Today’s review is about the Final Audio ZE8000 MK2 True Wireless Stereo Earbuds. It’s selling for $399 USD.
Disclaimer: KS Distribution sent us the Final Audio ZE8000 MK2. All thoughts and experiences with the product are naturally my own.
Final Audio
In 1974, Kanemori Takai founded Final Audio, a company that offers a wide range of products that continue to this day. It all started with Yoshihisa Mori’s cartridge design, and Final has since become popular with fans worldwide, especially in Japan.
You may have noticed that all of their products share a similar design language, which gives them an elegant appearance. The company places great emphasis on both aesthetics and technology and its earphone venture, which began in 2009, has led to the introduction of many excellent products in the industry.
Final Audio entered the wireless industry with the ZE and UX series. The ZE series focuses on earbuds, while the UX series focuses on headphones. Let’s see how the ZE8000 sounds and evaluate its performance together, without further ado.
Final Audio ZE8000 MK2
The original ZE8000, according to Final Audio, was aimed to set a new standard in wireless sound. For Final, the 8000 code is only reserved for groundbreaking products, such as the A8000 and D8000. The ZE8000 was claimed to have an “8K SOUND”, which sounds a bit strange but that’s what they call it. Now with Final Audio ZE800 MK2, Final has developed a newer version with improved features and ergonomics.
The Final Audio ZE8000 MK2 boasts several improvements over the original model, including an optimized internal structure for increased noise reduction performance, the addition of the “Shield Fin” ear tip design to improve isolation, an enhanced active noise cancelling algorithm for better noise control, and an increased maximum volume for greater adjustability.
For features;
- HiFi True-Wireless IEM with enhanced 8K sound
- 32% improvement over Gen 1 in sound isolation with active ANC
- Individual volume control, EQ, and other features using the Final CONNECT app
- IPX4 Life Waterproof rating
- Bluetooth® 5.2 with SBC, AAC, Qualcomm® aptX™, aptX™ Adaptive codecs
- £299 GBP from Hifi Headphones
Packaging & Accessories
The Final Audio ZE8000 MK2 arrives in a minimalist yet elegant white rectangular box. The design of the packaging is sleek and understated. On the back of the box, Final Audio has thoughtfully provided a comprehensive list of the earphones’ features, allowing users to familiarize themselves with the product’s capabilities. Moreover, a QR code printed on the box enables easy access to the serial number.
In terms of accessories, the ZE8000 comes equipped with Final’s new “Shield Fin” ear tips, specifically tailored for this model. These ear tips are thoughtfully presented in pairs of five different sizes, ensuring a customized and comfortable fit for every user. With their secure grip on the nozzle, the new ear tips offer stability during extended wear without causing any discomfort. The package includes some documents, a short USB-A to USB-C cable for charging convenience, and replaceable earwax filters, providing users with everything they need.
Design & Build Quality
At Final, they understand that aesthetics play a crucial role alongside sound quality in the overall user experience. Their commitment to crafting visually striking earphones and headphones sets them apart in the industry. This philosophy is evident in the design of their previous models, including the Final Audio ZE8000 MK2.
The ZE8000 MK2 boasts a sleek and robust design, featuring a durable exterior that exudes quality craftsmanship. Final Audio has a special coating called “Shibo,” inspired by the Japanese term for the subtle creases found in paper or leather. This unique finish, reminiscent of Sony’s mirrorless cameras, adds a touch of sophistication. Moreover, the charging case shares the same textured coating, further enhancing the product’s distinctiveness and premium feel within its price range.
Innovative design choices are evident in the case’s construction as well. Unlike traditional hinged lids, the ZE8000 MK2’s case features a sliding mechanism for accessing the earpieces. This intuitive design adds convenience to the user experience. However, some users may find the build quality of the case to be slightly lacking compared to the premium feel of the earphones themselves.
Fit
Regarding the fit of the ZE8000 MK2, it’s worth noting that they are not necessarily In-Ear style, but rather stemmed earbuds. The new ear tips have an outer sleeve which attaches to the body of the earphone, while the nozzle of the ear tips goes into your ear. The philosophy is to minimize any contact between the ear and the plastic parts of the earphones, so only the ear tip comes into contact with your ear, supposedly improving overall comfort.
It’s important to keep in mind that the fit of earphones is always a personal matter, and what works well for one person may not work for another. In the case of the ZE8000 MK2, some users may find the fit to be good, while others may not. I didn’t like the fit of the original model, and although this one is definitely an improvement, I still don’t find it particularly great.
While the new ear tips do help with the fit, I still can’t achieve a perfect seal with the ZE8000 MK2. This may be by design, as the earphones aren’t intended to fit flush with your ear. There is a noise cancellation mode which works nicely and is much better than the original, but without a perfect seal, some noise may still be heard.
Final Audio managed to provide an exceptional fit with the ZE3000 model, so I really don’t know why the ZE8000 design can’t deliver that experience. Final Audio in general has a great reputation in that regard with wired IEMs as well. However, for whatever reason, the ZE8000 and the new ZE8000 MK2 aren’t a good match for my ears. In terms of comfort, the new model is exceptionally comfortable and you might forget you wear them. Final definitely achieved a great comfort level but to me, it needs to sit flusher with a deeper insertion.
The ear tips of this particular model are unique, so it’s not possible to improve the situation with other tips. The specialized design doesn’t allow any other ear tip to work. These ear tips tend to attract dust, which isn’t ideal from an aesthetic standpoint, especially in sunlight. Final has changed the ear tip colour from black to white for that reason, and it looks much better in terms of dust.
Build quality is great, as expected from Final. But the design choices don’t work for my particular use in terms of fit. I usually use TWS products when I’m working out, particularly in running, and the fit doesn’t give me a secure and flush feeling to do these activities. The unit as a whole has good battery life, build, a professional look and a great lid design though.
Page 2: Connection Stability, Controls & Layout, Call Quality, Sound
Page 3: Sound, Technical Performance, Comparisons, Conclusion
