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Add to SafariWhen comparing Creative SoundBlasterX Katana vs VIZIO SB3651-E6 (5.1), the Slant community recommends Creative SoundBlasterX Katana for most people. In the question“What are the best soundbars?” Creative SoundBlasterX Katana is ranked 6th while VIZIO SB3651-E6 (5.1) is ranked 9th. The most important reason people chose Creative SoundBlasterX Katana is:
While the device seems small, it can actually get really loud, without distortion. It uses good quality speakers and external components to maintain this quality. The soundstage is quite good and the subwoofer provides a deep rumble.
Specs
Question Ranking
Pros
Pro Capable of overwhelming sound levels
While the device seems small, it can actually get really loud, without distortion. It uses good quality speakers and external components to maintain this quality. The soundstage is quite good and the subwoofer provides a deep rumble.
Pro Wide variety of PC-oriented ports
As a PC-oriented soundbar, the Katana has an optical input, a USB input for external storage, a micro USB port, and a microphone and headphone port.
Pro PC soundcard bypass
To take full advantage of this soundbar's capabilities, when it is connected to a PC via USB, it bypasses the computer's onboard soundcard.
Pro Has a programmable RGB lighting system
This soundbar has a programmable lighting system called Aurora Reactive, which features 16.8 million colors.
Pro Handy companion software
If the soundbar is connected with a USB cable, you can use the downloadable SoundBlaster Connect software to tweak with some sound enhancing settings. You can choose from different presets or manually control the equalizer. The soundbar's RGB lighting is fully controllable via the app, letting you choose between various effects and more than 16 million colors.
Pro Easy setup
The soundbar comes with everything you need including a set of all available cables (HTMI, optical, RCA, etc..) and a very easy to follow manual. it even guides you through programming your tv remote to control its volume/mute functionality).
Pro Built-in Chromecast
Can cast directly to the soundbar from any device/app that has casting abilities. Can also be controlled by the google home app to change volume or start/pause/stop playing.
Pro Vizio's Smart Cast app
The mobile app can control the soundbar and replace the remote as it has every functionality that the remote has and is user friendly and easy to understand.
Pro Great sound for the price
Better sound than most 5.1 soundbar systems at this price point.
Cons
Con Soundstage tapers off with distance
Since it’s designed to be used up close, the Katana's soundstage tapers off as you sit farther.
Con Software is Windows-only
The Katana's companion software only works with Windows operative systems.
Con Subwoofer cable is too short
The subwoofer's cable is only 2 meters long, which can be too short for some setups.
Con No HDMI support
The Katana doesn't support HDMI.
Con Subwoofer isn't capable of handling low frequencies well
Due to its small size, this soundbar's subwoofer doesn’t handle the lowest frequencies very well.
Con Casting doesn't work when soundbar is on echo mode
For some reason the soundbar is unable to be casted to its built-in chromecast when it's on Echo mode. Can be very frustrating until you even figure out why casting doesn't work as it's not mentioned anywhere and requires a thorough google search.
Con Remote is hard to operate
The remote has a small dark screen which is the only way to navigate through the menu's functions. It makes it very hard to control and change the settings. That being said, the vizio app can be used to completely replace the remote but that's only if you're willing to install yet another app on your phone.
