″ wide.

Again, please don’t think this is going to occur with every single track (since they’re all recorded differently) but the GS5’s SuperWide button certainly helps matters and at least gives you a glimpse of what surround sound may feel like.

And, that’s the whole point, right?

Before your underwear starts dampening like mine is, let’s discuss the actual sound signature and overall tuning.

Bass

Surprisingly enough, the bass is tuned rather well here. I don’t hear any bloat or mud, and while it’s powerful and provides plenty of slam, it’s not overdone like your mom’s meatloaf.

I believe there’s probably a shelf in the sub-regions, some emphasis around the most relevant areas of 60-90/100Hz, followed by a cut around 200-300. This is one of a few good ways to tune bass, and I think Creative gets it mostly right.

None of the tracks I demoed had an overblown/bloaty low end, and this is certainly one of the most significant compliments I can make to Creative when you consider just how much trashy bass I’ve had to slog through over the last few years.

Likewise, the mids are present and accounted for, and the treble doesn’t sound essy or sibilant for the most part. Again, this is mostly track-dependent but I appreciate the overall lack of hiss and bite.

That said, can the GS5 still sound metallic? A little scratchy and thin? Sure. Remember that despite a clear improvement over the others in the line, this is still a $70 soundbar though it’s starting to gravitate towards very good territory if taking into account the entire package.

The overall sound does lack a bit of refinement and can come across as a bit brash and tinny; lacking the smoothness, air, and resolving power you’ll find in monitors like my Yamaha HS7, speakers like my Andrew Jones Pioneers, or active monitors like FiiO’s fantastic SP3.

But the clear, well-tuned sound helps to offset that and there’s also movie mode if you do need a bit of warmth.

Overall, there isn’t much to complain about if you’re looking for a good soundbar at an affordable price.

Gaming Impressions

Coming Soon!

Final Verdict

Creative’s SoundBlaster GS5 is an excellent overall product that’s starting to make me a fan of these conflabbed things. While in no way a perfect sound, it’s excellent for the price and comes loaded with a lot of neat features.

For an extra $20 over the Stage SE Mini, you get a light show, the optical input (very important), more power, the Creative app, and a better overall sound.

If you wanna be a weenie, buy one of those 3 Stage bars I didn’t recommend and weep at checkout. If you want to feel nostalgic and perhaps a little gay (happy, CHILL OUT), get the GS5 and fist pump on your way to glory.

Creative SoundBlaster GS5

Price: Check Amazon! | Check Creative!

Creative SoundBlaster GS5

Power Adapter

3 Adapter Plugs

USB-A to USB-Cable

Quick Start Guide

IR Remote

Specifications

Speaker Configuration: One-piece, Soundbar
Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.3
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C, Optical-in (TOSLINK), Headphone-Out, Aux-in
Remote Control: Yes, IR. bAtTeRiEs SoLd SePaRaTely.
Driver Size: 3.35 x 2.16″, Full-range racetrack drivers
SoundBlaster Acoustic Engine: Yes
SuperWide: Near Field, Far Field
Power Output: 60W Peak, 30W RMS (2 x 15W)
Frequency Range: 65-20kHz
Signal-to-noise Ratio (SNR): 85dB
Operating Frequency: 2402-2480 MHz
Operating Range: Up to 10m / 33 ft, measured in open space. Walls and structures may affect range of device.
Maximum RF Output Power: 11 dBm
Soundbar Input Rating: 24V ⎓ 1.25A
Maximum Operating Temperature: 45°C
Power Adapter Model: GJ27WE-2400125DP
Input: 100-240V~, 50 / 60Hz 0.8A
Output: 24.0V ⎓ 1.25A, 30.0W
Dimensions: 510 x 102.7 x 86.2mm / 20.07 x 4.04 x 3.25 inches
Recommended Usage: Movies, Music, Gaming
Weight: 1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs
Cable Length (End-to-end): USB-A to USB-C Cable: 1.5m

Button Functions

Turn Soundbar On/Off: Press 1x, Hold 2s to turn off.

Energy Saving Mode: Hold SuperWide Button for 8s.

Source Selection: Press BT/input source 1x for OPtical (OP), USB (Ub), Bluetooth (bL), AUX (AU). Upon initial power-on, the soundbar will default to the USB input source. Subsequently, it will retain the selected input source for future use.

SuperWide Mode: Press the SuperWide button 1x toggling SuperWide Near Field (Sn), SuperWide Far Field (SF), and Off (OF).

Volume Adjustment: Turn clockwise to increase, counterclockwise to decrease. Press the power/mute button 1x to mute. The unit’s volume maxes out at 32 steps.

RGB Lighting: Press the Sun button 1x to cycle Chasers > Aurora > Peak Meter > Glow > Wave > Cycle > Off. RGB lighting is customizable via the Creative App. The additional presets, Static and Morph, can replace one of the six presets saved through the app.

Bluetooth Connectivity: Hold BT button 2s to enter in.

Voice Prompt: Press the Power/mute button 2x for Voice Prompt On/Off.

Well, that’s about it for today my friend! I hope you’ve enjoyed this Creative SoundBlaster GS5 Review.

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