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Connection
The Final Audio ZE8000 MK2 utilizes Qualcomm’s QCC5141 Bluetooth 5.2 chipset, ensuring a stable and reliable wireless connection without any dropouts or interruptions. I found the earphones to perform admirably across various audio codecs, consistently delivering a high-quality audio experience. Additionally, I was impressed by the range, which surpassed the average expectations for wireless earbuds.
However, it’s worth noting that latency remains a concern with TWS earphones, including the ZE8000 MK2. While latency may not be noticeable in everyday listening scenarios, it becomes more apparent in activities such as gaming, where split-second timing is crucial. Therefore, I would advise against using TWS earphones, including the ZE8000 MK2, for gaming purposes where latency can impact performance.
Controls & Layout
The touch sensor on the earbuds’ stems is quite sensitive. I accidentally stopped playback or skipped a song a few times when I had to adjust the fit or remove the earphones momentarily. However, once I became familiar with the controls, they were easy and fast to use. Moreover, each earphone has an LED that provides information on battery, charging, and signal status. The case also features four LEDs on the front side that change colour based on the battery level.
There are several functions that you can activate using the touch sensors on your earbuds. These include starting and stopping music playback, moving to the previous or next track, adjusting the volume, accepting or declining calls, and ending an active call. If you own an Android phone, you can also summon Google Assistant with your earbuds. Similarly, if you use an iPhone, you can activate Siri by tapping the earbud five times. However, this may not be very intuitive if you frequently use these services.
Final Connect
Final Audio offers a controlling application for its wireless products that has four different modes: Noise Cancelling, Ambient Sound, Wind Cut, and Voice Through. Wind Cut is a mode that removes unwanted wind noise when you are outside. Voice Through is similar to the Ambient Sound mode, except you cannot adjust the volume level. The volume level is fixed so that you can focus on your environment. In my opinion, this isn’t a meaningful feature when you already have the Ambient Sound mode.
The app also has an EQ and an 8K Sound switch. The 8K Sound mode supposedly provides better sound quality, but I did not notice a significant difference. You of course can control the Noice Cancelling on/off. Through the app you can also use the equalizer, multi-point connection to connect more than one device, and control software updates.
Call Quality
The Final Audio ZE8000 MK2 has microphones located on the stems, which typically results in better call quality compared to designs without stems. While the ZE8000 MK2 performs well in home and quiet work environments, it is not the absolute best for call quality.
This is not a problem unique to this unit, as I have yet to experience fantastic call quality with any TWS IEM or earbud. Heavy human noise can greatly impact sound quality, especially in areas with a lot of low-frequency clutter, such as airports and shopping malls.
Sound
The Final Audio ZE8000 MK2 is a serious attempt at the TWS field and Final has many claims about its sound quality. The overall sound aims to be balanced, cohesive and high-resolution, unlike many TWS offerings in the market. The ZE8000 MK2 is a good-sounding TWS unit, with nice balance, coherency and dynamics. The instruments sound natural and the tonality feels pretty good.
Although the ZE8000 MK2 does not emphasize any frequency range over another and offers a good balance throughout the spectrum, I think the treble range is a bit too smooth. Other than that, the sound quality is certainly above ordinary TWS IEMs.
Page 1: Final Audio, ZE8000 MK2, Packaging & Accessories, Design, Fit & Build Quality
Page 3: Sound, Technical Performance, Comparisons, Conclusion
