By Mike Lee, a freelance writer

UNLIKE Creative's earlier Aurvana in-ear earphones which plugs into the ear canals, the Aurvana Air uses earbuds that fit over the ears.

The new addition to the family can also be differentiated by its distinctive ear-hook design. I found the Aurvana Air quite comfortable to wear, despite the initial confusion over how to put them on properly.

While the hooks look rather thin and fragile, they are actually made with nickel-titanium alloy. I tried bending and flexing the hooks, at first gingerly and then less cautiously.

The hooks quickly sprang back into their original shape when I released the tension. There is also a supplied leather pouch and cable management holder to keep the whole set up protected and tidy when in storage.

As for the sounds, I did find the 16g Aurvana Air literally airy initially. However, that was because I started auditioning with Piano Nightly, where Akiko Yano begins her album with ethereal vocals and delicate ivory touches.

For comparison, I switched to my mid-range earphones and suddenly realised how they lacked the subtlety the Aurvana Air has.

With my own earphones, Piano Nightly sounded like Muddy Piano.

In terms of heavier music like rock and trance, if you are looking for heart-pounding bass, the Aurvana Air might not move you.

However, the bass is clean without drones. I was also surprised at the new sounds I heard from BT's Escm electronic beats - the cymbals sizzled in a way I never heard them before and the earphones- soundstage defined the different electronic instruments clearly, showing off the synth's stereo panning effects.

The richly textured sounds of the acoustic instruments like violin, slide guitar and brushed snare drum hits on Dorlis' Swingin' Street album were also a joy to listen to.

The Aurvana Air might not sound as in-your-face as some other earphones and being the normal type of earbuds instead of in-ears, it offers little sound isolation. So, it may not be the best choice for commuting on noisy trains.

However, audio details and clarity are better enjoyed in quieter environments anyway.

The Aurvana Air also has an equally refined look matching its sounds - its champagne-gold finishing and shiny metallic feel look almost luxurious.

So slick, this earphone has won the 2009 Red Dot Award for product design.

Final say

For the listener who wants earphones which are lightweight, durable and offer sonic clarity in a chic design.

This story was first published in The Straits Times Digital Life.

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