Creative Aurvana Ace 2
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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.
Front & backOpening 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:
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.
xMEMS Peekaboo
I leave you with the site that talks about this new technology:xMEMS Official Site
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:
Tanchjim MINO Tips on the front (longer & bigger M size)
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:
vs Hifiman Svanar Wireless
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.
Where to buy? (non-affiliate link)
DISLCAIMER
I would like to thank Creative for providing this unit. The Aurvana Ace 2 can be gotten here (no affiliate links): https://en.creative.com/p/headphones-headsets/creative-aurvana-ace-2
SPECIFICATIONS
Tested at: $162 USD
ACCESSORIES
In addition to the TWS buds, the following are included:
- USB type-C to USB-A cable
- Charging case
- 4 pairs of silicone eartips
The accessories are very serviceable, not much to complain about here.
The charging case is very elegant, featuring a translucent plastic façade, with an inner copper chassis. This case measures 64.7 x 49.1 x 26.9 mm, and weighs a mere 37 g, which translates to easy pocketability and superb compactness. This charging case can be juiced via a USB type-C port at its back, or Qi-compatible wireless charging.
It's quite cool that the earbud is attached to the case via a magnetic clasp. Indeed, even when turned over and shaken vigorously, it didn't drop out, which is a very practical addition when outdoors.
There is a button at the bottom of the case which can be triggered for manual Bluetooth pairing, or it can be held longer for a factory reset (press 3 seconds for the former, or 8 seconds for the latter).
BUILD/UTILITY
The Aurvana Ace 2 comes in a fetching matte design. Part of the earbud has the same translucent motif of the charging case, which allows consumers to visualize the inner drivers. The rest of the housing has a black opaque design.
This earbud is very ergonomic, with a long stem to point down from the concha, balancing the centre of gravity very adeptly. When well fitted with the correct eartip sizing, even during exercising or shaking the head, the transducer stays in place. Weighing in at 4.7 g per side - and with dimensions of 34.0 x 23.3 x 25.8 mm - this set is very comfortable to use, with no fitting issues even for marathon listening sessions.
Creative markets an IPX5 waterproof rating for this earbud, which provides protection from a low-pressure water jet for 10 – 15 minutes. In essence, this earbud can be considered as water-resistant and rain-proof, but it may not survive a prolonged submersion underwater. Verily, the Aurvana Ace 2 is a suitable earbud to bring for sweaty exercise sessions, or even jogs in light rain. It may also accompany users to the beach or pool, but of course, don't go wild and dive into the water with it!
FUNCTION
The touch button that handles all the controls is located at the top of the stem. The buttons work as advertised - for calls and music playback in particular:
The earbud turns on the moment it is removed from the charging case. It can be manually turned on or off by long-pressing the touch button too. The touch buttons are of good haptic size, and are not overly sensitive. They are quite well implement, unlike some other TWS sets which had too small or easily triggered buttons - or worse still - found at awkward positions where the buttons are poorly accessed.
The Aurvana Ace 2 does not have independent volume controls, but the volume steps are sufficiently spaced.
For folks who would like to use the Aurvana Ace 2 extensively on-the-go, I'm glad to report that it has both an ANC and ambient mode. The ambient mode is a useful feature for situational awareness, and the ANC mode dampens the lower frequencies to provide improved isolation in noisy environments. Compared to other TWS gear I've tried, the ANC here isn't the most isolating, but it should be serviceable outdoors.
This earbud also supports Google Assistant and Siri. It has 3 omni-directional mics per earpiece, which utilizes the Qualcomm cVc™ Noise Cancellation Technology. During field testing on calls and online meetings, the other participants reported that the voice quality was very clear and intelligible.
BATTERY
The Aurvana Ace 2 itself packs a lithium-ion button battery rated at 52 mAh, whereas the charging case contains a 470 mAh lithium-ion polymer battery. The earpiece is touted to have 6 hours battery life with ANC and ambient mode turned off, and this drops to 4 hours with these functions activated.
Added with the battery from the charging case, we can get a total of 24 hours with ANC/ambient mode off, and up to 16 hours with ANC/ambient mode toggled. However, bear in mind that battery life is expected to decrease with repeated charge cycles. Battery life is also partially dependent on type of file format used and volume, but with the charging case, this earbud should easily get users through the day.
Charging time is less than 2 hours, but just with a quickie 10 minute top-up charge, this can provide around 1 hour of music playback.
These are what the lights indicate on the charging case and earbud:
CONNECTIVITY/USAGE
I had no issues pairing the Aurvana Ace 2 with a myriad of Bluetooth devices, be it Windows, Android and Apple phones and even some DAPs. This earbud was picked up easily with minimal fuss.
This TWS utilizes Bluetooth 5.3 LE Audio, with support the following codes:
Indeed, the aptX Lossless codec sounds almost indistinguishable from a wired connection - especially when one is not focusing intently in a quiet place at home with TOTL gear - so the gap between wired and wireless quality is slowly but surely closing to a hair's breadth! Speaking about LDAC, it unfortunately does not seem to be included as one of the supported formats here; this is a pity, but the older Bluetooth codecs are all covered.
Bluetooth connectivity is extremely solid, and is probably one of the better implemented ones in a TWS set. It can hit about 15 metres with no obstructions, or 10 metres with obstructions. I had minimal drop outs on-the-go, and there's just a slight lag during music or videos, which is very acceptable.
More brownie points are scored, with Creative providing a free app that can unlock goodies such as a 10-band EQ, custom touch buttons and the like:
There's also an option to download the SXFI app for this device, which creates a customized spatial holography for each individual user.
SOUND
The Creative Aurvana Ace 2 sports 2 disparate driver configurations. A custom-tuned 10 mm dynamic driver handles the bass, whereas the pioneer xMEMS technology settles the midrange and treble. In fact, this TWS is probably one of the first transducers in the world to incorporate this exotic driver!
In stock form - with ANC and ambient mode turned off - we hear an L-shaped warm and bassy signature; this is a kindred spirit for bassheads. The massive bass hits deep with a huge thump, and there's a a visceral rumble felt in the chest. The bass is not the tightest though, with mid-bass bleed noted, with some lack of texturing. Admittedly, the bass does encroach into the midrange, but this adds warmth to the lower mids. The upper midrange is very sedate with no shoutiness, and the treble is smooth and sibilant-free.
The xMEMS driver bestows good soundstage and imaging, with decent micro-detailing on tap. And this is without veering to harshness or an overly boosted treble to bestow "fake clarity".
TWS sets are primarily designed for outdoor usage and convenience, and the prominent bass in the Aurvana Ace 2 is perhaps added to cater for environmental losses of bass due to external noise. However, as per previously alluded to, because of the gargantuan bass, there is an element of incoherency, so diehard audiophiles used to wired gear may find the slower and boomier bass to not dovetail with the faster and more technical xMEMS driver.
Thankfully, turning on the ANC mode markedly tames the big bass, and converts this TWS to a more neutralish tonality. This may be an option for purists or for those that do not want an intrusive basshead profile. Of course, EQ is also an option with the free Creative app, to bring down the bass quantity, so there are ways to mitigate this area.
CONCLUSIONS
The Aurvana Ace 2 is an all-rounder daily beater TWS suited for different case needs. External tangibles are well-catered for, from the accessory spread, to the impeccable ergonomics, all the way to the provision of decent battery life. IPX5 waterproofing also allows users to bring it out for exercise or even in inclement weather. I appreciate the addition of ambient and ANC modes, which are useful in external environments. There's even a free Creative app for EQ or button customization.
Packing 3 mics per side, the Aurvana Ace 2 has crystal-clear voice calls, so it may be used for work or meetings. The Bluetooth range and stability is also one of the better implementations in a TWS, and a slew of Bluetooth codecs (including the new high bit-rate aptX Lossless) are supported. Sadly, the popular LDAC is not compatible here.
In terms of sonics, the Aurvana Ace 2 is one of the first adopters of the xMEMS technology, and this confers good technical chops for a TWS. The stock tuning is a basshead's dream, with a huge rumble heard in the lower-end. The upper midrange and treble are smooth and free of harshness.
However, die hard audiophiles and purists may find the stock tuning to be somewhat boomy; this leads to some incoherency between the nimble xMEMS treble driver and the slower bass DD - but thankfully, EQ on the complimentary app or even triggering the ANC mode, can tame the bass and make the tonality a bit more neutral.
In a nutshell, the Aurvana Ace 2 is quite suited as an EDC (everyday carry), be it for music appreciation, on-the-go use, or for calls and meetings. Packed to the gills with features, it is a practical and user-friendly TWS.
I would like to thank Creative for providing this unit. The Aurvana Ace 2 can be gotten here (no affiliate links): https://en.creative.com/p/headphones-headsets/creative-aurvana-ace-2
SPECIFICATIONS
Tested at: $162 USD
ACCESSORIES
In addition to the TWS buds, the following are included:
- USB type-C to USB-A cable
- Charging case
- 4 pairs of silicone eartips
The accessories are very serviceable, not much to complain about here.
The charging case is very elegant, featuring a translucent plastic façade, with an inner copper chassis. This case measures 64.7 x 49.1 x 26.9 mm, and weighs a mere 37 g, which translates to easy pocketability and superb compactness. This charging case can be juiced via a USB type-C port at its back, or Qi-compatible wireless charging.
It's quite cool that the earbud is attached to the case via a magnetic clasp. Indeed, even when turned over and shaken vigorously, it didn't drop out, which is a very practical addition when outdoors.
There is a button at the bottom of the case which can be triggered for manual Bluetooth pairing, or it can be held longer for a factory reset (press 3 seconds for the former, or 8 seconds for the latter).
BUILD/UTILITY
The Aurvana Ace 2 comes in a fetching matte design. Part of the earbud has the same translucent motif of the charging case, which allows consumers to visualize the inner drivers. The rest of the housing has a black opaque design.
This earbud is very ergonomic, with a long stem to point down from the concha, balancing the centre of gravity very adeptly. When well fitted with the correct eartip sizing, even during exercising or shaking the head, the transducer stays in place. Weighing in at 4.7 g per side - and with dimensions of 34.0 x 23.3 x 25.8 mm - this set is very comfortable to use, with no fitting issues even for marathon listening sessions.
Creative markets an IPX5 waterproof rating for this earbud, which provides protection from a low-pressure water jet for 10 – 15 minutes. In essence, this earbud can be considered as water-resistant and rain-proof, but it may not survive a prolonged submersion underwater. Verily, the Aurvana Ace 2 is a suitable earbud to bring for sweaty exercise sessions, or even jogs in light rain. It may also accompany users to the beach or pool, but of course, don't go wild and dive into the water with it!
FUNCTION
The touch button that handles all the controls is located at the top of the stem. The buttons work as advertised - for calls and music playback in particular:
The earbud turns on the moment it is removed from the charging case. It can be manually turned on or off by long-pressing the touch button too. The touch buttons are of good haptic size, and are not overly sensitive. They are quite well implement, unlike some other TWS sets which had too small or easily triggered buttons - or worse still - found at awkward positions where the buttons are poorly accessed.
The Aurvana Ace 2 does not have independent volume controls, but the volume steps are sufficiently spaced.
For folks who would like to use the Aurvana Ace 2 extensively on-the-go, I'm glad to report that it has both an ANC and ambient mode. The ambient mode is a useful feature for situational awareness, and the ANC mode dampens the lower frequencies to provide improved isolation in noisy environments. Compared to other TWS gear I've tried, the ANC here isn't the most isolating, but it should be serviceable outdoors.
This earbud also supports Google Assistant and Siri. It has 3 omni-directional mics per earpiece, which utilizes the Qualcomm cVc™ Noise Cancellation Technology. During field testing on calls and online meetings, the other participants reported that the voice quality was very clear and intelligible.
BATTERY
The Aurvana Ace 2 itself packs a lithium-ion button battery rated at 52 mAh, whereas the charging case contains a 470 mAh lithium-ion polymer battery. The earpiece is touted to have 6 hours battery life with ANC and ambient mode turned off, and this drops to 4 hours with these functions activated.
Added with the battery from the charging case, we can get a total of 24 hours with ANC/ambient mode off, and up to 16 hours with ANC/ambient mode toggled. However, bear in mind that battery life is expected to decrease with repeated charge cycles. Battery life is also partially dependent on type of file format used and volume, but with the charging case, this earbud should easily get users through the day.
Charging time is less than 2 hours, but just with a quickie 10 minute top-up charge, this can provide around 1 hour of music playback.
These are what the lights indicate on the charging case and earbud:
CONNECTIVITY/USAGE
I had no issues pairing the Aurvana Ace 2 with a myriad of Bluetooth devices, be it Windows, Android and Apple phones and even some DAPs. This earbud was picked up easily with minimal fuss.
This TWS utilizes Bluetooth 5.3 LE Audio, with support the following codes:
- LC3
- aptX Lossless
- aptX Adaptive
- aptX
- AAC
- SBC
Indeed, the aptX Lossless codec sounds almost indistinguishable from a wired connection - especially when one is not focusing intently in a quiet place at home with TOTL gear - so the gap between wired and wireless quality is slowly but surely closing to a hair's breadth! Speaking about LDAC, it unfortunately does not seem to be included as one of the supported formats here; this is a pity, but the older Bluetooth codecs are all covered.
Bluetooth connectivity is extremely solid, and is probably one of the better implemented ones in a TWS set. It can hit about 15 metres with no obstructions, or 10 metres with obstructions. I had minimal drop outs on-the-go, and there's just a slight lag during music or videos, which is very acceptable.
More brownie points are scored, with Creative providing a free app that can unlock goodies such as a 10-band EQ, custom touch buttons and the like:
There's also an option to download the SXFI app for this device, which creates a customized spatial holography for each individual user.
SOUND
The Creative Aurvana Ace 2 sports 2 disparate driver configurations. A custom-tuned 10 mm dynamic driver handles the bass, whereas the pioneer xMEMS technology settles the midrange and treble. In fact, this TWS is probably one of the first transducers in the world to incorporate this exotic driver!
In stock form - with ANC and ambient mode turned off - we hear an L-shaped warm and bassy signature; this is a kindred spirit for bassheads. The massive bass hits deep with a huge thump, and there's a a visceral rumble felt in the chest. The bass is not the tightest though, with mid-bass bleed noted, with some lack of texturing. Admittedly, the bass does encroach into the midrange, but this adds warmth to the lower mids. The upper midrange is very sedate with no shoutiness, and the treble is smooth and sibilant-free.
The xMEMS driver bestows good soundstage and imaging, with decent micro-detailing on tap. And this is without veering to harshness or an overly boosted treble to bestow "fake clarity".
TWS sets are primarily designed for outdoor usage and convenience, and the prominent bass in the Aurvana Ace 2 is perhaps added to cater for environmental losses of bass due to external noise. However, as per previously alluded to, because of the gargantuan bass, there is an element of incoherency, so diehard audiophiles used to wired gear may find the slower and boomier bass to not dovetail with the faster and more technical xMEMS driver.
Thankfully, turning on the ANC mode markedly tames the big bass, and converts this TWS to a more neutralish tonality. This may be an option for purists or for those that do not want an intrusive basshead profile. Of course, EQ is also an option with the free Creative app, to bring down the bass quantity, so there are ways to mitigate this area.
CONCLUSIONS
The Aurvana Ace 2 is an all-rounder daily beater TWS suited for different case needs. External tangibles are well-catered for, from the accessory spread, to the impeccable ergonomics, all the way to the provision of decent battery life. IPX5 waterproofing also allows users to bring it out for exercise or even in inclement weather. I appreciate the addition of ambient and ANC modes, which are useful in external environments. There's even a free Creative app for EQ or button customization.
Packing 3 mics per side, the Aurvana Ace 2 has crystal-clear voice calls, so it may be used for work or meetings. The Bluetooth range and stability is also one of the better implementations in a TWS, and a slew of Bluetooth codecs (including the new high bit-rate aptX Lossless) are supported. Sadly, the popular LDAC is not compatible here.
In terms of sonics, the Aurvana Ace 2 is one of the first adopters of the xMEMS technology, and this confers good technical chops for a TWS. The stock tuning is a basshead's dream, with a huge rumble heard in the lower-end. The upper midrange and treble are smooth and free of harshness.
However, die hard audiophiles and purists may find the stock tuning to be somewhat boomy; this leads to some incoherency between the nimble xMEMS treble driver and the slower bass DD - but thankfully, EQ on the complimentary app or even triggering the ANC mode, can tame the bass and make the tonality a bit more neutral.
In a nutshell, the Aurvana Ace 2 is quite suited as an EDC (everyday carry), be it for music appreciation, on-the-go use, or for calls and meetings. Packed to the gills with features, it is a practical and user-friendly TWS.
TECHNICALITIES: 8.5/10
TIMBRE: 7.5/10
SOUNDSTAGE: 8.5/10
IMAGING: 8.2/10
CONSTRUCTION: 8/10
ACCESSORIES: 7/10
SOUND VALUE: 8.5/10
Creative Lab is a Singaporian audio company founded in 1981 by Sim Wong Hoo. It specialize in wide variety of electronics and audio product including computer sound card, webcam, gaming headphones, IEMs, deskop and laptop speakers as well as TWS buds like the one I will review today.
Since this company was founded before I birth, it's been part of my childhood where everybody seem to use creative 2.1 or 5.1 computer speakers. As well, i was quite enamoured with the Soundblaster X-Fi DAC-AMP that I bought more than 10y ago to bypass stocc sound card of my laptop wich was bad.
I still have this piece of history and it work as well as in 2011.
This affordable DAC-AMP (or external sound card as they say) was ahead of it's time and this is something with Creative Lab, they tend to push sound boundaries and make it accessible to the mass.
This is exactly what they do with the True Wireless in-ear earphones call Creative Aurvana Ace 2 by achieving very first budget TWS buds using xMEMs tweeter in dual driver format with a 10mm dynamic driver.
This is a very big deal because before Ace2, xMEMs driver was mostly used in cabled IEMs above 500$, or flagship TWS buds like Noble Falcon max which is priced 270$ and most likely use either very same dual DD+xMEMs drivers or very similar one.
The difference is in the price, the Ace2 can be found for 130$ (msrp:150$) which make it an entry level TWS buds, but will it surpass it's price range in term of sound quality?
The promise are all on xMEMs micro solid state speakers that promise effortless transient response free of speed control limit due to it's all silicone based diaphragm which has among highest stiffness to achieve ultra sonic extension without breaking point in transient speed, this less to higher transparency and sound info delivery as well as smoother less instable intensity of sound projection. They call it Ultra HD for a good reason here, because this tech will change IEM world forever and this explain my overwhelming excitment about these Ace2, it's all about the obsession to discover the potential of this new piezo and silicone based driver that don't deliver sound like a dynamic driver.
For more info about xMEMs technology, give a read here:
https://xmems.com/blog/solid-state-...ra-high-resolution-mems-speakers-has-arrived/
Now, let see in this review if the Creative Aurvana Ace2 is really something that break new ground in term of wireless IEMs.
CONSTRUCTION&ACCESSORIES
The construction of Ace2 is decent but doesn't feel particularly sturdy and durable so I would be afraid of dropping it on a hard floor or stepping on it.
It’s all made of plastic with the exception of back venting metal mesh.
We have 2 types of plastic, a mate black and semi-transparent housing that permit us to contemplate the big hybrid dynamic driver+xMEMs.
These are true semi-open backs, so expect a bit of sound leakage.
In terms of design, it’s quite common, similar to air pod and Final ZE8000.
My main qualm would be about how short the nozzle is, as well as the fact it has an oval shape that makes the nozzle unfriendly with most eartips. Due to this and the oval shaped housing, it makes the fit very shallow and not always perfect in sealment, which is needed to get proper sound projection. I’ve tried a couple of different eartips, KBear KB07 and Penon Liqueur were both decent matches but have too long nozzles which make music sound distant and dynamic less. At the end, I go back to included eartips even if it is very cheap and too soft in silicone material.
I’m nit picky here since these aren’t uncomfy at all, it's really the limitation of ear-tips that annoy me since i can’t know for certain if stock tips deliver best sound balance and dynamism.
The carrying charging case is all made of same plastic material as transparent part of Ace2 buds, it feel a bit cheap yet we have an insided that is paint in gold to make it look fancy, with mitigate result since i find it a bit out of place. On back of case we have the charging light that go red to green once charged and a button for disconnecting-reconnecting. The plus of this case it's is size, its quite small so you can bring it in your pocket without worry.
In term of extra accessories, their nothing to talk about. We have basic USB-C charging cable and a rubbish amount of 3 pair of eartips. These eartips feel cheap and too soft yet we can't use other one due to oval shape of the super short nozzle.
In term of control, it’s quite easy to use. It’s quite responsive too and I don't have the issue to raise or lower volume with L and R 2sec pressing, nor to tap 3 time R buds to change track. If it wasn’t perfect in responsiveness (like FInal ZE8000) this would be hell to change track, thanks god it’s not the case here. The fact the pressing spot is at upper top of the buds avoid shaky hit or miss pressing. To note that we don’t have control for the previous track, I'll take this instead of google assistant control (3 pressing L side). Nonetheless, smooth and responsive control that isn’t frustrating.
When it come to connectivity, this is a child game. You pair it one time and it will connect instantly next time. I can’t find option to choose bluetooth codec so I think it will be automatically selected by your phone. It says it’s compatible with aptX, but I haven't seen any confirmation of this on both my phone and laptop. We can say it is always into ‘’Connectivity priority’’ mode and in the regard Ace2 are probably the best i’ve ever tested (ok out of 10 TWS buds but still).
Simply put: I’ve never ever encountered any sound cutting due to the connectivity struggle with Ace2 and that…even if I try too. I wandered around my big place with a lot of walls and no sound cutting. I go wander outside, walk and walk ... .in my gigantic backyard, can’t create sound cutting.
Then I decided to walk as far as possible from my phone on the street. When I reach about 50 meters it’s when sound cutting happens. True experience. And this is incredible, this means you're fully free with those TWS in terms of connectivity stability range, you don’t need to be near your phone or laptop at all.
Then when it comes to single charge battery life, ACE2 isn’t as glorious as I wish, yet unless you're into non stop music listening at max volume for more than 5H, it shouldn’t be an issue. The small carrying case charges the buds, so everytime you take a listening pause just don’t forget to put them in and you’ll be able to achieve 16h to 24h depending on volume level and if you use active noise cancellation.
Now for the Creative App, this is very minimalist and don't really worth the caring since you can use Noise cancelation and everything without it. Only plus should be the EQ and it's preset but it's a bad EQ, it can create distortion faster than both EQ and PEQ of Hiby Music app which I suggest you to use.
Ok, their something valid about Creative App and is to custom touch control, this is usefull for those wanting to bypass Google Assistant annoyancy. And put Previous Track pressing choice instead.
Then how good is Active Noise Canceling (ANC)? Well, some passive isolation of universal custom In-ear I own is superior to block loud noise. This ANC isn't bad, in fact music sound louder with this mode, as for noise it will not fully cancel the loud motor rumbling of a motorcycle but distant sound and fans and people talking near by will be mostly block. In fact, Creative use AI to analyze outside noise and modify level of isolation which I think EQ music dynamic and loudness at same time.
As for Ambient mode, AI again will inflict on it, selecting valuable noise and rejecting other.
AI is used too for phone call mic, it will boost vocal range and clarity and reject unwanted noise, this make the call very impressive in intelligibility.
SOUND IMPRESSIONS
The ACE2 offers a bassy and highly resolved musicality within a soft U shaped tonal balance with warm boosted sub bass bottom, lean, bright, transparent and open mids instrument and vocal and crisp treble that is fast in attack yet delicate in intensity.
We can say that Ace2 has 2 persona, with beat heavy music bass will dominate with it’s dynamic wide boom while with acoustic music this sub bass boost will benefit instrument note weight and density of extended low pitch instrument like cello which sound truly marvelous with those.
Due to it’s 2 drivers being very different in dynamic rendering as well as transparency of timbre and overall delivery of sound envelope which has more edge and texture with xMems, the overall musical experience can be perceive as listening to ultra HD monitor speaker with a subwoofer that feel creamier and warmer in tone.
But this BASS doesn’t hit intensely hard and offers well controlled mellow slam with a juicy warm sustain to it. The sub bass is a notch more boosted than mid bass so an acoustic kick drum that doesn’t have as low fundamental (than cello or electric bass or variety or toms and digital kick drum) will feel leaner and less weighty and lively in attack energy and impact intensity.
In other words, dynamic driver bass feel slightly slower in attack and add warmth that can veil and cream lower mids and kick instead of feeding their presence fullness.
This type of bass do better with pulled string instrument like double bass, cello and electric bass than hard hitting one needed proper attack bite and lead, this make the macro dynamic a bit imprevisible and a mix of guilty pleasure boomy bass with crisp mids and treble that can be clean and open when the music is bass less and instrument.
This means the Ace2 excel with classical, live performance, jazz, folk and ambient music rather than fast hitting bass like rap, IDM, Drum & Bass, R&B etc.
While bassy, those never induce headbanging reaction in my case since apart from the bass, overall musicality of Ace2 is rather cerebral and contemplative.
The mids are extremely well resolved and open, with top notch note transients and excellent transparency that benefit its imaging capacity. The first time I listen to Ace2 my mind focus on xMEMs upper mids and treble, even when the bass can distract me, I know their high amount of sound info going on but the rendering is flat and not energetic in rendering, this is good for avoiding hearing fatigue but affect balance naturalness by making lower range pushing more air. I think Creative tried to avoid this with its semi-open back design but it still stole silence around instrument presence and definition, this made the mix heterogenous and opaque.
Without this background bass bleed, you can fully enjoy the xMEMs goodness and it truly bluffed me in terms of next level hyper realism and resolution that restitute fine texture details smoothly without affecting transparency of presence which is top notch.
Sure, the attack is light in dynamic, but it’s super speedy and well controlled, it’s more about lead of note impact that feel tamed in intensity, lacking a bit of accent that would benefit articulation of melodic line, but even with 10x pricier IEMs, it’s rare i can see so clearly the piano note resonance extending as long as the recording dictate, that i can pick up string vibrancy micro details or bypass it if I want too since it’s no impose on the listener, all this crispness feel organic and cozy, never harsh, distorted or spiky.
Those are mids with focused presence, they aren’t lush nor thick, vocals are airy, wide and open, rich in texture and highly intelligible, but non colored and a bit clinical. Trumpet can sound boxy because of this, it’s only instrument i truly find problematic with Ace2, saxophone isn’t as dense and colorful as I love and it’s the same for violin, which underline differential treatment instrument of different range can get cause I was blown away by cello lushness meet high resolution. For the violin, we lack this hint of warm air that benefits tone naturalness but the resolution is crisp in presence.
Then there comes the highlight of the show: the incredibly technical and delicate treble response that goes up in high sky to 20kHz and surely further. It’s airy, sparkly, speedy and superbly controlled, free of transient distortion as well as intensity harshness.
I’ve never heard anything similar apart from the sonion EST driver but here it covers a wider treble range so nothing feels too sharp in ultra highs nor too boosted in metallic brilliance even if crisp sparkles are plenty here.
Listening to Ballaké Sissoko magnificent Kora is an otherworldly clean and scintillating experience where you can perceive sharply every note lead attack and release, with natural smooth and transparence air resonance. You can pick up micro details at it’s finest in the upper range too and there's plenty of air around it that magnifies the sense of crispness. With some IEM, Kora can sound spiky in attack here it isn’t even if super snappy.
The percussion has similar treatment, whatever the speed they are played it’s fully readable and it flows cleanly in the background in a lean way, without overbearing mid range instrument.
SOme might find highs a bit thin, and it is hearable with acoustic guitar that can lack natural density in harmony due to scooped lower mids (fundamental), but this make note cleaner and crisper too, sharper in articulation, which is beneficial for complex classical guitar composition and finger picking shine more than chord stroke. Listening to Scarlatti classical guitar composition is pure bliss with Ace2.
The soundstage is quite impressive. Wide, tall, deep and airy, it’s a bit like being in an open concert hall in the sense center stage is not forwarded, you contemplate music more than being part of it.
This mean imaging is improved with extra instrument and vocal crispness and a transparent layering that permits good positioning cues. If you listen to a big beat, the imaging will go darker and less precise, the soundstage will feel less deep too.
All in all, the musicality of Ace2 can be consider as smoothly analytical with next level resolution that lack of high bit rate codec don't affect too much, it's not noisy nor distorted apart in bass part which is main drawback, it's airy, fully open with great transparency of layering that permit the listener to actively dig into soundscape and pull of texture fine details novelty. It's a contemplative and cerebral music experience that captivate you, that give eyes to your mind.
COMPARISONS
VS FINAL ZE8000
The ZE8K is warmer and darker, more neutral and natural in timbre and balance, notably inferior in technical performance like imaging, resolution capacity and soundstage openness. Ace2 is notably cleaner, crisper and more open sounding, more bassy U shape in balance too.
The ZE8K bass is chunkier and more weighty in punch, it bleeds more into the mids but has leaner and less boomy sub bass impact and extension, it’s more natural in transient and texture. The kick is better rounded and punchier, sub bass is less boomy and more elastic.
The mids are smoother, fuller and lusher, darker too and less open and crisp (and lean) than Ace2. I enjoy the female vocal with ZE, it’s less plasticky and thin in timbre, less boosted in texture details too. Lower mids of Ace2 are more scooped. Note weight is heavier with ZE too. Attack isn’t as controlled and speedy though.
Then there comes the xMEMs treble that changes the technical performance game and is intensely superior to the darker and more limited treble extension of the ZE. Ace2 is more detailed and airy, sparkly even if ZE offers some sparkle percussion, guitar or harp will sound half cooked, unbalanced in harmonic fullness, then the natural resonance will not be as clear and resolved as Ace2. It’s really like comparing an IEM with EST vs single DD, there's just no way it can reach as effortless crispness nor as fast and controlled attack free of harshness due to driver distortion. Cleaner, airier and more analytical and delicate is the treble response of the Ace2.
This extra high extension amplifies clean airyness of spatiality which is notably superior in all departments with the Ace2: its wider, taller and deeper.
Then imaging is crisper with more transparent layering and more accurate spatial cue as well as more space between instruments. Again, Ace2 prevails here.
Apart from a bass part which isn’t as cohesive and natural in rendering as 3x pricier FInal ZE8000, the Ace2 offer superior technical performance from imaging, resolution and soundstage openness. For acoustic music that needs pristine resolution, I'll choose the Ace2. For simple vocal music like pop, rap and R&B, I'll choose the ZE8000.
VS HIFIMAN Svanar TWS
Ok, these are 500$, so it’s a bit unfair. Let’s begin by saying its evident inner DAC-AMP as well as higher bit rate (Ldac) deliver more dynamic and resolved sound as well as reaching louder volume. Here, the dynamic driver feel properly driven while Ace2 hybrid DD+xMEMs feel a bit underfed and not fully awake in proper dynamic rendering.
This makes Svanar sound more energetic and W shape, more impactful in note weight, more natural and expressive in bass rendering as well as notably more open and holographic in spatialization.
The bass is superior both in quality and quantity, and cleaner in impact, more controlled rounder in mid bass punch, less warm and dark in texture, more elastic in rumble sustain and extension. More everything really no competition here Ace is put to shame.
The mids are more intimate and closer to you, timbre is lusher, thicker and more natural, the presence isn’t as boosted in harmonic, so vocal are less sharp in presentation, wider and creamier than leaner crisper Ace2 mids that feel more airy yet thinner and more artificial too, imaging capacity is superior with Ace2, clarity is more effortless but bass can mess up with it.
Treble is where the Svanar takes second step, even if I wish I can unlock full potential of xMems with extra amping and better dac-amp and audio codec.
Ace2 treble is airier, sparklier, more snappy and extended. It digs greater amount of sound info and offers sharper definition edge, percussions are less affected with attack sustain-release noise, highs are more speedy and controlled but more delicate and clinical than lusher Svanar.
SOundstage is notably wider and taller, most of the time deeper too; unless Ace2 plays bassless music, then it will be cleaner and deeper than Svanar.
Imaging while more static with Ace2 is still clearer and more accurate in positioning though sound layers feel closer to each other in Y axis and not as 3D and holographic as warmer Svanar.
All in all, tonality wise i find the Svanar way more musical and enjoyable, more cohesive as a whole and more lively in macro dynamic, yet technical performance even with low BT codec, basic qualcomm DAC-AMP chip, feel superior to Svanar when it come to mids presence and whole treble part (xMems driver), bass is way inferior though.
CONCLUSION
Even if my review might seem very critical, i wil not hide my intense enthusiasm about these marvelous and exotic Ace2. While the musicality might not be nailing high level of emotional response due to slightly clinical mids rendering, I can't hide the fact Creative unlock the potential of xmems driver at an extremely competitive price and achieve a more than Ok tonal balance that favor spatial openess and high resolution rendering
Sure, the bass can become the ''elephant in the room'' with bassy music style and will negatively affect the xmems resolution greatness, but if you listen to instrumental music alot, betting on the Ace2 is a good move, Fans of folk and even slower pop and soul will most likely be tremendously impress by otherworldly crisp resolution these can achieve.
Highly Recommended for those seeking an exoticaly crisp musicality like no other TWS can offer (in this price range).
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PS: I want to thanks Creative for reaching me and accepting my choice to test the Ace2, which was on my must try radar since couple of months. I have no $ incencitive and no affiliation with Creative. This is the curiosity of new sound flavor that make me write this review.
You can order the Aurvana Ace2 for 150$ here: https://us.creative.com/p/headphones-headsets/creative-aurvana-ace-2#buy-menu
