The review process for the Creative Aurvana Ace 2 presented some complexities. While boasting a visually striking design, several areas warrant attention. The construction feels somewhat plasticky, button synchronization with the paired device can be inconsistent, and the active noise cancellation (ANC) performance leaves something to be desired.
However…
…the audio quality is truly exceptional. Upon initial listening with the Creative Aurvana Ace 2, the immersive sound experience was immediately noticeable. The level of detail and clarity compels the listener to fully engage with the music. This remarkable sound is driven by xMEMS technology. We will delve into the specifics of this technology, explaining why, despite certain technical shortcomings, these earbuds are difficult to dismiss.
Initial Considerations
As foreshadowed, the defining characteristic of the Creative Aurvana Ace 2 is its exceptional sound reproduction. However, it’s important to address areas where improvements can be made. Let’s examine the areas needing refinement before exploring the audio performance.
The active noise cancellation proved to be moderately effective. Testing in various environments, including airplanes, buses, and subways, revealed a noticeable amount of ambient noise intrusion. This falls short of the performance offered by competitors such as the Jabra Elite 8 Active or the Technics EAH-AZ60M2, both of which occupy a similar price bracket. The absence of an in-ear sensor and the inability to adjust the level of ambient sound (although surprisingly good) or noise cancellation further limit user customization. Button functionality was also limited during testing, with only the long press for volume adjustment consistently working.
Positive Attributes
The Creative Aurvana Ace 2 offers a respectable battery life, providing a total of 24 hours of playback time and supports wireless charging. User comfort is enhanced by their remarkably lightweight design, weighing in at only 3 grams per earbud. The earbuds support a comprehensive range of codecs, including AptX Lossless and AptX Adaptive, transmitted via Bluetooth 5.3.
However, these earbuds excel in quiet environments and offer limited advanced technical features. We also observed that optimal sound reproduction is direction-sensitive, requiring careful positioning to achieve the ideal auditory experience. When properly positioned and isolated from external distractions, the Creative Aurvana Ace 2’s audio prowess truly shines.
And the strength of that audio is significant.
Exceptional Audio Performance
The exceptional sound quality of the Creative Aurvana Ace 2 cannot be overstated. We subjected the earbuds to a comprehensive test suite to identify any potential weaknesses. The results consistently demonstrated excellent performance across various musical genres and frequency ranges, with no discernible imbalance or distortion.
In Solar Fields – Sombrero, a track characterized by complex basslines and intricate stereo effects, the bass frequencies are reproduced accurately and without distortion, regardless of the specific tone. Subtle elements, such as percussion and sound effects, are rendered with precision and clarity. Switching to Alan Jackson – Drive, with its acoustic instrumentation and warm production, reveals a cohesive soundscape with a remarkable level of background detail. Finally, listening to John Powell – Once There Were Dragons, with its dynamic range spanning from delicate intimacy to bombastic grandeur, evokes a sonic experience comparable to headphones like the Technics EAH-AZ80 or even the Sennhesier HD 490 Pro.
This is a significant achievement and not an overstatement. The ability to seamlessly transition from the emotive interplay between cello and flute at 2:35 into the song, to the triumphant finale at 4:06, demonstrates a rare sonic capability.
The Technology Behind the Sound
The exceptional audio quality of the Creative Aurvana Ace 2 is attributed to the combination of 10 mm drivers and MEMS (Microelectromechanical systems) technology. The latter is key to its performance. But what exactly is MEMS?
MEMS (Microelectromechanical systems) integrates microelectronic circuits with micrometer-scale mechanical components. While not a new technology, having been implemented in sensitive sensors and microphones for years, its application in headphones remains relatively limited. The primary advantage of MEMS lies in its size scalability compared to traditional diaphragms. In MEMS, sound is generated by piezo actuators that vibrate the 10 mm diaphragm.
This approach offers significant benefits, including reduced power consumption and faster response times. The diaphragm’s ability to rapidly switch between frequencies results in a more uniform frequency response and exceptional high-frequency performance (potentially reaching up to 80,000 Hz).
In conclusion, MEMS technology holds the potential to usher in a new era of headphones, enabling in-ear models to rival the performance of larger 40 mm diaphragm headphones. This development may spark a new debate, reminiscent of the analog versus digital audio discussion (CD vs. Vinyl).
Only time will tell.
Conclusion: Creative Aurvana Ace 2
In summary, the Creative Aurvana Ace 2 is likely to appeal to audiophiles seeking exceptional sound quality. Priced at 2,100 SEK, it competes in a market segment where rivals offer a broader range of advanced technical features and customization options. However, achieving comparable audio performance typically requires an investment of an additional one to two thousand SEK. Consequently, the Creative Aurvana Ace 2 is recommended for users who prioritize sound quality above all else and are willing to accept certain compromises. Users will be pleasantly surprised by the immersive audio experience once they find the optimal fit.
Therefore, the overall rating for the Creative Aurvana Ace 2 is not as high as we might have liked. Our evaluation considers all aspects, with strengths boosting the rating and weaknesses detracting from it. In this instance, the exceptional soundscape is the primary factor driving the Creative Aurvana Ace 2’s final score. We hope to see future iterations that incorporate the experienced soundscape with an equally refined feature set. We anticipate that future development with bated breath, an anticipation partially satiated by the Creative Aurvana Ace 2.
Creative provided review samples for this evaluation. The provision of materials does not influence our editorial independence. Our reviews are always conducted independently, with a focus on our readers and consumers.
