Disclaimer:
Good morning, Readers! Today I have the honor of reviewing a product from Creative Labs! The Creative Aurvana Ace 2 is one of the first TWS to feature the brand-new xMEMS drivers.
When they first contacted me, I did not believe it was them because they are a large and well-known brand, but I had to change my mind. I have previously owned their products, including 2.1 PC audio systems and, more recently, the Creative SXFI® AMP, which is still one of my favorite dongles.
Because these TWS are decidedly complex products, the review will be a little more detailed than usual, with the goal of highlighting all of the product’s advantages and disadvantages.
Tech Specs:
Packaging:
The Creative Aurvana Ace 2 comes in a surprisingly small package, but with meticulous attention to detail. To open the box, we need to remove the two seals on the bottom. We can immediately see that the Creative Aurvana Ace 2 is enclosed in a plastic bag; above them is the housing for the included accessories, and at the bottom of the package is a manual with quick instructions in multiple languages.
As accessories inside, we find:
- 3 Pairs of oval tips
- Type C into USB charging cable
Personally, I would have added more eartips and perhaps a small bag to store the earphones in the package. They are two small accessories that I would have liked to find in the package.
Design/Build Quality:
The Creative Aurvana Ace 2 features a distinct design. I will begin by stating that the materials used are of a certain quality; the charging case weight is primarily due to its thickness. The satin smoked plastic choice allows you to get a vague glimpse of the interior and components (I personally prefer this look). The shiny copper contrast enhances the overall effect.
The case has Aurvana writing on the front; underneath, there is a master reset button, a case status LED, and a Type C charging port. On the back, however, we can see the label with the certifications and some model data, as well as a glimpse of the wireless charging.
Opening the case reveals that this design choice extends to the TWS, which houses the 10 mm driver, Bluetooth modules, and batteries. Two small status LEDs are located on both sides, beneath a small copper-colored perforated insert (which I believe houses the microphones). On the other side, we notice how on both sides there are two ventilation holes. The nozzle, as on many TWS, is unfortunately oval. This feature doesn’t drive me crazy but I don’t consider it as a problem. What perplexes me is the near-impossibility of replacing the original eartips with those already in my hands. Luckily, the original ones are fine but I would have left more space in the case so we could put the tips we like best. Using Divinus Velvet for example, the TWS are unable to go all the way and therefore recharge.
Built-in Technology:
The Creative Aurvana Ace 2 is a concentrate of innovations. First of all, let’s talk about the Bluetooth technology used:
“Experience superior CD-quality clarity and precision, enhanced by Snapdragon Sound™ with Qualcomm® aptX™ Lossless technology, Qualcomm® Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation, and more. These premium features are beautifully complemented by an aesthetically pleasing translucent compact charging case.”
Creative Labs
Creative has integrated a Qualcomm chip, which is responsible for processing the audio and managing noise cancellation via the 6 microphones. I’m sure I’ve located 2 of them, while I’m still looking for the third. A microphone is underneath where the charging pins are, one in the copper colored insert but the third could just be one of the 2 holes that I thought were ventilation.
It integrates another technology called Bluetooth LE (which stands for low Energy) but to be able to use it, you will probably need brand new smartphones or adapters capable of this new technology and the possibility of using the new LC3 codec. In my case, I was not able to thoroughly test the numerous codecs as I have a Poco M4 Pro (which can only use them in AAC) and a Redmi Note 7 (which can use them in aptx).
This is to tell you that to take advantage of the latest codecs, seventh/eighth generation Snapdragons will certainly be needed.
Are they necessary to enjoy unprecedented sound quality? In my opinion, no! From what my ears hear in AAC, we are well beyond even Hifiman Svanar Wireless in LDAC.
xMEMS:
The real peculiarity of the Creative Aurvana Ace 2, however, is the driver with xMEMS technology. These new drivers are slowly appearing among the newest IEMs and TWSs.
I’m certainly not the best suited to understand this new technology but in any case, these are solid-state drivers with piezoelectric technology and silicone membranes.
They are rectangular in shape and in the case of Creative, we have the DD with xMEMS in front. From the photos, you can see something that could be the special driver.
I leave you with the site that talks about this new technology:
On the Creative Aurvana Ace 2, the xMEMS driver is responsible for the high frequencies and all the details, while the dynamic driver placed on the back is responsible for the low and medium frequencies. I didn’t find any details on the type of driver used but the result goes well beyond my expectations for a wireless product.
Fit & Comfort:
The Creative Aurvana Ace 2 is undeniably comfortable; they do not move in my ears, and I can use both the medium and large tips for a deeper and more comfortable fit. Even when moving, they remain stable, but everything is dependent on the shape of the ears. The charging case is comfortable and compact; however, if you have slightly fat fingers, you may have difficulty removing the TWS.
Tips Rolling:
As I previously stated in the design section, the eartips cannot be changed at will. You will probably need to get them in an oval shape, as the classic ones do not let the TWS touch the charging pins. So, in this case, I am unable to advise you on alternatives at the moment.
Update:
I have not received any new tips, but I own the Tanchjim MINO medium tips, which are also oval but fall somewhere between sizes M and L. As far as I am concerned, sealing and stability have reached their peak. There is a small improvement in the low range.
App & Features:
The Creative Aurvana Ace 2, thanks to Snapdragon technology, has one of the best ANC and ambient modes I’ve heard so far. Compared to Hifiman Svanar Wireless, which costs much more, they perform much better in all situations. The gestures for mode, music, calls, and volume control work well, but the Creative app only allows for limited customization. In this app, we also find the possibility of checking the battery status of the TWS, changing the modes, and, above all, having access to different presets with the possibility of creating new and personalized ones. Everything is so versatile that we honestly have the possibility of making it have the sound signature we prefer.
Another very important thing is that you can update your Aurvana Ace 2 via the app. The first update is a little slow but please be patient.
Gestures for Calls & Music:
Audio Codecs:
I haven’t had the chance to try the best performing codecs but as far as I’m concerned, the stability in Aptx and AAC is really very high. Without barriers or obstacles, you can actually reach just over 10 meters; then, it depends on the smartphone and also any interference nearby. I hope in the future to get a new smartphone with a recent Snapdragon processor to understand if I have missed something so far or not.
Equipment used for the testing above.
Device:
- Redmi Note 7 (Aptx)
- Poco M4 Pro (AAC)
- Hotwav Pad 8 (SBC)
Software:
- Amazon Music UHD 24bit 96kHz
- Tidal Hifi
Sound impressions:
Track after track, I realize that we are closer to the result of some planar IEMs, with the difference that the bass comes from a dynamic driver. As for the sense of spatiality and high resolution, in addition to the drivers, there is also an excellent tuning job by Creative, which has certainly added its sonic signature. I can’t say that with the preset on FLAT, it’s a natural and neutral listen but they are certainly as fun as they are serious. I didn’t think similar quality on TWS was possible and yet I had to change my mind.
In terms of maximum volume, I would have liked a little more but it’s only because I’m used to using dongles where more reckless volumes are reached.
Another big surprise is that switching between ANC and Ambient modes does not cause any major changes in the sound. Something I had experienced on the Svanar Wireless.
In my opinion, they are excellent V-shapes on flats, even if the response would have been to start with a more neutral one.
Treble
The high frequencies are never harsh or sibilant in any situation, but the amount of sparkle and air is truly impressive. The sensation of depth provided in contrast to the dynamic driver is the most striking aspect. You literally hear sounds beginning and ending in different places. You can position musical cymbals and violins with accurate precision.
Mids
I don’t actually find the mids to be so recessed; on the contrary, they are very natural, rich in details, and silky. Both male and female voices are full and vivid, as are musical instruments, especially stringed instruments such as guitars. You can really focus on the vibrating strings.
Bass
The bass has a decidedly important presence, making the Aurvana Ace 2 very fun but at the same time serious due to the quality of its bass. Even with regards to the sub-bass, there is emphasis, which at the same time helps to give a sense of spatiality. The basses are decidedly full-bodied and rich in texture, as I like them but what enriches them is that sensation of air movement that makes them atmospheric. It vaguely reminds me of the effect on the Hidizs MP145 but more pronounced.
Soundstage & Imaging:
At the moment, it’s the TWS that has surprised me the most in terms of soundstage, perhaps it’s also a little too extreme in terms of effect but I like it. It embraces you and immerses you completely in your favorite tracks and in ambient mode, it almost seems like an openback. The image here too is very clear and detailed; all the sounds are composed and well separated. In terms of overall quality, we are close to some IEM worth 80 to 120 USD, in my opinion.
Practical Consideration:
In everyday use, they are the ones that absolutely stood out from the other TWS in my possession. Taking Svanar Wireless as an example, these are certainly superior in several aspects. The most important side is the audio, on which Creative Aurvana Ace 2 is no joke at all. Then we have Creative support and the companion app with firmware updates. The ANC and ambient modes work very well and do not cause any sound changes. The ambient mode is very sensitive, it allows you to hear various noises, even faint ones such as birds in the distance.
However, it brings a white background noise that I have already experienced on other TWS, Audible if the music is at low volume or paused. In any case, the mode works well and the microphones capture a lot of details from the outside. The ANC also has excellent external noise suppression, which is good even without activating it. In everyday use, I had some difficulty with gestures, and sometimes they did not recognize them correctly. You have to aim for the highest part of the TWS and sometimes I obviously touch with little decision and lower than necessary.
With some regret, I saw that to raise and lower the volume, you can unfortunately only choose the long press. The only change made was to remove the voice assistant and add the possibility of returning to the previous track. I hope they add total freedom of customization and also the single tap, which is currently not available.
What could be improved?
Although there was the possibility of bringing out the details with the new driver, they opted for a sound with a lot of bass. Fortunately, through EQ, you can still achieve the tuning you prefer most.
As for the ANC functionality, I admit that it adds a bit of ground noise, which is especially noticeable between pauses during a phone call or when switching from one song to another. Same thing in ambient mode, where the ground noise becomes more accentuated but the same happens on other TWS too.
But honestly, compared to the Hifiman Svanar Wireless, they fare much better.
The review was done with the latest firmware available but a new one could easily add options and fix some things.The app currently has some bugs with the equalizer that I have to adjust on a second device connected to the TWS.
Update:
I managed to get around the EQ problem by starting to play music saved on my phone and then starting a streaming service (Amazon Music). In this way, I managed to get the equalizer back.
Fast Comparison:
The Svanar Wireless has a decidedly high price but despite this, they disfigure compared to the Creative. The sound is much more neutral and flat, certainly not as fun as the Creative one. The features are unfortunately poorly implemented in comparison. We don’t have an app; there are no updates; finding compatible tips is almost impossible; and even wearing them is quite difficult. When they first came out, they cost 500 USD, and you would expect the best of the best. Let’s be clear, their Topology driver sounds really good in high fidelity mode, much more natural.
Conclusion:
Creative is a fantastic brand, and I am confident that after conducting some xMEMS TWS, they will have discovered the recipe for the ultimate TWS. The Creative Aurvana Ace 2 will be my new daily TWS from today. Their sound is especially pleasing to my ears, and the level of detail in general does not make me miss the wired stuff I enjoy so much. I am hoping that with an update, the current flat preset will become a “Creative Sound House” and a true flat will be introduced to showcase that fantastic xMEMS driver.
As for the ANC & Ambient modes, I am convinced that Sony and Bose still hold the crown but we often talk about much more expensive products. Creative has improved these modes with the updates and honestly, when using it on the road, I haven’t noticed any major problems. In Ambient mode with a volume not too high, I can continue to speak with friends and hear the noises around me, while with ANC active, the suppression, although not total, completely removes the noises to the point of making them barely perceptible.
P.S. I will update the review in case of future firmware upgrades.
8.7/10
Pros:
- Build quality and design look
- xMEMS + DD
- Extraordinary separation and imaging
- Super detailed
- Spatial soundstage
- Nice bass and sub-bass texture (near basshead levels in flat)
- Wireless Charging
- ANC and Ambient Mode
- Many codecs
- Stable connection
- Firmware updates
Cons:
- You can’t swap tips with any models you want
- When you put them in the charging case, they keep the Bluetooth connection on for a while before shutting off
- Some issues with EQ due to App/firmware using Amazon Music (could be my POCO but i found a solution)
- No sensors for automatic pause/play
- No travel bag for the charging case
- Slightly white or noise floor when in ANC mode (improved with the last update)
