Your dinky TV speakers not doing the job, but you don’t have the space (or budget) for a full home theatre system? We are checking out the Creative Stage Pro 2.1 Soundbar to see what it can do for you.
In a different life I had an Onkyo HT-S7805 5.1.2 system, living in a place with a living room suited for that size system. It was great but I very reluctantly let it go when I accepted that I was not going to be able to use it in my new place.
Since then I have resorted to using a soundbar to improve the sound over my pitiful onboard TV speakers. For context, I have an older Sony Bravia that still does the job – at least image wise.
TL;DR: Creative Stage Pro Review
The Creative Stage Pro is a 160W (Peak) 2.1 soundbar that offers a significant, budget-friendly audio boost for small living rooms, offices, or gaming setups.
The Win: Massive clarity and bass upgrade over built-in TV speakers. Features SuperWide technology for a larger soundstage and versatile USB-C/Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity.
The Compromise: Uses HDMI ARC instead of eARC and lacks Dolby Atmos. The subwoofer is wired, which limits placement.
The Cost: RRP A$229.95.
Verdict: A high-value “punch-above-its-weight” system perfect for those who want better sound without the high-end price tag.
Design and Specs: Sizing Up the 160W Upgrade
My previous soundbar wasn’t a premium high price unit, a 34″ (869mm) 100W soundbar. It had Dolby Atmos support but no subwoofer. It did the job of making the sound more palatable, until it stopped working anyway.
The Creative Stage Pro is an instant upgrade for me. It is a 21″ (550mm) 160W soundbar with a subwoofer.
The power output are:
- 2 x 20 Wrms (L/R)
- 1 x 40 Wrms (Sub)
Giving a total of 80Wrms and 160W peak.
Understanding 2.1 Audio: Why the Subwoofer Matters
The Stage Pro uses a 2.1 channel configuration – two speakers, one subwoofer.
The two x 20Wrms (L/R) means there are two speakers (Left and Right) inside the bar handling the mid-range and treble. This helps with elements like dialogue, glass shattering or bird chirping. Each speaker gets 20 Watts of continuous power.
The one x 40Wrms (Sub) means the subwoofer – the “.1” in 2.1. Bass requires more energy to move air, so half the system’s total power is dedicated specifically to low-end sounds like explosions or kick drums.
RMS vs. Peak Power: Calculating Real-World Performance
RMS – Root Mean Square. The 80 Wrms is the key number here. This is the continuous “real-world” power the soundbar can handle without distortion or failing. It’s like the cruise speed of a jetliner – best efficiency without breaking a sweat.
160W peak is the absolute maximum burst of energy the system can handle for a split second (like a sudden loud explosion in a movie). Continuing the jetliner analogy, this is take off thrust. You push the throttle up into the max thrust to get the mass rolling, but you don’t keep it there once you get airborne.
The Listening Experience: Filling Small to Medium Rooms
At 80 Wrms, this isn’t a “house party” system. It will be, however, significantly louder and clearer than the average TV built-in speakers which usually only have 10W – 20W total. 80W is plenty for a bedroom, office, or a small-to-medium living room.
Because the subwoofer has as much power as the two main speakers combined, I expect to get a decent “thump” and full-bodied sound rather than a thin, tinny sound.
I also expect more clarity, where dialogue should be easier to understand even when there is background music or action in a scene.
Simple Setup: HDMI ARC and Connectivity Limitations
It is simple to get going.
Set the subwoofer on the floor. It comes with a two meter cable that needs to be connected to the Stage Pro itself.
The soundbar needs an HDMI connection to your television. Whilst my TV supports eARC – the Enhanced Audio Return Channel that is the modern gold standard for connecting a soundbar to a TV, the Creative Stage Pro unfortunately support only ARC.
The good thing is that the standard is backwards compatible. The bad thing is that ARC does not have enough bandwidth for lossless audio (amongst other things).
Also whilst the TV remote control can control the soundbar volume, you are reliant on HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) which does not always play nice between different brands.
Sound Quality: Testing SuperWide and Deep Bass Performance
I have to say, my daughter got to use the Creative Stage Pro first, and second, and many many times before I even got a chance to sit down and experience it for myself.
This summer holidays she has taken up my suggestion to learn a few dance routines outside of what she does at dance school, so the TV has been going playing music videos – Lush Life by Zara Larsson, Chanel by Tyla and Montagem Miau by Lenar. I am not judging some of the music choices by a seven year old ….
From the get go, the sound was immediately richer, fuller, and louder than before. There is a warmth and depth that highlights the massive jump in quality over the built-in speakers of the Bravia.
There are a couple of things to be aware of to make the most out of the Stage Pro. My review unit shipped with v1.01 firmware which has some quirks, primarily where the volume increments makes ridiculously large jumps.
A newer firmware (v1.13) dated 12 November 2025 addresses this specific issue, as well as adding support for Nintendo Switch, PS4 and PS5.
The unit also has a Near and Far mode (and off), it is useful to set this correctly depending on your set up. For me using it for the television, the far mode tunes the audio for the couch potato in me. On the other hand if you are using it for a computer where you are much closer to it, then you are likely to want it set to the Near mode.
Another setting is the SuperWide features, which uses DSP (Digital Signal Processing) to make the sound stage feel much wider than what the 21 inch soundbar physically is. This feature really makes the Stage Pro punch above it’s weight.
Combined with a surprisingly effective subwoofer for it’s size. Rather than being “stocking stuffer” specification, the subwoofer truly adds value to the audio sound stage with generous warmth and punch.
In a rare moment of freedom during school holidays, I fired up an old favourite Serenity and enjoyed just how much more immersive the experience is with the Stage Pro cranked up loud. That space battle scene with the Reaper fleet coming out. I am a leaf in the wind. Alas my downtime was brief before kids and parenting duties called again.
Versatile Connections: HDMI, USB-C, and Bluetooth 5.3
Creative has put in a generous amount of connectivity options into the Stage Pro.
There is of course HDMI.
In addition there is Optical, USB-C and Bluetooth 5.3.
Creative has made it simple to switch between a computer, console or a mobile device. All you need is to switch the input and you are ready to go.
The Trade-offs: Wired Subwoofer and Lack of eARC
I do have a couple, but it is a case of buyer beware. The Creative Stage Pro is not pitched, or priced, as a high end device.
The subwoofer is wired. Creative has included a two meter lead which allows for some flexibility in placement, however it limits my preference to put it behind the couch where I would watch the TV from. A wireless subwoofer would be nice.
The lack of eARC and Atmos support means it is not future-proofed. The former matters more than the latter. That said my low ceiling would have done well with Dolby Atmos.
Verdict: The Best Budget Soundbar Upgrade in Australia?
In the Creative soundbar lineup, the Stage Pro sits above their budget series and priced well below the premium Katana line. With a RRP A$229.95, it is a powerful, compact upgrade to your standard television or a gaming desk.
Will it satisfy an audiophile? No. The lack of eARC and Dolby Atmos support will put off spec chasers. But for those on a budget and want something that punches above it’s weight? The Creative Stage Pro will do quite nicely.
DRN would like to thank Creative for providing the review unit.
