I must admit, reviewing these headphones is a bit of a strange one. We’ve already seen the Creative Aurvana wireless in-ear wireless headphones, and the audio technology used in those is very similar here with the Creative SXFI Trio. But, there are some differences between them, so let’s start with those.
The Creative SXFI are a wired set of headphones, that use USB Type-C connectivity to plug directly into compatible handsets. Unfortunately, there’s no adapters in the box to change the connection to something a little more universal like a 3.5mm aux. So make sure your phone is compatible before investing. It’s worth noting too that iPhones are out of the question, as they use Lighting connections, and even on Creative’s website, it states that Samsung phones, because of the type of USB Type-C tech it uses, may not work with the microphone. I was lucky, as I’m currently rocking a Google Pixel 4 XL, which is listed as a compatible handset. So do bare this in mind before purchasing too.
So, let’s take a look in the box. The Creative SXFI Trio headphones are packaged superbly, and very neatly might I add. The headphones, which are contrived of two earbuds, with 10mm drivers, a control box with built in amplifier and a small microphone that’s found a short way down the right earphone. The control box itself has the SXFI activation button, as well as volume up and down and a play and pause button. This also doubles up to answer phone calls and hang up. At the base of the cable is your USB Type-C connection, which is there to power the amp that’s built into the in-line remote. Also in the box are various different sizes of earbud tip, which was amazing to see. You can really pin point your ear hole size and marry them up with the correct set of buds for that optimum seal.
So, there are two aspects to why these headphones sound so good. And yes, they sound absolutely superb. First, is the fact the headphones use Creative’s triple driver system, similar to that of the previous Aurvana headphones we’ve seen The Trio has superceeded these to let you know. And second, the fact they’re using Creative’s SXFI technology which does an absolutely fantastic job of ensuring the sound of music, movies and other media sounds super atmospheric and immersive.
But, to tell you the truth, to get the SXFI set up properly, you’re going to have to jump through a few hurdles with Creative’s partner app. It was available on the Google Play store on my Pixel 4 XL, so I downloaded and proceeded to set up the Trio. The app needs to scan your head and ears, to get a measurment so Creative’s algorithms can go to work calibrating your audio. Now, I must admit I cheated a bit here, as I had my ears scanned with a machine at CES 2020 during our Creative press event, and the measurment has been saved to my account. However, once you scan your head, the headphones are ready to go, and your profile is saved to your phone and even the headphones themselves so they will continue to work to your profile no matter which device you plug them into including a Macbook.
But, to tell you the truth, to get the SXFI set up properly, you’re going to have to jump through a few hurdles with Creative’s partner app. It was available on the Google Play store on my Pixel 4 XL, so I downloaded and proceeded to set up the Trio. The app needs to scan your head and ears, to get a measurment so Creative’s algorithms can go to work calibrating your audio. Now, I must admit I cheated a bit here, as I had my ears scanned with a machine at CES 2020 during our Creative press event, and the measurment has been saved to my account. However, once you scan your head, the headphones are ready to go, and your profile is saved to your phone and even the headphones themselves so they will continue to work to your profile no matter which device you plug them into including a Macbook.
Audio quality here though is like none other, and Creative do a superb job of ensuring that your music sounds as full as possible, in every sense. It’s a strange sensation to explain, but it’s almost as if you’re listening to a live show in some kind of concert hall. The soundstage, especially when the SXFI technology is turned on feels absolutely huge, and you can almost place the instruments. Trust me, once you’ve listened to your music through these with the SXFI turned on, you’re not going to want to go back.
One thing I will suggest though, is diving into the SXFI app. There’s an equiliser in there that will definitely need adjusting to your liking and musical tastes. It’s simple, with adjustable treble and bass sliders, but it did wonders for my music. The default flat equiliser setting wasn’t the best and made things sound very tinny. Get some extra bass in there and these headphones shine.
My main choice of music which is rock and metal literally sounded like I was actually at an arena listening to the band live, but everything sounded accurately placed and all aspects of the track were clear rather than a wall of noise, like you can sometimes experience at rock gigs.
I mean I know I’ve literally praised these headphones a lot, but to be fair, the only two annoyances to the Crative Trio SXFI earbuds. First is the setup. It takes far too long to get into actually listening to music, and to be honest with you, I’m not really sure why. Feels a little gimmicky if you ask me. But the good thing is you only have to set them up once. The second, is the fact that they’re seemingly only compatible with a small amount of phones. With Samsung and Apple leading the way in terms of market share, there’s got to be some give. I mean, they advertise an iPhone app, but iPhones have traditionally used Lightning cables. Plus, there’s no adapter in the box. But, I must admit, if you’ve got a compatible mobile, they sound absolutely astounding, and along with the Creative Aurvana Wireless, the best sounding earbuds that aren’t going to break the bank. Plus the fact they’re wired, means I never have to reach for a charger. For more information, head over to the Creative SXFI Trio website.
