The right PC soundbar depends on one practical choice: do you want a single USB-C bar that fits under a monitor, or a 2.1 system whose separate subwoofer takes more room but gives you a different low-frequency setup? For a compact desk and a straightforward USB-C connection, the Razer Leviathan V2 X is the specification-based fit. For a bar-plus-subwoofer layout and a broader listed connection set, consider the Creative Sound Blaster Katana V2X. Neither conclusion is a universal sound-quality verdict; available sources do not provide controlled, matched listening tests between them.
Quick verdict: which PC soundbar fits your desk?
Choose by physical layout and connectivity before you choose by marketing terms such as “gaming,” “surround,” or a channel count. A soundbar that cannot fit beneath your display, or that needs an input your computer does not provide, is the wrong purchase regardless of its feature list.
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| Priority | Specification-based pick | Why it fits | Verify before ordering |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small bar, USB-C desktop | Razer Leviathan V2 X | Razer positions it as a compact USB-C-powered PC gaming soundbar. It uses USB-C for power and audio, has two full-range drivers and two passive radiators, and is 400 mm long. | Confirm that your computer can provide suitable USB-C power and audio, measure at least 400 mm of usable width, and decide whether a single-bar design meets your bass expectations. |
| Separate subwoofer and more listed inputs | Creative Sound Blaster Katana V2X | Creative describes a compact subwoofer. Dell lists a 2.1 configuration, 90 W RMS, Bluetooth, USB-C, HDMI and an optical cable among the connections or included accessories. | Measure the bar and the separate subwoofer locations, then check which input is compatible with your particular computer, monitor and console arrangement. |
| Gaming modes or simulated surround | Compare the exact current software and modes on the model page | The Katana V2X listing identifies DSP and other processing features, while an independent buying guide makes gaming-oriented category picks. | Do not treat a processing mode or “surround” label as discrete rear speakers or as a guarantee of a particular spatial effect. |
These are conditional recommendations based on published specifications and category fit. No source supplied for this guide reports common-method frequency-response, sound-pressure, distortion or matched listener-preference measurements for both products.
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What a PC soundbar is—and what it is not
A PC soundbar is a horizontal speaker designed to sit below or beside a monitor. It combines the left and right channels in one enclosure instead of placing two separate cabinets on either side of the desk. That arrangement frees desk width and removes one speaker cable run, but it also limits how far apart the stereo channels can be compared with widely separated speakers.
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Desktop bars fall into two useful configurations:
- Single compact bar: The bar contains all drivers and usually draws power from USB. This is the simplest choice for an under-monitor shelf, laptop dock or small workstation.
- Bar plus subwoofer: The horizontal unit handles the main channels while a separate subwoofer is placed on or under the desk. This gives you another enclosure to accommodate and another cable or wireless link to manage.
Neither configuration automatically sounds better. The choice determines where the hardware goes, what your computer must connect to, and how much low-frequency hardware you are willing to place in the room.
Top pick for a compact USB-C setup: Razer Leviathan V2 X
What the published specification says
Razer describes the Leviathan V2 X as a compact USB-C-powered PC gaming soundbar. The product page specifies USB-C for power and audio delivery, two full-range drivers and two passive radiators, with a 400 mm length.
- Form factor: one horizontal bar, no separate subwoofer listed in the supplied specification.
- Connection: USB Type-C carries both power and audio according to the product description.
- Driver layout: two full-range drivers plus two passive radiators.
- Length: 400 mm (about 15.7 inches).
Who should choose it
This model suits a desk where the monitor stand leaves a narrow shelf or where you want one cable to the computer rather than a bar, subwoofer and additional power arrangement. It is also the more straightforward option when your computer already exposes a suitable USB-C port and you do not need HDMI, optical or Bluetooth from the speaker itself.
Checks that prevent a bad fit
- Measure the clear horizontal distance beneath the display. Allow room for the bar’s 400 mm length and for the cable to exit without being sharply bent.
- Identify the USB-C port you intend to use. A USB-C connector does not guarantee identical power, data or audio capabilities on every computer; verify the port documentation and the operating system’s available audio outputs.
- Check clearance between the bar and the monitor panel or stand. A bar that blocks the bottom edge of the screen, webcam or monitor controls may be physically compatible but inconvenient.
- Decide whether the absence of a separate subwoofer matches your listening habits. If deep, room-filling bass is a priority, a compact single bar may not meet that expectation even when it is convenient.
Top pick for a 2.1 desk system: Creative Sound Blaster Katana V2X
What the listings establish
Creative identifies the Katana V2X as a compact soundbar with a subwoofer. Dell’s listing describes it as a 2.1 system and gives a 90 W RMS specification. The same listing references Bluetooth, USB-C and HDMI connections, and includes an optical cable among the accessories or connection materials.
- Configuration: 2.1, consisting of the bar and a separate subwoofer.
- Output figure: 90 W RMS as listed by Dell; this is a retailer specification, not an independently measured loudness result.
- Connections or included accessories listed by Dell: USB-C, Bluetooth, HDMI and an optical cable.
- Bar width: Dell lists 23.6 inches (about 599 mm) for the bar.
- Subwoofer size: Dell provides separate subwoofer dimensions; use those dimensions from the live listing when planning placement because the supplied evidence does not state the numerical values.
Who should choose it
The Katana V2X is the practical direction for a user who can reserve floor or under-desk space for a subwoofer and wants more than a single USB audio path. HDMI or optical can be useful in a monitor-and-console arrangement, while Bluetooth provides a separate wireless source. Confirm the exact input behavior for your computer and display; a connector appearing in a specification does not tell you which device should be the source or whether volume controls work the way you expect.
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Plan the two-piece installation
- Measure the 23.6-inch bar location below the monitor and leave enough depth for its cable route.
- Measure a second location for the subwoofer using the dimensions in the current Dell or Creative listing. Check legroom, drawers, ventilation and the path to a wall outlet.
- Choose one primary input—USB-C, HDMI, optical or Bluetooth—before you connect anything. This prevents accidentally routing sound to the monitor’s speakers or to a different Bluetooth device.
- Place the subwoofer on a stable surface where it cannot be kicked or pressed against a wall. Keep vents clear and avoid trapping it inside a closed cabinet.
- After connecting, select the Katana as the operating system’s output device and confirm that the chosen input is active on the bar.
Leviathan V2 X versus Katana V2X
| Attribute | Leviathan V2 X | Katana V2X |
|---|---|---|
| Physical layout | Single compact bar | Bar plus separate subwoofer |
| Published bar size | 400 mm long | 23.6 inches wide (Dell listing) |
| Subwoofer | Not listed | Included; separate dimensions are listed by Dell but not numerically stated in the supplied material |
| USB connection | USB-C power and audio delivery | USB-C listed among connections or accessories |
| Other listed connections | Not established in the supplied specification | Bluetooth and HDMI listed; optical cable included or listed by Dell |
| Published power figure | Not stated | 90 W RMS on Dell’s listing; not an independent measurement |
| Best fit | Minimal under-monitor footprint and a USB-C computer | Users willing to place a subwoofer and needing a broader listed input set |
The table describes setup differences, not a sound-quality ranking. The 90 W RMS number cannot be converted into a guaranteed perceived volume comparison, and the driver descriptions do not establish bass extension, distortion or tonal balance under a common test.
How to check your computer’s ports before buying
USB-C
USB-C is a connector shape, not a single capability. For the Leviathan V2 X, the relevant question is whether the specific port can provide the required power and USB audio connection at the same time. Desktop users should check the motherboard or dock manual; laptop users should check the port symbols and the manufacturer’s technical specifications.
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With the Katana V2X, HDMI may be useful when your computer or display is already part of an HDMI audio chain. Verify whether the available HDMI port is an audio-capable output for your configuration and whether changing display inputs changes the speaker source.
Optical
An optical cable can provide a dedicated digital audio path when the computer, monitor or console has an optical output. The Dell listing references an optical cable, but you still need an optical output on the source device; an included cable does not create a port that the computer lacks.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is convenient for a phone or another wireless source. It can introduce operating-system profile changes or switching delays, so use a wired input for the computer when you need predictable device selection and latency.
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Space planning: measure the whole system, not only the bar
Take measurements with the monitor in its normal position, including the stand, keyboard, desk edge and any shelf behind the display. Record width, depth and height, then compare those numbers with the product’s published dimensions.
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- Under-monitor width: The bar must fit between stand legs or beneath the panel without covering a webcam or blocking the screen.
- Depth: Leave room for the power or USB cable to bend naturally and for the bar’s controls to remain reachable.
- Height: Confirm that the bar does not cover the display’s bottom bezel or infrared receiver.
- Subwoofer volume: For the Katana V2X, reserve a separate location and check the current listing’s subwoofer dimensions. Under-desk placement should not interfere with feet, chair movement or ventilation.
- Power access: A USB-powered bar still consumes a computer port or hub capacity. A subwoofer system may require a separate mains outlet.
Understanding power ratings, drivers and “surround” claims
RMS is not a loudness guarantee
The Katana V2X’s 90 W RMS figure is a published electrical specification from Dell. It does not state how loud the system will sound at your seat, how the number was measured, or how it compares with another product’s rating. Room size, listening distance, content and distortion limits all affect perceived loudness.
Driver descriptions are useful for layout, not for predicting taste
Razer’s two full-range drivers and two passive radiators explain the Leviathan V2 X’s compact architecture. They do not, by themselves, establish frequency response or bass depth. Likewise, a 2.1 label tells you that the Katana V2X has a subwoofer channel and two main channels; it does not prove a particular crossover point or tonal balance.
Processing modes are not rear speakers
Digital signal processing can alter equalization, timing or phase to create a wider effect. That may be useful for games, but a single bar remains a front-facing speaker arrangement. Treat “surround” or similar mode names as optional processing, not as evidence of discrete speakers behind you.
Setup procedure for a USB-C soundbar
- Place the bar centrally under the monitor, with the left and right ends unobstructed.
- Connect the USB-C cable to the bar and to the computer port you verified for power and audio.
- Open the operating system’s sound settings and select the soundbar as the output device.
- Play a stereo test track or a familiar video and confirm that both channels are active.
- Set a moderate system volume, then use the bar’s controls or software for daily adjustment.
- If no audio appears, test another USB-C port, check whether the computer detected a new USB audio device, and remove competing outputs such as a monitor or headset.
Setup procedure for a bar-and-subwoofer system
- Position the bar below the monitor and the subwoofer in the measured location, leaving ventilation space.
- Connect the subwoofer to mains power and connect it to the bar exactly as described in the current manual.
- Connect the computer using the input that best matches your hardware: USB-C, HDMI, optical or Bluetooth.
- Select the corresponding input on the soundbar, then choose the soundbar or display audio path in the operating system.
- Play content with clear dialogue and bass to verify that the bar and subwoofer are both operating.
- If there is silence, switch the source device’s output to the selected digital path, check mute states on both the computer and bar, and test one input at a time.
Common problems and fixes
The bar does not power on over USB-C
- Try a USB-C port directly on the computer rather than an unpowered hub.
- Check the cable and confirm that the port supports the required power delivery.
- Disconnect other high-draw USB devices temporarily.
- Consult the computer and soundbar manuals for minimum power requirements.
The computer sees the device but produces no sound
- Select the soundbar explicitly in the operating system’s output list.
- Check application-level output settings; a game or media player may still target headphones.
- Raise the bar’s input volume and verify that mute is disabled.
HDMI or optical audio is silent
- Confirm that the source device actually has an audio-capable HDMI or optical output.
- Select the matching input on the soundbar.
- Set the source to a compatible stereo or PCM output if the bar does not decode the selected format.
Bluetooth keeps taking over
Disconnect or forget unused paired devices, then select the wired computer input. Bluetooth convenience is best treated as an alternate source rather than an invisible replacement for the desktop’s primary connection.
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The subwoofer is too prominent or missing
Check that the subwoofer link and power are active, then adjust the system’s bass or DSP control in small steps. Placement near a wall or corner can change perceived bass substantially, so move the subwoofer only after confirming the connection.
What independent “top pick” labels can—and cannot—tell you
Silent PC Review’s guide names the Katana V2X as its top PC soundbar and the Leviathan V2 X as a budget-oriented option. That article is an editorial selection published about 2.9 years before October 2026, not a current controlled head-to-head test. Use it as context for category positioning, not as proof that one model sounds better for every listener.
TechRadar’s July 2026 computer-speaker roundup includes the Razer Leviathan V2 Pro as a PC soundbar with a subwoofer. The V2 Pro is a different, larger product from the Leviathan V2 X. Do not use coverage of the V2 Pro to infer the V2 X’s dimensions, connections or performance.
Price and availability checks
A Razer US search result showed US$99.99 for the Leviathan V2 X, but that figure was a historical snapshot and was not verified as current. Treat it as non-current unless the live listing confirms the same price, currency, region and stock status. The supplied material does not establish a current price for the Katana V2X.
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Before ordering either model, verify the exact edition, included cables, return policy and delivery region on the retailer or manufacturer page. Product names can remain similar while connection bundles and pricing change.
How to choose if you still cannot decide
- Start with space. If you cannot allocate a safe subwoofer location, choose among single-bar models instead of trying to force a 2.1 system into a crowded desk.
- Match the primary port. Select the connection your computer reliably supports, not the one that merely appears in a feature list.
- Set your bass expectation. A separate subwoofer changes the hardware layout and low-frequency strategy; it does not guarantee a preferred sound in every room.
- Separate features from evidence. DSP, gaming modes and channel labels may be useful controls, but they are not standardized sound-quality measurements.
- Recheck dimensions and price. Use current product pages immediately before purchase because listings, bundles and prices change.
Bottom line
For the smallest, simplest under-monitor installation, the Leviathan V2 X is the clear specification-based match: one 400 mm bar and USB-C power plus audio. For a user who can place a second enclosure and wants a 2.1 layout with Bluetooth, USB-C, HDMI and an optical connection listed by Dell, the Katana V2X deserves consideration. Those are setup recommendations, not claims of measured sonic superiority. Choose the system that fits your desk, ports and bass priorities, then verify the current listing before paying.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
