Inventive Aurvana Ace 2 earbuds evaluation: Good xMEMS sound

After testing Inventive Aurvana Ace 2 earbuds, I’ve discovered them to be an interesting glimpse into the way forward for transportable audio expertise — albeit with some rising pains at this early stage. The $149.99 buds — usually discounted — signify one of many first client implementations of xMEMS solid-state driver expertise. However the spectacular audio high quality doesn’t make these earbuds as nice as they could possibly be due to different shortcomings.

Aurvana Ace 2 got here out a couple of 12 months in the past, however this marks my first time experiencing xMEMS Labs micro audio system I’ve written about a number of occasions, so I used to be joyful to attempt them out.

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Inventive Aurvana Ace 2 earbuds evaluation

40% off

Inventive Aurvana Ace 2 earbuds with xMEMS driver

3.5

These light-weight true wi-fi in-ear earbuds function an xMEMS micro speaker mixed with a dynamic driver and have Bluetooth LE Audio, aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, Adaptive ANC, Ambient Mode, as much as 24 Hours Battery Life and built-in mics.

Professionals:

• Nice high-register sound
• Comfy match

Cons:

• Common noise cancellation
• Iffy faucet controls
• So-so app

Inventive Labs’ Aurvana Ace 2 noise-canceling earbuds function a placing aesthetic with clear black plastic adorned with copper-gold accents, together with the gleaming inside of the clear black wi-fi charging case. They may be a bit flashy or perhaps a bit tacky for some individuals. The headline with these, although, is that they pack an xMEMS Labs solid-state micro speaker as a driver for higher-register sound, together with a customized dynamic driver for the decrease finish. Not many earbuds have xMEMS audio system but, however the listing is more likely to develop, and headphones and different audio gear might achieve different xMEMS Labs micro audio system and different solid-state expertise like micro followers quickly, too. However except for spectacular sound high quality, these buds are common, at finest.

Desk of contents: Inventive Aurvana Ace 2 earbuds evaluation

Sound high quality: xMEMS will get 5 stars

Right here’s the place issues get fascinating. The twin-driver system, combining a 10mm dynamic driver with an xMEMS Cowell solid-state micro speaker that serves as a tweeter, delivers among the most spectacular audio I’ve heard on this worth vary. The xMEMS expertise, which makes use of the identical manufacturing course of as pc chips, supplies distinctive readability and element within the excessive frequencies.

So right here’s an instance. Once I listened to a 2019 remaster of The Beatles’ Abbey Highway with these buds, the percussive snap of the high-hat cymbal chasing a drum run on “Come Collectively” shocked me with its readability. That’s primarily as a result of I can’t get that element as clearly in different earbuds, headphones and audio system in my home. That detailed percussion tends to mix in additional. That mentioned, I wouldn’t declare Aurvana Ace 2 blow away AirPods Professional 2, however they appear commensurate, and Inventive Labs’ product prices lots much less. I additionally in contrast Ace 2 to Soundcore Liberty 4 Professional, which could enchantment extra to followers of heavier bass and total quantity, considerably on the expense of articulation.

EQ and presets assist dial in good sound

Ace 2’s soundstage is spacious for earbuds, providing exact instrument separation and positioning that rivals costlier {hardware}. When listening to complicated preparations, I may clearly distinguish particular person devices and their placement within the combine — one thing that may be difficult for wi-fi earbuds.

The frequency response reveals sturdy bass, although you will have to regulate the EQ to get it the place you prefer it. The midrange stays clear and pure, whereas the treble showcases the xMEMS driver’s capabilities with distinctive element and air. This creates a fascinating listening expertise.

One fascinating quirk of the xMEMS expertise is the way it can reveal recording high quality, the place poorly combined tracks can sound harsh. You can say the motive force’s precision leaves nowhere for imperfections to cover. Nevertheless, with high-quality supply materials, the outcomes are exceptional for wi-fi earbuds on this worth vary.

Controls, app expertise and luxury

The contact controls proved irritating in my testing, typically seeming unresponsive or tough to activate reliably. The Inventive app, whereas purposeful, is comparatively primary in comparison with these of  opponents. You need to use it to customise contact controls, tweak EQ settings and select from three ANC settings, but it surely lacks extra superior options present in equally priced earbuds. An app that skimps on the small print and goes actually primary with consumer interface tends to bug me, as a result of I choose enjoying in an app to tapping bits of {hardware} in my ears.

The excellent news concerning the buds themselves is that they match comfortably, a minimum of for me. At 4.7g per earbud, they’re notably light-weight and cozy for prolonged put on. The IPX5 water resistance score means they will deal with sweat and rain with out challenge.

Ho-hum battery life and respectable connectivity

Battery efficiency is simply OK. I received round 6 hours of playback with ANC off (about 4 hours with ANC on), whereas the case supplies three further full fees for a complete of someplace round 24 hours. This appears under common for the value level as these options shortly enhance in competing merchandise.

On the connectivity entrance, the earbuds do properly with Bluetooth 5.3 and assist for quite a few codecs, together with aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, AAC and SBC. Customers with Android units with the suitable codec assist are actually coated. And for all, Bluetooth multipoint permits seamless switching between units, two without delay.

OK noise cancellation

The buds’ ANC efficiency, powered by Qualcomm’s expertise, is serviceable however not distinctive. It handles low-frequency seems like airplane engine noise fairly properly — I dwell a pair miles from a small municipal airport — offering respectable sound discount. It’s easy, although. You get three settings: Adaptive ANC, transparency or off.

Nevertheless, I skilled some uncommon points with suggestions in sure conditions, together with an occasional high-pitched squeal, simply briefly. The transparency mode can typically over-amplify environmental sounds.

Worth and verdict

At $149.99 when not discounted, Inventive Aurvana Ace 2 positions itself as a mid-range choice with premium sound high quality. Whereas it outperforms many equally priced opponents in pure audio high quality, it falls quick in areas like battery life and ANC efficiency in comparison with choices like AirPods or Sony WF-1000XM4.

Due to the xMEMS driver, Inventive Aurvana Ace 2 represents an thrilling step ahead in transportable sound high quality. xMEMS Labs delivers on its promise of enhanced element and readability, making these earbuds a compelling selection for audio fanatics who prioritize sound high quality over options. Nevertheless, the middling battery life, inconsistent controls and primary ANC efficiency stop them from being a whole bundle. They’re finest fitted to listeners who worth audio high quality above all else and are prepared to just accept some compromises in on a regular basis usability.

★★★☆☆

Purchase from: Amazon (presently 40% off at $149.99 $89.99)

40% off

Inventive Aurvana Ace 2 earbuds with xMEMS driver

3.5

These light-weight true wi-fi in-ear earbuds function an xMEMS micro speaker mixed with a dynamic driver and have Bluetooth LE Audio, aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, Adaptive ANC, Ambient Mode, as much as 24 Hours Battery Life and built-in mics.

Professionals:

• Nice high-register sound
• Comfy match

Cons:

• Common noise cancellation
• Iffy faucet controls
• So-so app

Inventive Labs offered Cult of Mac with a evaluation unit for this text. See our critiques coverage, and take a look at different in-depth critiques of Apple-related objects.