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Bass
The Final ZE8000 MK2 is a wireless unit that offers a well-balanced and textured bass with a good amount of impact. Unlike other TWS IEMs in the market, this unit does not have an over-the-top or boomy bass presentation. However, the bass is a bit above neutral and has a full and impactful nature. The mid-bass is the emphasized area in the bass range, which makes the bass sound bloated on some songs and takes away some of the resolution and spaciousness.
Nonetheless, the sub-bass is well-defined and provides good depth, resulting in a satisfying low-end reproduction that is suitable for various music genres. Additionally, the Final Connect app offers a Pro EQ feature that allows you to fine-tune the bass presentation to your liking. While it may not be the best option for bass enthusiasts, the Final ZE8000 MK2 offers a decent amount of bass overall.
Mids
The midrange of the ZE8000 exudes warmth and smoothness, complemented by a pleasing timbre that contributes to a remarkably natural feel—an impressive feat for a TWS IEM. Notably, its tonality stands out, offering solid note weight and thickness that distinguishes it from other TWS units.
However, despite its commendable smoothness and satisfying timbral qualities, the new MK2 iteration seems to have sacrificed clarity and transparency in the midrange. Vocals, in particular, exhibit a somewhat veiled quality, as if emanating from a tunnel, lacking the crispness and resolution one might expect. This veil diminishes the dynamism of the midrange, resulting in a less engaging listening experience. While the tonal accuracy remains intact, the resolution and dynamics in this area leave something to be desired.
Treble
The treble performance of the ZE8000 MK2 is commendable, offering good articulation, detail, and resolution. However, like many TWS units, its extension is somewhat limited, with a noticeable roll-off and lack of sparkle in the upper frequencies.
Despite this, the treble maintains a controlled and well-balanced character, exhibiting a smooth and easygoing presentation. While not aggressive, it still manages to convey ample detail and articulation. Although lacking in sharpness and crispness, the treble retains its clarity and resolution, ensuring a satisfying listening experience without veering into muffled territory.
Technical Performance
The ZE8000 MK2 presents a spacious soundstage, particularly notable for a TWS earphone, contributing to its impressive imaging capabilities. The abundance of airiness, coupled with its relatively wide soundstage, enhances the overall spatial presentation. In terms of technical performance, the ZE8000 MK2 delivers robust results.
However, the ZE8000 MK2 occasionally veers towards a slightly dark and overly warm sound signature, despite possessing a fair amount of clarity. This lack of sparkle in the treble contributes to this perception. Additionally, the mid-range suffers from a lack of transparency and clarity, detracting from the overall presentation. Ideally, a touch of brightness and crispness could have elevated its performance. While adjustments can be made using the Final Connect app, this alone doesn’t fully address the resolution shortcomings, particularly in the mid-range.
Comparisons
The ZE3000 is a very nice TWS unit. The design to me is fantastic, with an excellent flush fit and a lower profile body than the flagship. I would prefer the form factor of the ZE3000 if I have to choose one.
Sound-wise the ZE8000 MK2 has better bass with better texture and bass balance. It sounds wider and more spacious as well. Its mids have same resolution and the treble is a bit more detailed but that difference is subtle. The ZE3000 is superior in form factor and ergonomics, which is essentially the most important factors in the TWS market in my opinion.
Another design with stems, the Earsonics AERO is a very nice unit that can handle daily tasks well, and it also sounds quite good. The fit of AERO is much better for me, with a flusher fit that makes it feel more secure.
In sound, the ZE8000 MK2 once again triumphs in the bass department and sounds a bit more fluid and textured in the mids. They both have rolled-off treble response but the ZE8000MK2 sounds better in terms of sound-stage and overall imaging. I wish it had AERO’s fit success.
Conclusion
Final Audio ZE8000 MK2 boasts an impressive array of technological features. With offerings such as Noise Cancelling, Ambient Mode, and Wind Cut mode, it covers all the essentials one might expect from a TWS unit in terms of functionality. The build quality is commendable overall, though the case could use some improvement, and the inclusion of the Final Connect app adds significant flexibility to the sound profile.
However, the fit experience may not be universally appealing. Personally, I find myself wishing for the design and shape of the ZE3000 combined with the technological advancements of the ZE8000, which would create a dream TWS setup.
Nevertheless, with a price tag of $399, the ZE8000 MK2 faces stiff competition from established contenders like the excellent Sony WF-1000XM5 and Apple’s Airpods Pro 2. Both of these options excel in terms of ergonomics, with the Sony unit particularly renowned for its exceptional sound quality in the TWS category. While the ZE8000 MK2 offers decent sound performance, it may struggle to justify its price point in comparison to these options.
Pros:
- A good set of features
- Good build
- Latest wireless technology
- Balanced sound
Cons:
- Fit is problematic
- No chance of tip-rolling
- Case is flimsy
- Overall lacks clarity and resolution, especially in the mid-range
Page 1: Final Audio, ZE8000 MK2, Packaging & Accessories, Design, Fit & Build Quality
Page 2: Connection Stability, Controls & Layout, Call Quality, Sound
