The Aurvana series is a product line that Creative Technology names for headphone products that are deemed audiophile-grade. The first Aurvana Trio earphones was launched in 2018, and this latest addition is updated with a more efficient single-driver design. Odd though that they retained the “Trio” label since all the previous Trio models come with three drivers (hence the name). The Aurvana Trio LS retails in Singapore at S$59, an insanely value-for-money price.
Out of the box, the Aurvana Trio LS comes with just the earphones, ear tips, and a cloth bag. The last item has generally been absent for many product manufactuers, and those who include a carrying case are actually showing respect to the products they make. By providing a carrying case/box/bag, you are encouraging the owner to take good care of the product and not get damaged and causing an after-sales support nightmare.
Design-wise, the Aurvana Trio LS housing looks identical to all the predecessors, except some colour variance, the cable with sawtooth sheath claims to reduce microphonics but I do not find any significant improvement over the original Aurvana Trio. The single click button on the in-line remote controls playback (single-click to play-pause, double-click to jump next track, triple-click to go previous track) and answering calls.
With the brand new Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) driver, the sound signature of the Auvana Trio LS is completely different from the previous models, which I have extensively compared during my review of the Aurvana Trio Wireless. The Aurvana Trio LS is distinctively more responsive at the lower frequencies, while the treble is blended in the mix, less harsh. The emphasis is on the bass, and while they don’t sound too excessively boomy, I catch the bass lines more readily than the other instruments. Saxophone sounds warm and “vinyl”, without the clinical digital impressions. Midrange is also controlled and not bloomy, so acoustic piano sounds clean without lingering overtones. The stereo imaging is close and wide. They definitely sound more comfortable to listen to over long hours. There are a lot of details that can be heard, as long as the bass does not drown them out.
- Bass – 8.5/10. Emphasising but not overpoweringly boomy.
- Midrange – 7.2/10. Clean to free up overtones and harmonics.
- Treble – 7/10. Clear details without sounding forward or harsh.
It’s a different story when you listen using the SXFI Amp and enables the Super X-Fi Mode. The treble instantly opens up and elevates, while the bass response thins out except the sub-bass resonance, which reminds me of the sound bar subwoofer effect. At the same time, you experience out-of-head sound staging. Compared to the SXFI Trio, the Aurvana Trio LS + SXFI Amp offers much stronger sub-bass feel. So for bass heads, this new model will rock your ears best among the Aurvana Trio earphones.
Verdict
The Creative Aurvana Trio LS sound will provide a sonic balance if you often listen to massively heavy treble tunes. The earphones keeps the treble balanced while delivering groovy bass lines. It’s a sound balance that most people might feel it’s not bright enough. If you like comfortable listening tones without pushy highs, the Creative Aurvana Trio LS is affordable at S$59 at Creative Online.
