For audiophiles seeking the freedom of true wireless stereo earbuds (TWS), Creative Labs offers two tempting options: the Aurvana Ace and the Aurvana Ace 2. These are like two sides of the same coin, offering a comfortable fit, impressive battery life, and active noise cancellation (ANC) to drown out the world.
But for the discerning audiophile, a crucial difference lurks beneath the surface – one that could make all the difference between good and great sound. Here’s a review of them both in this article.
We were surprised to receive not one, but two boxes of the Aurvana earbuds in the mail in our HQ, and it’s for both the Ace and its next-gen brother, the Ace 2. Unboxing both boxes reveals the same content – some documentation, the TWS earphones in the case, extra tips for a more comfortable fit, and a USB-A to USB-C cable for wired charging. The Ace 2 offers more tip options ranging from super small and thin ones, to very large ones.
Design, Comfort, and Functionality
Both the Aurvana Ace and Ace 2 prioritize user comfort with a secure, in-ear design that conforms to your ears. They also have the same design at first glance with the Aurvana Ace 2 presenting a slightly more modern aesthetic. Its translucent charging case with copper accents offers a contemporary look compared to the Aurvana Ace’s basic black design. However, this distinction is purely cosmetic and may not be a deciding factor for everyone.
Both have holes at the sides to insert your favorite lanyard.
At the bottom are the LED light indicator, the USB-C port, and the physical button to reset pairing.
Opening the case reveals the buds. Both are of the same design actually when first seen….
…but also follows the design ethos of their respective cases when seen closely.
An IPX5 water resistance rating ensures worry-free use during workouts or unexpected downpours. The included charging cases offer identical dimensions and functionality, with the added convenience of wireless charging, eliminating the need for fumbling with cables.
Both are ergonomic to hold, fits nicely in pockets, and secures the buds well. The Ace is a smudge magnet due to its monotome polycarbonate shell with a sheen finish, while those are not visible to the naked eye on the Ace 2.
Audio and Performance
For both devices, xMEMS drivers are used instead of traditional voice coil speakers. These drivers have more spatial accuracy, better separation, clarity, and fidelity. True enough, they sound great. The soundstage is described as spacious. I find these earbuds to be super versatile to various genres of music, revealing transient details in the background especially when you configure it nicely with the accompanying Creative app.
However, the primary distinction between these earbuds lies in their supported Bluetooth codecs. Codecs determine how audio data is compressed and transmitted via Bluetooth, impacting overall sound quality.
The Aurvana Ace utilizes the standard SBC and AAC codecs, delivering good audio quality but lacking the cutting-edge aptX suite.
Conversely, the Aurvana Ace 2 incorporates the latest aptX Lossless codec, enabling CD-quality audio streaming over Bluetooth – a significant advantage for audiophiles with high-fidelity music libraries and compatible devices. Its audio profile is versatile and reveals a lot of details in the background. However, it sounds a bit darker in the upper mids and highs.
Using the controls on both headsets may require a bit of a leaning curve, as the buds don’t offer reception on single taps from the get-go to prevent mistouches (see table below). What I find most about the controls is there’s a bit of delay in commanding through bud taps.
| Left Earbud | Right Earbud | |
|---|---|---|
| Double Tap | Ambient Control | Play/Pause |
| Triple Tap | Voice Assistant | Next Track |
| Long Tap | Volume Down | Volume Up |
Gaming through these isn’t really much recommended because of the high latency unless you use the aptX Adaptive mode, which in turn eats more of the battery life.
For listeners who prioritize clear, detailed audio and possess lossless music collections, the superior sound quality of the Aurvana Ace 2 will be a game-changer. Those who are accustomed to standard audio quality, however, might find the difference less noticeable.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, reaching up to 24 hours on a single charge (depending on ANC/Ambient Mode usage). Both models boast active noise cancellation (ANC) for focused listening in noisy environments, while clear communication is facilitated by triple-microphone arrays on each earbud, ensuring your voice is transmitted clearly during calls.
The rundown: Picking Your Perfect Harmony
So, which Aurvana earbuds deserve a place in your ears? Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
- The Value Maestro: Creative Aurvana Ace – If you’re content with standard sound quality and prioritize a great all-rounder at a budget-friendly price, then the OG Aurvana Ace is your champion. It delivers clear audio for everyday listening, boasts ANC for focused enjoyment, and the battery life is top-notch.
- The Audiophile on a Budget: Creative Aurvana Ace 2 – Are you a music enthusiast who meticulously curates a library of high-fidelity music files and owns a device that supports aptX Lossless? Then the Aurvana Ace 2 might be the hidden gem you’ve been searching for. It offers noticeably superior sound quality, but only if you can leverage the power of the aptX Lossless codec.
