Creative Aurvana Ace 2 Review
Summary: The Creative Aurvana Ace 2 is a game changer when it comes to earbuds in 2024
4.5
Game changer
The new Creative Aurvana Ace 2 (earbuds) are a hotly anticipated audio device due to the fact that they come with the new MEMS (Micro-Electromechanical System) drivers with a 10mm dynamic driver hybrid system. This new technology incorporate both actuation and diaphragm into the silicon that in turn produces the world’s fastest and most precise micro speakers that makes it ideal for true wireless earbuds and other smart devices.
Unlike traditional speakers and drivers, sound is produced by moving electronic signals through the thin silicon membrane. To further support the audio processing and sound quality, the earbuds are enhanced by Snapdragon Sound with Qualcomm aptX Lossless technology and Qualcomm Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation. In Australia, the Creative Aurvana Ace 2 come with a recommended retail price of $229.95AUD (Feb 2024) with a 1-year limited warranty but does it live up to the audio quality? Read on!
Highlights
- xMEMS solid-state driver with 10mm dynamic driver hybrid system
- Adaptive Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation
- Supports LC3, AptX Lossless, AptX Adaptive, AptX , AAC, SBC audio codecs
- Up to 24 hours battery life
Creative should also be commended on the overall design of the earbuds and charging case that not only look great but more importantly, feel good in your ears (the buds) thanks to the three sets of soft silicone ear tips to ensure the perfect fit plus they are lightweight at just 4.7 grams per earbud or a total of 46.6 grams with the case.
Further, they are water resistant with an IPX5 rating which makes them sweatproof and rainproof. Additionally, the design of the earbuds are quite stylish and touch controls are not only well placed but quite responsive. By simple taps, this allows you play, pause, skip, answer calls and access your voice assistants such as Alexa.
Box Contents
- 1 x Creative Aurvana Ace 2
- 1 x USB-C Charging Case
- 1 x USB-C Charging Cable
- 1 x Pair of (S), (M), and (L) Silicone Ear Tips
- 1 x Quick Start Guide
Unboxing
Charging is via the translucent case that is quite compact (64.7 x 49.1 x 26.9mm) and uses a USB-C connection for high speed charging. This means that a quick 10-minute charge delivers you one hour of audio. Or you could use wireless charging via a Qi-compatible charger – however wireless charging is no way as fast as USB-C. While there is an accompany app from Creative to maximise the Aurvana Ace 2 features, the pairing process is via Bluetooth 5.3 that is super easy to connect to your destination device. The app also gives you access to an equalizer, including the ability to change the touch controls and adjust other audio settings such as ANC.
The audio quality behind the Creative Aurvana Ace 2 is quite noticeable compared to its similar prices competitors and more importantly provides a very clear and crisp range of sound, including excellent levels with a decent amount of bass for something so small. Whether this was music, gaming or streaming via my smartphone, I really could not fault the overall quality of the audio and the two driver system is performing its job well.
Additionally the audio codec delivers hi-fidelity audio at 16-bit / 44.1 kHz that is CD-level in quality which produces a very enjoyable audio experience to your ears. The frequency response which is how it reproduces the audio range of sound is between 5–40,000Hz which provides considerably more than its competitors.
If you want to “mute” out the world, the Qualcomm Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) features creates an audio bubble for you and yes, an ambient mode is also available that allows you to hear both the real-world and your own personal audio. While the ANC works, some other companies such as Bose do deliver a more immersive ANC experience.
What’s more is that the Creative Aurvana Ace 2 have been designed for communication as each earbud has three microphones per side that have the powerful Qualcomm cVc (Clear Voice capture) noise cancellation technology which focuses on your voice to ensure the best audio delivery. There is also an algorithm that adapts to your environment in order to help reduce the sound around you such as taking a call in a busy gym, noisy supermarket or a windy day. This feature worked quite well for both phone calls and online calls.
As mentioned, a 10-minute charge will deliver 1 hour of audio and with ANC disabled, each earbud will last up to 6-hours or up to 24 hours of total playtime with the case, again with ANC turned off. While this is not new for wireless earbuds, depending on features, Bluetooth strength, ANC and its algorithms, this can impact on battery but for the most part, you should have no issues.
The audio quality for streaming (e.g. Disney+ Loki or Prime’s Taylor Swift Eras Tour) produced great levels with an overall impressive audio clarity. Gaming via my Android phone was great and helped with the overall immersion factor, with titles such as Hitman: Blood Money REPRISAL and Harry Potter: Magic Awakened delivering an almost console like experience. Lastly, music from pop to classic and metal produced very smooth audio.
Final Thoughts?
All in all, the Creative Aurvana Ace 2 creates strong audio to help enhance your audio experience that are super comfortable in your ears. ANC work, however is not the strongest element of these earbuds but if you’re looking for all-around audio quality, the Creative Aurvana Ace 2 deliver in this regard.
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