Creative Stage SE Review: A Step In The Right Direction?

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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 spoiler alert, I didn’t think either was worth buying.

What about today’s soundbar in the Stage SE?

Does it represent a true upgrade in sound and overall improvement? Is it worth the money?

Today we’ll find out if it’s ultimately worth a purchase based on price to performance; highlighting its overall build, aesthetic, 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, and pricing towards the end.

Right off the bat, the Stage SE is the largest out of the 3, both feeling and looking like more of a premium product. That’s not to say the Air V2 wasn’t attractive, but I’m digging the overall vibe of the Stage SE the most and feel as though it represents quite well the image you get in your head when you think “Soundbar.”

It’s sort of like when you come across a girl who is wife material rather than just something pretty to look at.

It’s more boxy looking (not her), less rounded off than the Air V2, and taller than both the Air and SE Mini. The multi-function power button/volume knob seen on the SE Mini makes a return, and I much prefer it over the button layout of the Air V2.

Press it to power on. Once it’s on, press the button once to cycle between Bluetooth (5.3) and USB Audio mode. Press 1x to toggle modes, 2x for voice prompt, and hold 2s to power off.

One minor annoyance is that you can’t simply plug and play via USB. The unit must be also plugged into wall power to operate if you’re not in Bluetooth mode.

The unit comes with a few interchangeable wall plugs depending on what country/region you’re in, and there’s even a remote. Of course, and as always… bAtTeRiEs SoLd sEpArAtEly.

Still, this is a versatile unit and can be used with your PC/Mac/Laptop, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, etc.

Delivering up to 48W peak power and 24W continuous, the Stage SE affords you increased power and thus more headroom, a stronger signal, and a better overall sound. More on that in a bit.

The front of the unit has the same honeycomb-ish configuration seen on the Air V2, and again, it seamlessly integrates nicely into the entirety of the unit. It’s sleek, minimalist, and pragmatic. No frills.

The glossy finish catches more fingerprints than a murder scene, but it’s a small price to pay for such a sexy-looking soundbar.

The bottom contains the much-appreciated built-in rubber feet, and the unit does a great job of staying in one place on your desk or entertainment center.

The side houses the aforementioned multi-function volume dial/power/source selection button, and it’s a dream to turn; feeling a lot more fluid than the SE Mini’s.

The back panel is blank except for the DC-in Power port, USB-A Port (For Firmware Updates Only), and the USB-C Port (For USB Audio Playback). The bass is also side-ported.

Status LEDs

Solid Red: Standby
Solid Purple: USB Audio
Blinking Blue: Bluetooth Pairing Mode
Solid Blue: Bluetooth Paired
Blinking LED (Source Color): Volume Adjustments

Sound

This time around, the sound is much better than both the SE Mini and Air V2, but overall, it’s still very closed in, claustrophobic, and lacking in resolution. In other words, it feels like sound coming from a small speaker rather than filling up a larger space.

That said, yes, this is going to be a clear step up from crappy computer speakers and sounds much better than anything you’ll pay roughly $10-$30 for. In comparison to the SE Mini and Air V2, it’s also smoother, less brash, and not nearly as artificial sounding.

Moreover, the sweet remote comes with a couple of tone buttons and a surround sound feature.

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. This is the one you’ll likely be using.

Pressing the surround button once expands the Soundstage and spatialized audio for a more immersive experience.

Press it again to turn it off.

Dialog Button

Press once to activate dialog plus mode; this provides improved vocal intelligibility in spoken word, allowing you to hear each syllable clearer. Press it again to turn it off.

Impressions

If you’ve read the other reviews in this mini-series, you’ll know that one of my biggest complaints about these boogy-bars is the closed-in, claustrophobic sound that lacks that all-important immersion factor.

This button, while still not on par with the fantastic image that my Yamaha HS7 provides, improves the spacing, width, and depth tremendously. Yes, it’s a bit of an unfair comparison but I use those monitors as a benchmark for tuning, resolution, and air.

And let’s be honest: soundbars like this one absolutely need these button features if they’re to be a feasible option worthy of your money. If the Stage SE didn’t have the remote, I probably wouldn’t recommend it based on the “House” sound as is. It’s just not nearly good enough in my opinion.

The whole point of a soundbar is to have a convenient speaker that also gives you at least a glimpse of what surround sound feels like.

And while nowhere close to 5.1, it’s still a marked improvement over no button at all. It makes them go from meh/So-so, to slightly above average for the price.

When you combine this feature with the Tone + button, it’s a pretty decent sound for around $50.

Additionally, the dialog button does make vocals stand out a bit more when you’re watching a basketball game, podcast, etc.

Today I was watching a game replay and in pressing the button, the announcer’s voice essentially gets EQ’d up a few dB in the presence/vocal regions. His commentary stands out a little more than the game, but depending on who you are and who’s announcing, you mayyyy not want to use this one xD (Cough Joe Buck Cough).

Final Verdict

When placing the Stage SE next to an HS7, yes, it lacks air and resolution. But I suppose that’s to be expected for a Ulysses S. Grant.

Taking into account the convenience of the remote + its mandatory sound enhancements, versatility with consoles and PC, Bluetooth capability, build, form factor, sleek overall appearance, and affordable price point, the Stage SE emerges as a viable option for those wanting to get their feet wet with soundbars.

And, why would you pay $40-44 for the Air V2 when it’s not even close to being as good as this? Likewise, the Stage SE Mini at $30 isn’t worth that much and I probably wouldn’t even pay $10 for it to be quite honest.

But the Stage SE? It’s… pretty good.

But is there something even better on the horizon?

*ronald reagan voice*

Well, there very well could be.

COMING SOON