Some time has passed since the launch of the X-Fi (eXtreme FIdelity) technology at Creative... nevertheless better later than never: the Creative gang is proudly announcing the first X-Fied headphones, namely the Aurvana. Aurvana stands for "Aural Nirvana", or something like this; by all means these are serious high-end headphones that will re-define your perception on both hi-fi gear and noise canceling headphones.

Unlike other audiophile-grade headphones that are designed to be used mostly indoor and sport minimal protection against ambient noise while channeling all tech-efforts towards sound reproduction, the Creative Aurvana brings the best in both worlds: the X-Fi technology makes sure that the acoustic response complies with the most discerning standards for exclusive ear and critical listeners while the noise-canceling circuitry makes sure you can enjoy the pristine sonic wave even in noisier environments as well.

Even more, the Creative Aurvana packs additional technology you will not meet in other headphones, unless not too soon: there are three switches that set this headset to operate in three different mode, according to where you are and what you wish, and of course, all based on what you're listening to.

The first switch toggles the noise canceling on and off, letting you experience the audio in a quiet atmosphere. The second option is the Creative's proprietary Crystallizer, a sound processing sequence that brings back to life some digital fragments from the tracks that have been compressed to the MP3 format. Finally, the listener can enjoy the CMSS-3D option providing virtual surround perfect for movies or gaming.

The Creative Aurvana is due mid-September and will retail for around $299. You can't pre-order the Aurvana yet but feel free to check the Creative's website for updated info, including officially-released specifications.

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