User Reviews on Creative Aurvana Air Earphones

Creative Aurvana Air

5/10

suggul

30th August 2011

I bought these headphones as I mainly use headphones in the gym and my commute to work, and liked the over-ear hooks, to prevent them falling out whilst exercising. However, I was tired of the uncultured, heavy sound of sports headphones - and their poor build quality. When I found these headphones going for £60 on the Creative website, I couldn't resist.

As the review states these are just stunning to look at. They look like items of jewellery, not audio equipment. At first glance, I didn't know whether to put them in my ears or make love to them. Those who say they're copies of the B&O's are misguided. Yes, the design is similar, but the Aurvana Air's are more delicate, and - with their highly-polished metal - more eye-catching. The great design extends to comfort - once on, these headphones won't fall off, even when pounding the treadmill. And - cliche though it is - they're so incredibly light, that you forget that you're wearing them

However, headphones aren't made for their looks alone, and I was disappointed by the sound quality from the off. Yes, it was crisper, more detailed and wonderfully light - 'airy', you might say - compared to cheaper, bass-heavy sports headphones, but the sound seriously lacked power. The volume is just not good enough - whether it's due to sound leakage from the open design I'm not sure. Even at top volume on my MP3 player, I struggle to hear songs clearly on the Tube and the treadmill. To it's credit, though, there is no sound distortion at the top volume levels at all - a revelation compared to cheaper headphones. The bass is sorely lacking, too. Now, I'm dead against an over-powering bassline, but with the Aurvana Air's the sound can often seem a bit weak, and unbalanced due to the lack of the bottom-end.

My biggest gripe with the Aurvana Air's is the build quality. With a product that cost close to £200 when launched, and will still set you back £60-70, I expected them to be really robust. However, within 2 months, the over-ear loops had come away from the main body of the headphone on both sides. I've contacted Creative about this, and they should take them back, but I shouldn't have to resort to that 2 months in.

Overall then, despite being gorgeous, extremely comfortable and producing a clear, detailed sound, the weak audio experience - with lack of bass - and poor build quality, means I regret buying the Creative Aurvana Air's.