Flextastic titanium audiolity.
We usually prefer huge gaming headsets around Atomic but when Creative showed us its Aurvanas we slipped them on instead and gave them a run-through, with results that might almost justify that positively huge pricetag. They're ultra-premium earphones, complete with a leather carry case and packaging that's more display podium than functional box.
A smooth rubber-coated cable about two-thirds of a tech writer (1.2m) has a simple 3.5mm gold-plated headphone jack. It's got a solid plastic connector to stop the cable from being tugged on as much when removing it from sockets, but the cable still feels pretty weakly connected. Down the other end it splits into two separate cables for each channel of audio, each equal in length, from another small plastic lump.
The earbuds themselves are the usual size, but are silver with a brushed steel mount and small arm - this attaches to a shaped tube with wire loop. Slipping on your ear, it feels really comfortable when worn and is so light it is practically unnoticeable under use. It's also incredibly light thanks to the nickel-titanium alloy used, and sproings back into place if bent. The drivers in these puppies are 15.5mm Neodymium with a standard freq response.
Sound reproduction is incredibly clear for earbuds, which are open to most external noise by design, handling gentle guitar twangs as easily as the hearty bassline of MC Hammer's song of choice. The treble can kick in a little too enthusiastically at times, but for the most part remains perfectly fine. These are great for music, but also even managed to serve well for gaming on the go - and you can even run with them! The wire loops were absolutely perfect, and they never fell off. If you've got to have the best in earbuds this is it; but be prepared to hand over barrelfuls of gold bullion for the privilege.
Issue: 133 | February, 2012