Creative Aurvana Ace 3: Excellent sound faces serious bug
Creative's new headphones offer superior sound quality thanks to xMEMS technology and improved battery life, but have a worrying issue with translucency.
Worthwhile upgrades over the previous generation
The Creative Aurvana Ace 3 is the successor to the Ace 2, bringing a number of notable improvements. Battery life has been significantly upgraded, from 4 hours to 7 hours per charge of the earphones, and total usage time with the charging case has increased from 16 hours to 26 hours. While this figure is not the highest on the market, it is still a welcome step forward. However, when ANC or LDAC is turned on, the actual usage time drops to about 5.5 hours.
In addition, the product also has added support for LDAC and aptX Lossless codecs, allowing for higher quality audio transmission. One of the outstanding new features is the audio personalization technology in collaboration with Mimi, which provides a visual hearing test to create a unique sound profile, significantly improving the music listening experience.
xMEMS Technology: The Secret Behind Superior Sound Quality
The main highlight of Aurvana Ace 3 is still the dual driver system, combining a solid-state driver from xMEMS and a 10mm dynamic driver. xMEMS technology is the difference-making factor, bringing clear, energetic and detailed sound quality. The sound is reproduced naturally and realistically, helping listeners feel the instruments as if they were being played live.
The headphones perform well in the mid and high ranges, maintaining a neutral sound, not overwhelmed by the bass. The bass is still expressed clearly and powerfully, enough to feel the depth but not too strong. The sound space is spacious, allowing the instruments in complex music to have enough space to shine without being confused.
Inherent Weaknesses: Noise Cancellation and Crosstalk Problems
Despite the improvements, the active noise cancellation (ANC) on the Aurvana Ace 3 still cannot compete with the top competitors. This feature only reduces some of the surrounding noise and users can still hear the outside environment clearly.
More worryingly, Ambient Mode has a serious problem. Similar to the previous version, the earphones can emit a high-pitched screeching sound when in this mode. This sound is even louder and clearer than the Ace 2 model, sometimes appearing unexpectedly even when the earphones are placed in the charging case. This is a big drawback, especially for those who often use Ambient Mode to ensure safety when traveling.
Familiar design and wearing experience
In terms of appearance, the Creative Aurvana Ace 3 has not changed much compared to the previous generation. The charging case is slightly lighter, only 43g, and has a light purple tone. This design gives the headset a distinctive and different look.
The headphones are comfortable to wear, fit snugly and do not cause pain even when used for long periods of time. They also stay firmly in the ear when the user is doing strenuous activities such as working out at the gym or cycling. The touch controls have been improved to be more intuitive, although it still takes a little getting used to. The product is IPX5 water-resistant, enough to withstand light rain and sweat.
Creative Aurvana Ace 3 Specifications
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Driver | xMEMS solid state driver + 10mm dynamic driver |
| Active noise cancellation (ANC) | Have |
| Battery life | 7 hours (earphones), 26 hours (with charging case) |
| Weight | 4.7g (each earbud), 43g (charging case) |
| Connect | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Frequency response range | 5 – 40,000Hz |
| Water resistant | IPX5 |
Price and value
The Creative Aurvana Ace 3 retails for $149.99, which is a mid-range price for wireless headphones. For that price, you get excellent sound quality and a lot of useful features. However, since the sound quality hasn’t changed much from the Ace 2, those who are only interested in sound might want to consider the older model to save money, especially when there are discounts.
Should I buy Creative Aurvana Ace 3?
Buy if…
- You prioritize sound quality:xMEMS technology delivers detailed and realistic sound experience.
- You want to personalize the sound:Mimi sound customization makes it easy to find the right sound.
- You need lightweight and comfortable headphones:Ergonomic design allows for long hours of wear without discomfort.
Don't buy if…
- You often use crosstalk mode:The screeching issue is a huge turn off and can seriously affect the experience.
- You need top-notch noise cancellation:The Ace 3's ANC is just average and can't compare to other high-end products.
- You like bass-heavy sound:The Aurvana Ace 3 has a neutral sound quality, not suitable for those looking for strong, explosive bass.
