Final, the Japanese high-end audio specialist, has just released the VR500 wired Gaming Earphones. The aim? To deliver an extraordinary gaming audio experience without breaking the bank.
Final VR500
Precision-tuned Dynamic Drivers
The VR500 specialises in “sound image localization” in order to accurately reproduce the direction of sound. This in turn provides gamers with a three-dimensional soundstage for a heightened sense of realism and immersion. Whether you’re in the midst of a battle or exploring a virtual world, Final’s expertise in high-end audio is evident when using the VR500. The VR500 incorporate Final’s newly developed precision-tuned dynamic drivers that deliver exceptional audio clarity at a fraction of the cost of other gaming earphones and headphones. From subtle in-game cues to explosive sound effects, the VR500 ensures an immersive gaming experience without the premium price tag.
Designed for extended gaming sessions, the VR500 prioritises comfort without compromising affordability and comes with a wide selection of Final’s own superior quality silicone eartips. Ensuring a secure and comfortable fit. The compact, ergonomic design and lightweight build allow you to enjoy extended playtime without discomfort.
Pinpoint Accuracy
The Final VR500 offer a unique design that allows for a more detailed rendering of each sound object’s position within a 3D binaural sound field, a feat that traditional earphones and headphones struggled with. For gamers, this means that sound effects and dialogue are positioned exactly as intended by the creators, ensuring clear audibility even in situations where sounds overlap. This capability allows for easy identification of individual sounds, enhancing immersion into the gaming world and giving your an edge when you need it online.
Not only is the VR500 ideal for gaming. For when it comes to music, the position of vocals and instruments becomes clearer and sounds can be heard separately without being muddied by other frequencies. Allowing you to also enjoy your favourite music with new insight and clarity.
Final VR500
Finally Immerse Yourself VR500 Style
The VR500 represents a significant leap forward in gaming audio technology. Final believe that exceptional gaming audio should be accessible to all gamers, regardless of budget constraints. The VR500 is a testament to their commitment to delivering premium sound at an unbeatable price, ensuring that every gamer can experience the joy of high-quality audio. The E500 is not just a pair of earphones; they are a gateway to a new dimension of gaming audio.
Key Features
Specialized acoustic design for precise sound imaging
Newly developed high-precision drivers
Compatible with all gaming genres (FPS, fighting, open-world, adventure)
Final’s previous ANC headphone release was the UX3000, which gained multiple awards and global recognition for its minimal design and impressive audio quality. Now with the UX2000, Final has harnessed its award-winning expertise and applied this to its new ANC wireless headphone for under £100.
Final UX2000
Not just a new addition
The UX2000 is more than just a new addition to the UX series; it represents Final’s commitment to combining state-of-the-art technology with unparalleled audio performance. Whether for gaming, music, or calls, the UX2000 is engineered to deliver an unmatched auditory experience, setting new standards in the wireless headphone market.
Available in Cream or Black, the Final UX2000 will be available to buy on the 8th December for £99/$119/€109 from Amazon and selected retailers worldwide.
The Final UX2000 inherits the legacy of the UX3000 while introducing its own unique design and features. Developed for everyday use, the UX2000 is lightweight and robust with a premium matte finish that is resistant to fingerprints and smudges for a clean and professional look. The advanced hybrid noise cancelling technology removes a significant amount of background and ambient noise for an immersive and distraction free listening experience.
Designed for all-day comfort and usability
The UX2000 has a multi-fit housing structure with multiple points of adjustment for getting that perfect fit. The soft earpads and headband padding provide support that reduces fatigue and with up to 45 hours of audio playback, users can be confident in experiencing a full day of constant use in comfort. Additionally, Final has included an ENC Mic system that eliminates ambient noise, ensuring clear voice communication during calls and gaming sessions.
Final UX2000
Newly developed low-latency mode for gamers
New for the UX2000 is its low-latency gaming mode, making it an ideal companion for gamers who demand synchronized, high-quality audio. Developed by Final, this mode also benefits users while watching movies, music videos or their favourite online content – perfectly syncing lip movements with voice and action scenes with its sound effects for highly engaging viewing.
Key Features
Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation: Equipped with a sophisticated system that effectively cancels external noises for a serene listening experience.
Gaming Mode with Low-Latency: Specially designed for gamers, providing synchronized audio with on-screen action for an immersive gaming experience.
Up to 45 Hours of music Playback: Offers substantial playback time, ideal for long commutes, work sessions, or gaming marathons.
Multi-Fit Housing Structure: Adjustable in multiple directions for a perfect fit, ensuring comfort even during extended use.
Fingerprint-Proof Matte Finish: The body of the device features a matte finish, making it resistant to fingerprints and oil, and ensuring that it doesn’t easily show dirt.
Foldable Design for Compact Storage: The headphones can be folded into a compact form making them convenient to carry.
Specifications
Colour: Cream/Black Communication
Format: Bluetooth 5.3
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Codecs Supported: SBC, AAC
Profiles Supported: HFP, A2DP, AVRCP
Continuous Music Playback: ANC ON:45 hours. ANC OFF:60 hours
The Final ZE8000 MK2 with enhanced audio quality, improved comfort and added features – experience the evolution of ‘8K Sound’. With the release of the ZE8000 flagship true wireless earphones earlier this year, Final developed an earphone like no other. Its unique design, immersive soundstage and clear focus on sound quality offered a new true wireless experience.
Final ZE8000 MK2
An all-new user experience
With the Final ZE8000 MK2, Final has made significant improvements for an all-new user experience. Including new ‘Shield Fin’ eartips for improved comfort and increased passive sound isolation, enhanced signal-to-noise ratio for greater detail retrieval and improved ‘8K Sound’, the ability to deactivate ANC and other noise control settings, and a maximum volume increase of 5dB.
In the ZE8000 MK2, Final has further developed the technology and software capabilities with their new flagship and it will be available to buy today.
Development of the Final ZE8000 MK2 has enabled the evolution of Final’s ‘8K Sound’ feature. Improving the signal-to-noise ratio through hardware and software interventions provides a clearer perception of ‘8K Sound’, extracting more detail and musical nuance from recordings.
As a concise and concrete example to convey this evolution, we consider the ZE8000 MK2 as earphones that immerse you in the orchestra.
Final
The Final ZE8000 MK2 hardware and software improvements have provided fertile ground for a more efficient integration of ‘8K Sound’, ensuring a more faithful reproduction of recorded instruments and their unique timbre. This ability to faithfully and vividly reproduce the balance of recorded instruments extends to all music genres, elevating the listening experience by significantly increasing the amount of information in the sound.
Final ZE8000 MK2
Compared to the initial model, the ZE8000 MK2 achieves a 32% improvement in sound isolation with ANC active. This is achieved by a combination of internal structure enhancements, newly designed ‘Shield Fin’ earpieces, and a refinement of the algorithm for active noise cancellation.
Utilising an FIR filter for frequency and time domain corrections, combined with a unique integration of multiple digital signal processing techniques enables the achievement of high-definition and distortion-free ‘8K Sound’ In the ZE8000 MK2. Compared to the initial model, the digital signal processing has been refined, allowing for a clearer perception of ‘8K Sound’ even in finer details.
New features and updated ‘Final Connect’ app
After listening to feedback from the first release, Final has included the ability to deactivate ANC and all other noise control settings. This provides users with an unfiltered experience of the Final ZE8000 MK2 and ‘8K Sound’
The maximum volume has also been improved upon with a 5dB increase, as well as an overall redesign of Final’s ‘Volume Step Optimization’ feature within the ‘Final Connect’ app for finer volume adjustments.
Users can check the individual volume levels of their Final ZE8000 MK2 via the ‘Final Connect’ app as well as a number of other features and settings for an improved experience:
Switch between the 4 modes of noise cancellation/ambient sound intake.
Easily adjust sound quality like a professional engineer with the “Pro Equalizer” settings.
Fine-tune volume adjustments to your optimal level with the “Volume Step Optimization” settings.
Switch between voice guidance languages (Japanese/English).
Toggle to “8K SOUND+ Mode.”
Switch to touch operation disabled mode.
Configure/switch Multi-Point settings.
The Final ZE8000 MK2 supports Qualcomm’s latest audio platform, Snapdragon Sound™. With aptX Adaptive (24bit/96kHz), users can enjoy high-resolution audio with high quality and low latency.
By strategically placing two high-performance microphones at a distance, the ZE8000 MK2 enables beamforming towards the mouth. This feature ensures clear voice transmission, eliminating ambient noise even during outdoor calls.
Final, the Japanese high-end audio specialist, has announced their latest venture into the world of gaming and VR with the new VR2000 earphones.
Final VR2000 on Playstation 5
With the VR2000 Final has turned its attention to gamers, VR users and the captivating world of ASMR and immersive audio. Using newly designed ‘f-Core DU’ custom-made dynamic 6mm drivers developed in-house, final has been able to tune the VR2000 to extract every detail from your digital surroundings.
hear every note played as though you were there
Whether playing a first-person shooter, exploring virtual worlds, relaxing to mediative ASMR or listening to a live jazz recording – the VR2000 will transport you into the heart of the action and deliver an experience like never before with no sound going unheard.
Hear distant footsteps and gunfire as though you were in battle yourself. Feel every reaction from a stadium full of thousands of spectators. Transport yourself to a 1970’s jazz club and hear every note played as though you were there.
Final VR2000
A Wealth of Applications
Primarily designed for gaming and VR, the VR2000 can also be utilised to get the most out of live recordings, intricate electronic music, ASMR and the latest advancements in Dolby Atmos technology. Unlike typical earphones, the VR2000 has been designed to provide a spatial listening experience with a naturally vast soundstage and the ability to hear each and every sound individually separated with absolute clarity.
The VR2000 is able to separate each sound and simultaneously deliver them accurately
This attention to detail and separation lends itself most effectively to gamers – especially those involved within a competitive domain. The ability to react in-game is heavily reliant on the quality of the audio, and the speed at which users notice sound effects that have been produced for this very reason. The VR2000 is able to separate each sound and simultaneously deliver them accurately, and naturally, within its expansive soundstage.
Final VR2000
‘f-Core DU’ Custom-Made Dynamic Driver
With the ‘f-Core DU’ driver, Final has managed to achieve a quality of sound that is unheard of in this price range. Completely redesigning driver parts such as diaphragms, voice coils, magnets, magnetic circuits, and adhesives, as well as production equipment. The material of the driver front housing is brass, which is less affected by magnetic force and has a higher specific gravity than general aluminium. In order to improve the time response performance of the diaphragm, the voice coil uses 30? ultra-fine CCAW and is assembled with a minimum amount of adhesive to thoroughly reduce the weight of the moving parts.
Further developments in housing design have resulted in a uniquely attractive appearance and comfortable fit for the VR2000. Shells made from ABS plastic provides durability, and the OFC cable is covered in a tough and flexible coating with an in-line 3 button control with a high-quality built-in microphone – ideal for online gaming, streaming and taking calls.
The VR2000 comes supplied with a number of accessories including a selection of final Type E silicon eartips, earhooks for added support, and a carry pouch for safe storage.
We know how important it is to find the best wireless headphones for you; whether they are for your smartphone, music player or computer. For those on a budget, to those who have particular taste / requirements. Below you can see the best of the best wireless headphones and earphones available today. For all budgets and needs, 2023 continues to deliver!
BEST AUDIOPHILE WIRELESS HEADPHONES
1. Final ZE8000 – ANC TWS Earphones £299.00 (Currently on special offer for £199.00!)
Best Wireless Earbuds for Audiophiles. Best Allrounder
Final’s flagship TWS earphone is finally here and a cause for celebration by many audio fans out there. The design is like nothing else out there today. The looks and comfort of these earphones are unique and extremely effective. Add to that a fantastic sound quality that challenges some of the finest wired earphones out there as well as all the bells and whistles you expect from a TWS earphone these days and you have quite the package.
Considering you can spend the same on Sony, Bose, Sennheiser and Apple – the Orbit provides audio that surpasses what the other popular brands would only dream of. Yes, you don’t get noise cancelling or fancy app tech with 1,000,000 features. What you do get is a product made by one of the best in the audio biz, and sound that you would normally need to pay over £1000 for…
Final Audio have collaborated with Dragonball Z to produce 3 iconic and unique models based on main characters. The Frieza model is specifically designed for ASMR content. But it is also perfect for watching movies, animations and videos In general. Absolutely one to consider, if you use your earphones more for Audiobooks/ Movies over music (although they are great at that too!). They are also really small and light, so perfect for those with smaller ears or those who find it difficult to find a pair of buds that are comfortable.
How do they do it? SoundMAGIC have once again made a killer headphone for a super price. The P23BT doubles up as a headset too with the included cable and boom mic (great for home office or even gaming). In addition, the headphone is lightweight and comfortable. Add into the mixer an incredibly impressive battery life and a simple ease of use and you have got yourself a bargain. They sound full and warm yet never bass heavy. They really do sound incredible and for a Wireless on ear headphone what more could you want?
Coming hot off the heels of Lyperteks now world famous PurePlay Z3, The Pureplay Z5 has changed the game completely. This is probably the best overall TWS ANC earphone you can buy for £99. They have ANC, Ambient mode, wireless charging, accompanying PUREPLAY ANC app with LDX Audio, sound customisation profiles and more. Add to that a fanstastc sound quality and brilliant mics and you can instantly see why the Z5 has made the cut.
Following the runaway success of the Cleer Audio‘s open ear Arc earphones, the Cleer Arc II SPORT has taken the concept of an open wireless earphone to a whole new level. The new Arc II Sport is superior to its predecessor in every single way. It has a longer battery life, a better, even more secure fit with an improved earhook design and supports wireless hands free and head gesture controls for answering calls and the like. This earphone has been designed from the bottom up for those who want to listen on the move while being simultaneously aware of their surroundings. One of the most stand out changes to the case is the addition of UV-C light that sanitises the earbuds while not in use. How great is that!?
True wireless earphones for the audiophiles and purists out there. The final ZE3000 don’t have many of the bells and whistles. They have no ANC, no ambient mode nor wireless charging. However they were designed from the bottom up for ultimate sound quality and in that they totally succeeded. They also look absolutely fantastic and fit perfectly. What more could you ask for at £119!
final have really worked their magic here. Solid build quality, paired with great sound and effective ANC for under £120 is something rarely heard of. Add to that fantastic mic quality and you have an absolute bargain on offer. The final UX3000 can be recommend to absolutely anyone looking for a portable over-ear headphone and you will only see smiles on their faces.
What Our Customers Say:
These are exactly what I wanted from a pair of headphones – good sound quality, comfortable to wear, nicely made and all at a reasonable price!
The Cleer Enduro ANC is superb value. These wireless headphones have a fun and engaging sound signature that brings music to life thanks to the impressive levels of clarity and punch. The Enduro ANC is comfortable yet compact, and the sound signature is perfect for everyday use. The ANC is great for commuting with a massive battery life and the ambient noise control is a neat feature too.
Final Audio’s Ultra Seven inspired earphones look and sound the part! They are essentially a re-skinned ZE3000 with a motif of Ultra guard from Ultra Seven. Part of the Ultraman umbrella, this series was first released as a live action television series in 1967! As you can see, the earphone body, charging case, and packaging of these earbuds are designed in the image of the uniform and helmet of the Ultra Guard paying homage and celebrating the 55th anniversary of Ultra Seven. A perfect piece of kit if you are into Japanese culture and want to stand out from the rest of the crowd.
Best Wireless Gaming Headset. Best Wireless Headphones for Battery Life
The Audeze Maxwell is quite literally a masterpiece. After years of relentless innovation building first class gaming headsets, Audeze has finally released the successor to the Penrose, The Maxwell. This is a serious piece of kit for serious gamers (and us casuals too!). An upgrade to the Penrose in every conceivable way, the Maxwells sound quality, wireless performance & battery life (80 Hours!!!) have all been pushed to the limits of possibility. Easily the best wireless gaming headset out there today.
What Our Customers Say:
I loved my Penrose headset and have had the Maxwell for just over a week. It is an upgrade in every single way. I am so happy I pre-ordered it back in December and it really does live up to the hype. The new chassis is really sturdy and has a premium feel to it. The sound is even better than the Penrose, no issue whatsoever with the wireless connections. I am so chuffed and will be using this for years to come. Great job Audeze
Can you really believe that Final (or in this case their sub-brand AG) have teamed up with DBZ? Following up on my review of the Vegeta model, this one is focused on the Frieza Cotsubu version, A TWS aimed more towards the ASMR market. A must have for any Dragon Ball fan, these earphones are fantastic value for money. The focus on sound quality and their unique size makes these earphones suitable for lots of different cohorts who are after something a bit different to the usual. For £70, they really are quite the bargain!
Taking them out of the packaging box for the first time, it becomes clear just how small these earphones are. Both the earbuds and case are very slim. The charging case is the perfect shape to not be felt in your pocket. It provides an extra 15 hours of battery per charge to the earphones. Although not the longest, the shape and size of it is worth the compromise in my opinion.
The hinge on the case is again rigid and durable. You can even open and close the lid on the case singlehandedly with ease. The case is also smooth and stylish. The colourscape is a bit simpler than the Goku/ Vegeta versions, but the purple gives off enough Frieza vibes to know what it is representing and it really has an elegant aura to it overall.
Just like in my previous review, putting the buds in your ears for the first time is a great experience, especially if you watched Dragon Ball Z in Japanese with subtitles! More on the voice commands below.
The earphone body is also the smallest and lightest in this series of earphones. Weighing about 3.5g per earphone. They are so light and comfortable that you forget you’re wearing them. They fit perfectly in the ear canal and there is nothing protruding out. So even if you lay on your ear with them in, you won’t feel any pressure or a feeling of a foreign object. The size and shape make it an excellent earphone for sleeping too (if that is your thing!).
The original Japanese voiceover brings you straight into the action!
The Frieza (middle) and its siblings final x Dragon Ball Z Goku (left) and Vegeta (right)
Voice Guidance Prompts for the Frieza Model
The voice prompts are very fun and make it a joy to turn them on and put them in your ears. Here is a low down of them below. I have written the Japanese in English so you can phonetically read them (what text cannot do is convey the emotion in the lines, but that is why you have these earphones, right?)
When the earphones are turned on: Matte Imashitayo – I’ve been waiting for you. – No idea, but it sounds nasty and is a brilliant hello.
When it is turned off: Chi…Chikisho!!!! CHIKUSHOOO!!!! – Blast him, Blast him to infinity. – I think this is when he blasts Krillin out of the lake, but it could also be when he rips through Vegeta, or something else entirely. Any leads?
When pairing mode is activated : Kakugo wa yoroshii desune… – Prepare yourself for death! – Part of Frieza’s angry monologue as he prepares to face Vegeta, Gohan, Krillin, and Dende.
When pairing is successful: Watashitomo aroumonoga dokidoki shite kimashita – Even my heart is pounding. – I cannot find this for the life of me, it must be something between Frieza and Goku during their first epic fight.
When pairing is complete and you can now use the earphones: Watashi no sentoryoku wa Gojusamman desu – My battle strength is 530,000. – Says first form Freiza before he wrecks Vegeta, Gohan and Krillin.
When pairing has been disconnected: Zettai ni yurusanzo mushikera domo!!!! You worms, I’ll never forgive you. – Another line from Frieza’s angry monologue as he prepares to face Vegeta, Gohan, Krillin, and Dende.
Packaging
The packaging is a picture of Frieza in front of his spaceship, looking as menacing as always. The print is vibrant and the box itself is one that you will always want to keep.
Frieza Packaging
Sound
The sound quality really is superb, considering the size of these buds. The focus on ASMR / Voice is easily noticeable as soon as you put on a film or anime. There is a surprising amount of detail offered with these buds (only 3.5 grams each!). Vocals are crisp and well presented, with both male and female sounding excellent. Voice actors’ emotions are clearly conveyed. You really get that sense of distance between the characters when they talk with each other and they really help you immerse yourself in the world you are watching (or playing).
That Final ariness is also there. The Soundstage is absolutely huge for such a little device. Overall this is a great product for any DBZ fan or people who have small ears / want small earphones. They are great for watching shows/ movies/ Anime, playing games, listening to music, audiobooks and of course any ASMR content you fancy.
They sound realistic and natural and easily capture emotion in voice however it is spoken or sung
Battery life & Comfort/Fit
The battery life really is the only slight downside to these earbuds. They last between 4-5 hours on one charge and can be recharged 3 times from the case giving you a maximum 20 hours total playback. That does not bother me too much as it is plenty of time and thankfully way longer than my daily commute. However, when on an anime binge, 1 charge equates to about 15 episodes tops. Not necessarily a bad either thing mind you, as it is good to walk about and take a break every now and again!
For me, the comfort is unbelievable and these earphones have quickly become my daily choice. The case fits perfectly in your pocket and the earbuds . Playing with the eartips and choosing the bigger size created even more comfort. At this moment in time, there is no earphone in my repertoire that is as comfortable and as enjoyable as my little purple Frieza’s.
Specs
Communication method: Bluetooth®5.2
Chipset: Qualcomm® QCC3040
Reproduction frequency band: 20Hz – 20kHz
Supported codec: SBC, AAC, Qualcomm® aptX™ audio
Correspondence profile: A2DP, AVRCP, HSP, HFP
Continuous music playing time: 5 hours (20 hours including charging case)
We know how important it is to find the right earbuds; whether they are for your smartphone, music player, DAP, laptop, tablet or hi-fi system. Whether you call them in ears, IEM, in-ear headphones, earphones, earbuds, or anything else, this is the post for you. We’ve gathered our picks for the best earbuds that you can buy today. Welcome to our Best Earphones 2023 breakdown!
Designed with gaming and VR users in mind, the E500 delivers impressive spacial awareness and pin point accuracy. These qualities don’t only favour gamers – they give music an edge with clear imaging and a soundstage that brings you right into the mix. All of this for under £20 makes them a no brainer for those looking for a budget wired earphone.
With various SoundMAGIC models already available, what can the E11/E11C bring to the table? Well, Everything! We have found the E11 to be a grown-up earphone with a keen knack for giving a clear and accurate presentation across the board. A truly impressive earphone for the price and in 2023 it is still the wired budget king.
3. final VR2000 Virtual Reality In Ear Isolating Gaming Earphones – £59.99
The VR2000 builds on the immense success of their gaming earphone predecessor the VR3000, which is known for their overwhelming spatial expression. The VR2000 focuses on the rapid response and aims to make object sounds within game audio more noticeable. Many typical gaming earbuds and headphones emphasize an exaggerated sound quality, aiming to accentuate sound effects for a more dramatic experience for the user. But in competitive gaming such as arcade fighting (Tekken), FPS (Apex Legends), Third person shooters such as Fortnite or rhythm games sich as Osu! it’s no exaggeration to say that the player’s quick judgment in reacting to sound effects can largely influence the outcome of each round. The VR2000 is a set of professional-grade earbuds developed specifically for players who are serious about winning.
Final Audio have collaborated with Dragonball Z to produce 3 iconic and unique models based on main characters. The Frieza model is specifically designed for ASMR content. But it is also perfect for watching movies, animations and videos In general. Absolutely one to consider, if you use your earphones more for Audiobooks/ Movies over music (although they are great at that too!). They are also really small and light, so perfect for those with smaller ears or those who find it difficult to find a pair of buds that are comfortable and a great sleeping buddy (for when listening to music in bed is your thing)!
True wireless earphones for the audiophiles and purists out there. The final ZE3000 don’t have many of the bells and whistles. They have no ANC, no ambient mode nor wireless charging. However they were designed from the bottom up for ultimate sound quality and in that they totally succeeded. They also look abolutely fantastic and fit perfectly. What more could you ask for at £119!
Considering you can spend the same on Sony, Bose, Sennheiser and Apple – the Orbit provides audio that surpasses what the other popular brands would only dream of. Yes, you don’t get noise cancelling or fancy app tech with 1,000,000 features. What you do get is a product made by one of the best in the audio biz, and sound that you would normally need to pay over £1000 for…
Stage musicians rejoice! Musicans of the past were limited to selecting either an isolated in-ear monitor mix or an immersive wedge based experience for monitoring. With the Am Pro X20 you can now enjoy both the energy and input from the audience, as well as from other performers and the stage. With Westone Audio’s exclusive StageSense Ambient Technology you are in total control of your musical environment. You can enjoy full-range frequency response from your in-ear monitor signal, hear and feel your surroundings and engage with fellow performers and your audience like never before. The AM Pro X series is a recommended universal solution for on-stage monitoring and band practice.
8. Final ZE8000 – ANC TWS Earphones £299.00 (Currently on Special Offer for £199.00!)
Final’s flagship TWS earphone is finally here and a cause for celebration by many audio fans out there. The design is like nothing else out there today. The looks and comfort of these earphones are unique and extremely effective. Add to that a fantastic sound quality that challenges some of the finest wired earphones out there as well as all the bells and whistles you expect from a TWS earphone these days and you have quite the package.
Final’s new addition to the “A” series, The A5000 is a wired IEM that punches far above it’s price in terms of sound quality. Style aside, the bass is powerful and tight, the mids and the highs fabulous. Final have proven time and time again that you do not need to spend an arm and a leg for a quality earphone. For anyone looking to upgrade their gear on a budget, look no further. Final Magic for £259.00? Yes please.
The U4s is 64 Audio’s new, blue & cheapest UIEM coming in at £1099.00. The hybrid construction delivers a richer and deeper sub-bass then their next cheapest universal model the U6t (which is made up from a full BA driver set up) thanks to the dynamic driver under its hood. The U4s comes with 64 Audio’s all new M12 Apex module, meaning you essentially get four different sound signatures out of the box. You are after an open sound with as wide an image as possible? Then slot in the MX or the M12. Want more bass? Say hello to the M20 or M15. The versatility of these is great and the energetic sound from the U4s will keep your attention for years to come.
With the A8000, final prove that multiple drivers aren’t necessary for producing mind blowing audio. One driver is all that’s needed! Final don’t settle with any old drivers either. For the A8000, Final has developed their custom made ultra thin Beryllium foil driver. Along with Final’s four chamber housing design, the A8000 gives high resolution a whole new meaning. These need to be heard to be believed.
What started out as the Nio 2 evolved into a whole new word (and a UIEM) that never existed before. The Volür. The newest Universal IEM from 64 Audio. The pulsating heart of which is made up of two new custom 9mm dynamic drivers set in a True Isobaric configuration that delivers unprecedented low-frequency capability. The low end of the Volür will simply blow you away. It is easily one of the best technical performing earphones that has a “fun” sounding signature. Those purple abalone faceplates also look fabulous.
The Solaris ‘Stellar Horizon’ has a sound that arguably has not existed before. They are the realest sounding IEMs out there today. If you didn’t know better, when they are in your ears, you would assume that the audio was coming from a huge acoustically treated chamber filled with musicians all playing just for you. Bass sounds real. No boom or overdoing it. Mids sound real. The tone, texture and timbre match exactly the experience of listening to drums, guitars and vocals being performed live and in person. A must have.
With only 500 units avaliable worldwide, and only 2 left for sale in the UK, this unique IEM is already a collectors Item. With the second and final reimagination of the Fourte, it is better than ever. The boundaries have been pushed even further in showing what’s possible with only 4 drivers. If you are a fan of 64 Audio, this is a must have and reviewers are are claiming this is one of the best UIEM’s ever made. See Ulf Kaiser’s review from Kopfhoerer.de below!
Honourble mentions to the Trifecta, Fourté , LCD i3, OV800, and many more out there! What is your favourite? Please feel free to leave a comment below and let us know…
Final have teamed up with Dragon Ball Z. Yes, you read that right! The result of this collaboration are 3 unique pairs of earphones inspired from the characters Goku, Vegeta and Freiza from the legendary anime Dragon Ball Z. This review will be focusing on the Vegeta version (although Goku sounds exactly the same, other than the prompts). A must have for any Dragon Ball fan, these earphones are not just about aesthetics. The focus on sound quality and modern specs makes them relevant too in the ever changing world of TWS audio.
As expected from final, the build quality for the case and earbuds is fantastic. Taking them out of the packaging box for the first time, it is clear that the hinges of the case and the USB-C connector are rigid and durable. You can even open and close the lid on the case singlehandedly. The case has a smooth look on the surface and the shape / compactness of it means it sits in your pocket really easily. It is very cool, you need to see it with your own eyes.
Putting the buds in your ears for the first time is a great experience, especially if you watched Dragon Ball Z in Japanese with subtitles. More on the voice commands below. They are styled a bit like the ZE3000, in that the earbuds do not fully enter the canal, but sit very comfortably at the entrance. The shape of them means your outer ear also supports their position. They are also very lightweight and comfortable to wear for hours on end (up to 6 hours, more on that further below)
Goku’s earbuds are coloured after his classic look, so naturally, they are orange and blue. As for Vegeta’s earbuds, they have a little bit more. Inspired by his Saiyan battle armor from Dragon Ball Z, they are colored white, blue, and gold and when you turn them on The original Japanese voiceover brings you straight into the action!
Final has also gone big on the details, for each model the eartips are also colour themed, a great little edition that separates these out from your regular black/white TWS earbuds on the market. Not forgetting that the style of the case is designed on a Saiyan sleep pod as well.
Vegeta earphones, case & packaging
Voice Guidance Prompts for the Vegeta Model
The voice prompts are very fun and after a month still do not bore/ irritate me. Here is a low down of them below (I have written the Japanese in English so you can phonetically read them (what text cannot do is convey the emotion in the lines):
When the earphones are turned on: Ore wa Super Vegeta da!! (I am super Vegeta) – Episode 156 of Dragon Ball Z uncut, Vegeta telling Cell who is boss as he rages in. A great quote for turning them on.
When it is turned off: Fun, sukini shiro (Do what you want.) – The only line I have not yet found on my Dragon Ball Z rewatch adventure. If you know where it is from let me know!
When pairing mode is activated : Gambare Kakarot… (Hang in there Kakarot…) A fantastic line that begins the quote finished with the next prompt.
When pairing is successful: Omae ga Number one da! (You are the number one!) This finishes the quote from when Vegeta has a monologue while Goku is fighting Boo and finally accepts Goku as the most powerful´”Gambare Kakarot, Omae ga Number one da!”
When pairing is complete and you can now use the earphones: FINAL FLASH!!! – Vegeta’s signature move, enough said. Always gets a smile.
When pairing has been disconnected, He! Kitanee Hanabi da (Hmph! Dirty fireworks) – Another great line and also one of Vegeta’s techniques. We all know how he loves to kill with dirty fireworks!
Packaging
The packaging for the Goku and Vegeta models is inspired by the scene before their first battle (episode 30), with Goku and Vegeta glaring at each other in the Gizard Wasteland. By arranging the packages of the Goku and Vegeta models together, you can reproduce the entire scene. (as seen below).
Vegeta & Goku packaging together
Sound
The sound quality is great, of course it is because these are made by Final. They are tuned with a slightly emphasized treble and mid-high range but overall they have a natural, fatigue free sound signature to them. The bass is also really good. It is there when you need it but it never sounds like the main focus of the sound.
There is loads of detail on offer with these buds. Vocals are crisp and well presented, with both male and female sounding excellent. They never sound congested as there is great layering and space between the instruments and/or sound effects. The Final X Dragon Ball Z buds are great for watching shows/ movies, playing games and listening to music & audiobooks.
They sound realistic and natural.
They also have that signature Final airiness to them. This means you get a sense of space that many earphones fail to capture. Overall, the soundstage is mightily impressive (especially for a themed collab product), they really can handle anything you throw at them. A great win especially for Dragon Ball Z fans for sure.
Battery life
The battery life is the only slight downside to these otherwise great pair of earbuds. They last for about 6 hours on one charge and can be recharged 3/4 times from the case giving you a maximum 22 hours of playback. That does not bother me too much as it is plenty of time. However, When on an anime binge, 1 charge equates to about 17/18 episodes top. Not necessarily a bad either thing mind you, as it is good to walk about and take a break every now and again! This slight drawback is compensated by everything else from the overall look to the sound quality and solid build of the earbuds / case and provided accessories.
Specs
Communication method: Bluetooth®5.2
Chipset: Qualcomm® QCC3040
Reproduction frequency band: 20Hz – 20kHz
Supported codec: SBC, AAC, Qualcomm® aptX™ audio
Correspondence profile: A2DP, AVRCP, HSP, HFP
Continuous music playing time: 5.5 hours (22 hours including charging case)
Thanks to Sony, Bose and Apple, the thought of spending close to £300 on true wireless earphones is far from unheard of. Thank you! What does this mean? Well, this now opens the gates for smaller, hi-fi and audiophile focused brands to release their take on true wireless without having to cut corners. Now we can see brands that have historically released high-end speakers, headphones and IEMs apply their years of hi-fi experience into the popular world of TWS.
It may seem like these brands have come out of nowhere, and apart from those who have previous experience of high-end audio; in some ways they have. This is very much not the case though.
Who are these brands then?
Final
Final is one of those brands. What most people do not know is that Final has been creating some of the finest audio products since 1974. In their home of Japan, Final is regarded as hi-fi royalty. Over their long history, Final has developed a wide range of products from turntable cartridges, hi-fi stereo amplifiers, speakers and more recently, headphones and earphones. Their latest venture is wireless audio, where they have had huge success releasing the UX3000 wireless headphones, ZE3000 true wireless earphones and most recently, their flagship ZE8000 ANC true wireless earphones.
Final ZE8000 ANC True Wireless Earphones
Final’s flagship true wireless earphones are their most advanced release to date. Almost 50 years of hi-fi experience has been packaged into this portable gem. The ZE8000 gives us an insight into the passion and drive towards excellence that is at the core of why Final do what they do. For the ZE8000, Final has developed a number of new technologies from custom made drivers, Class-AB amp integration with dedicated signal processing and software breakthroughs such as 8K Sound, Volume Step Optimisation and sound quality prioritised ANC. The ZE8000 is the closest you can get to wired IEM sound quality from an ANC true wireless earphone.
Another ‘new’ brand on the scene is Campfire Audio. They are new when it comes to the world of true wireless, however they have been making some of the finest, and highly regarded IEMs since 2015. Even before 2015, the team behind this creative boutique brand came out of ALO Audio; leaders in developing headphone amplifiers, interconnects, and cables to audiophiles all over the world. Their history and experience, paired with a passion for art and bombastic creativity has resulted in some of the most stand-out IEMs the audio world has seen. Legends such as the Andromeda and Solaris are still regarded as some of the best, and now it is time for Campfire Audio to do the same to the world of wireless with their first ever true wireless earphone: Orbit.
Campfire Audio Orbit True Wireless Earphones
Staying true to their eye for striking design and love of sound quality that aims to please, Campfire Audio’s Orbit perfectly encapsulates these values. This is no ordinary audiophile product; the tuning of the Orbit aims to please all music lovers with a rich and luscious sound. The Portland, Oregon team developed a custom 10mm full range dynamic driver to sit at the heart of the Orbit, with the internal chamber designed to bring out every ounce of detail. This along with the unique design and colour choice means that the Orbit is well suited to those who appreciate style, originality, and creativity for an enhanced musical experience.
Last up is Noble. For 10 years now, Noble has been creating some of the most beautiful and technically marvellous IEMs money can buy. Headed up by the ‘Wizard’ himself, John Moulton, who is one of the main players when it comes to the IEM industry we know today. Noble specialise in both custom-fit IEMs as well as universal-fit, using only the finest materials and managing to effortlessly pack multiple driver configurations into their models. Only magic can explain this. Noble first released a TWS model in 2019, gaining high praise and multiple awards. Now we have the latest, and most impressive true wireless earphone model: FoKus Mystique.
Once you get over the stunning craftsmanship of the FoKus Mystique, there are plenty of other ways for you to be well and truly stunned. Firstly, Noble has packed one 8.2mm dynamic and two Knowles balanced armature drivers inside each earphone. This hybrid configuration not only uses the finest driver technology, the result is sound quality that most wired IEMs would struggle to compete with. The design is very unique, resembling a custom IEM with the shape and contours crafted to fit perfectly in your ear. The Noble FoKus Mystique is for those wanting the very best, and the most beautiful when it comes to what is possible in wireless audio. You will have to pay for it, however those who are willing to will not be disappointed.
Well, finally, Final has decided to take true wireless seriously. Final has never been one to rush, and the release of their latest ZE8000 flagship true wireless earphone will be a cause for celebration by many audio fans out there. It is clear they mean business, as just from looking at the design, we are dealing with something never seen before. Will they sound like no other too? Let’s find out.
I am a big fan of the ZE8000 presentation. The box is smart and shows the design of the earbuds in a subtle and inviting way, urging me to want to see more. Open the box and Final has provided a number of useful accessories including five sizes of eartips (SS, S, M, L, LL), a USB-C charging cable and a handy set of dust filters.
The Earbuds
Delve further and you’ll find the earphones along with their handy portable charging case. The earphones have been designed in a completely unique way. Final has developed their ‘division design’ so that the bulk of the components are separated from the part that fits into the ear. This means that those with smaller ears will be able to find a secure fit. This design choice is not only clever, it is attractive to look at too (for me anyway). With the ZE8000, Final has taken the common true wireless ‘stem’ and created a classy and stylish alternative. Due to the divided design, the ZE8000 is extremely comfortable. I have large ears, and the LL eartips create a tight seal and secure fit with no fear of the earphones moving around or falling out.
Maybe Final are onto something.
The Case
The case is on the larger side, yet the size seems justified considering the unique shape of the earphones. The lid slides open easily enough and has a pleasant action. Putting the earphones into the case and removing them is easy to do, even with gloves on. I am however slightly disappointed with the overall feel of the case. It is very light and has a plasticy feel to it which I would not normally have expected from Final – especially with a product at this price. Saying that, maybe Final are onto something. The case will either be in my pocket or bag, so being this light does have its uses. There is no wireless charging here, so you will need to use the USB-C charging port on the back which my be annoying for some. I personally don’t use wireless charging, so this did not affect my use of the ZE8000.
Final ZE8000 Black – Charging Case and Earbuds
ZE8000: Impressive Hardware
The Drivers
Final has developed a bunch of new technologies for the ZE8000. The driver used is their ‘f-CORE for 8K SOUND’ ultra-low distortion driver, which has been newly designed by Final’s in-house engineers. The 13mm driver has a lightweight aluminium dome which results in very low total harmonic distortion (THD) when compared to other true wireless models.
Class-AB Amplifiers
Another impressive hardware choice is the use of Class-AB amplifiers, known for their superior balance between sound quality and power efficiency. This is a big step for Final, as usually true wireless earphone products tend to use Class-D amplifiers which sacrifice audio quality for power efficiency. The result is a lower battery life when compared to some of the competition, but the benefits to sound quality will make up for that.
Battery Life
Speaking of battery life, the ZE8000 will give you 5 hours of listening time when fully charged, with an additional 10 hours (15 hours total) with the case. This is with noise cancelling activated, so while not being the best in terms of numbers, I find it acceptable given the benefits to sound quality from the Class-AB amps. You can fully charge the earbuds in 1.5 hours from 0, and fast charging will give you 45 minutes of playback from a 5 minute charge.
Call Quality
Thanks to the positioning of the earpieces, and the quality of the internal microphones used, voice quality on the ZE8000 is very clear. I found these earphones to work well outside while on the move and even better inside. I tried them when there was a fair amount of wind and still managed to make a few calls with no problems. Indoors, where there is no weather interreference, the call quality is extremely clear and along with their comfort, ideal for a day of long videos calls.
Final ZE8000 White – Charging Case and Earbuds
ZE8000: Software done right
Active Noise Cancellation
No corners were cut when it comes to the software either. For the ZE8000, Final has developed their noise cancelling technology to prioritise sound quality, and from what I can hear this is most certainly to be the case. The ANC may not block out as much noise as some of the competition, but what I do get is total silence coming from the earphones. There is no hiss anywhere to be heard, and the ANC certainly does create a quiet listening environment for me to enjoy some tunes, podcast interview or audiobook. The ANC also feels very natural to me. I tend not to use ANC on headphones or earphones because I find the effect to be very unnatural, usually affecting audio quality too.
Finally, there is Wind-Cut mode which gives you the benefit of Noise Cancelling while also completely reducing wind noise
Ambient Sound and Wind-Cut Mode
With the ZE8000, ambient noise is blocked out in a very natural way – as though the world just got quieter. If you want to hear your surroundings, Final has you covered. There are other settings including Ambient Sound and Voice Through. Both allow you to hear what is going on around you, with the Voice Through mode reducing the level of music coming through in order to be able to focus on talking. Finally, there is Wind-Cut mode (my favourite) which gives you the benefit of Noise Cancelling while also completely reducing wind noise – something I have not experience this well before. All of these models can be easily selected on the ‘Final Connect’ app along with a few other handy features including Final’s newly developed Volume Step Optimiser and 8K Sound.
Volume Step Optimizer
Volume Step Optimiser is a way of being able to easily fine tune your volume. This is setup via the app, where you can set a reference point, and then from there you can adjust the volume at much smaller intervals when compared to the standard volume controls. I personally didn’t use this much – however I know that there will be a lot of users out there who would appreciate this as an option.
Final ZE8000 Active Noise Cancelling
8K Sound
8K Sound utilises the hardware choices within the ZE8000 in order to deliver audio in a new way. When selected, I noticed a change to the sound. It is subtle, and there definitely seems to be an improvement to my ears – as though a veil was lifted and more information was pulled out of the audio. Those who prefer to keep things natural may not use this setting, I found myself keeping it on as I really enjoyed the benefits, however subtle.
Within the app you can also see the individual battery levels and easily perform firmware updates when available.
Compatibility
The ZE8000 supports all the main codecs AAC, aptX and aptX Adaptive, and is compatible with Snapdragon Sound – so anyone with devices using this technology will be able to benefit from this. My device does not so I could not test this out. I’ll just have t take their word for it.
Final ZE8000 Active Noise Cancelling
‘But John, how do they sound?’ – Good question. They sound very good!
I listen to so many headphones and earphones, wired and wireless, and at some point I realised that once you get to a certain level – they all sound pretty good. So, is the ZE8000 any different? Yes. Why? I am glad you asked…
A listening experience that I can best describe as ethereal
In my experience, true wireless earphones tend to favour smooth, unoffensive or bass heavy sound signatures. This makes sense, as it is probably what the majority of users really want. I love bass. If I listen to an earphone that has a lot of bass, and has balanced it well among the other frequencies, I will be a fan. Then I try the ZE8000 and I quickly remember that there’s a lot more to music than these popular sound signatures tend to deliver. Firstly, these are not bassy, nor are they smooth – they are effortless. The bass is very much there, and it stays well in its lane. The lack of noise makes for a silent canvas, which means that the finest details can come across in a way that is noticeable and yet perfectly subtle. Each sound is so tight and well controlled, that this leaves an impressive amount of space within the mix for reverbs and other effects to really make an impact. The combination of an extremely comfortable fit and effortlessly delivered audio makes for a listening experience that I can best describe as ethereal.
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Interested in all things Final? Check out more News and Reviews here!
The audio world has been anticipating this moment, and now the wait is over. Japanese audio specialists final has announced the launch of their new flagship ZE8000 true wireless earphones.
Since 2009, final has been at the forefront of portable audio, and their most recent flagship releases have influenced the creation and development of the ZE8000. In 2017, final released their D8000 flagship headphone which incorporated their very own planar magnetic technology (AFDS); developed in-house by final engineers. Later in 2019, the A8000 flagship wired earphone was released, utilising final’s truly pure Beryllium diaphragm driver; again designed and developed in-house.
These discoveries have allowed final to foresee the untapped potential of wireless portable audio, and apply their years of development and engineering prowess into creating the flagship ZE8000 true wireless earphones; proudly included within their 8000 series lineup.
Final ZE8000
Introducing 8K Sound technology – developed by final
For the ZE8000, final has developed their new ‘f-CORE for 8K Sound’ ultra-low distortion driver with a large 13mm diaphragm. This driver is extremely lightweight, using an aluminium-magnesium dome injection moulded onto a highly flexible silicone surround, with a floating mechanism used for the voice coils. The impressively low total harmonic distortion (THD) from this driver is unique amongst other true wireless earphone models, providing the highest precision in digital signal processing results and allowing the fullest possible portrayal of sound texture and detail.
Final ZE8000 Black
Class-AB Amplifier and Dedicated Digital Signal Processing
In order to achieve 8K Sound and fully utilise the new f-CORE driver, final has paid focused attention to the hardware nestled within the ZE8000. Class-AB amplifiers are known for their superior balance between sound quality and power efficiency, and is another element of the ZE8000 that sets it aside from the many TWS models typically using Class-D amplifier technology. Paired with the Polymer Multilayer Capacitors (PML CAPs) designed by Rubicon for digital signal processing, final’s 8K Sound is fully realised in the ZE8000.
Impressive hardware matched with state-of-the-art software and final Connect app
The ZE8000 has been loaded with an impressive amount of features, some of which never before available until now. In order for music quality to always be the focus of the ZE8000, final has developed their sound quality prioritised Active Noise Cancelling (ANC). This ANC does not degrade the audio in any way, and the low-noise helps to create a quiet environment for listening; removing irritating ambient noise and enabling a stress-free listening experience.
With the ZE8000, final has shown that high-end, hi-fi audio quality is possible from a wireless earphone; and this flagship is the first step towards realising the full potential of portable audio.
One of the most anticipated collaborations of 2023 in the audio scene is officially on sale in the UK. Final have teamed up with Dragon Ball Z and have launched 3 products inspired by the iconic characters Goku, Vegeta and Frieza. With original and unique designs, they also incorporate that Final magic we love. The result is a product that encompases the essence of everyones favourite animation from the late 80’s- to 90’s. Naturally, they sound fantastic too.
Goku and Vegeta squaring up
The packaging for the Goku and Vegeta models is inspired by the scene before their first battle (episode 30), with Goku and Vegeta glaring at each other in the Gizard Wasteland. By arranging the packages of the Goku and Vegeta models together, you can reproduce the entire scene. (as seen above).
As you can see, the Goku version is based on his iconic outfit and Vegeta likewise with his very traditional Saiyan battle armour.
Original Voiceover Announcements
Announcements such as power ON / OFF are made by the voices of Goku (Masako Nozawa) and Vegeta (Ryo Horikawa). Familiar lines such as “Kamehameha” and “Final Flash” are also assigned to the guide voice.
“Dragon Ball fans can fully immerse themselves in the world of Dragon Ball Z”
Frieza COTSUBU Model
Frieza’s model is co-branded with ag. The Dragon Ball Z x ag COTSUBU uses Frieza’s purple and white body for the case and earphones, making a particular use of Frieza’s fourth form. Furthermore, the box design combines Frieza’s evil atmosphere at the time of his first appearance against the backdrop of Frieza’s spaceship arriving on Namek.
Freiza’s Purple and White inspired colour combination for the earphones
This earphone is tuned more towards ASMR content. But it is also suitable for animation, watching videos, movies, listening to audiobooks, podcasts and of course music too. The system voice prompts also feature the original voice of Frieza (Ryuusei Nakao), again allowing the user to immerse into the Dragon Ball Z universe.
We know how important it is to find the best headphones for you; whether they are for your smartphone, music player, laptop, console or hi fi system. Here you can see the best of the best earphones, on ear, full size, Bluetooth, wireless and audiophile headphones to buy right now.
What started out as the Nio 2 evolved into a whole new word (and a UIEM) that never existed before. The Volür. The newest Universal must have IEM from 64 Audio. The pulsating heart of this new creation is made up of two new custom 9mm dynamic drivers set in a true isobaric configuration that delivers unprecedented low-frequency capability. The low end of the Volür will simply blow you away, not that the highs or the mids are ignored whatsoever. This new hybrid UIEM from 64 Audio is easily one of the best technical performing earphones that has a “fun” sounding signature in existence today. Those purple abalone faceplates also look fabulous. A must have in 2023.
Coming hot off the heels of Lyperteks now world famous PurePlay Z3, The Pureplay Z5 has changed the game completely. This is probably the best TWS ANC earphone you can buy for under £100. They have ANC, Ambient mode, wireless charging, accompanying PUREPLAY ANC app with LDX Audio, sound customisation profiles and more. Add to that a fanstastc sound quality and brilliant mics and you can instantly see why the Z5 has made the cut.
Final have really worked their magic here. Solid build quality, paired with great sound and effective ANC for under £120 is something rarely heard of. Add to that fantastic mic quality and you have an absolute bargain on offer. The UX3000 can be recommend to absolutely anyone looking for a portable over-ear headphone and you will only see smiles on their faces.
How do they do it? SoundMAGIC have once again made a killer headphone for a super price. The P23BT doubles up as a headset too with the included cable and boom mic (great for home office or even gaming). In addition, the headphone is lightweight and comfortable. Add into the mixer an incredibly impressive battery life and a simple ease of use and you have got yourself a bargain. They sound full and warm yet never bass heavy. They really do sound incredible and for a Wireless on ear headphone what more could you want?
5. Audeze LCD-X Planar Magnetic Full Size Headphones – £1149
The Audeze LCD-X are a real eye-catching headphone. For a retail price that seems crazy at first glance, the bottom line is that the price-performance ratio of this headphones is absolutely fantastic. Not only due to the impeccable manufacture, but also a robust construction, use of high-quality materials and wonderful, detailed sound Loved by Audiophiles and sound engineers alike. If you want to give yourself a birthday or Christmas present, you can safely consider surprising yourself with the Audeze LCD-X.
6. Audeze MM-500 Planar Magnetic Full Size Studio Headphones – £1699
Audeze MM-500 is designed to suit the requirements of long daily listening sessions under almost any condition. World-class studio monitor? Check. Quick reference on-the-go? No problem. Deep late-night listening? Done. With its ease of drive, comfortable fit and trustworthy sound, you can count on the MM-500 to deliver in every situation. The MM-500’s planar magnetic drivers provide realism that audio professionals like Manny “can’t live without.” With lightning-fast transients, accurate frequency response and trusted mix translation.
Following the runaway success of the Cleer Audio‘s open ear Arc earphones, the Cleer Arc II SPORT has taken the concept of an open wireless earphone to a whole new level. The new Arc II Sport is superior to its predecessor in every single way. It has a longer battery life, a better, even more secure fit with an improved earhook design and supports wireless hands free and head gesture controls for answering calls and the like. This earphone has been designed from the bottom up for those who want to listen on the move while being simultaneously aware of their surroundings. One of the most stand out changes to the case is the addition of UV-C light that sanitises the earbuds while not in use. How great is that!?
With the advent of the PS5 and Xbox X consoles, gamers will want some headphones to maximise their experience. The Audeze Maxwell is a supercharged, reimagined Penrose. Now with 80hr+ battery life, Ultra-Low Latency Wireless with 3X range of traditional 2.4Ghz. As well as first-in-class Bluetooth 5.3. Including an Improved build with an all-new reinforced chassis from aluminium and steel. As well as The adoption of Audeze’s FILTER™ noise reduction technology for clear communications on top of their Award-winning Audeze 90mm planar magnetic drivers. This is the must have gaming headset of 2023.
Coming from Japan, Final is a High-end audio brand with a minimalist style and an aim to give their customers the best in class when it comes to audio quality. No matter the price point. Well loved and with a loyal fan base in its native Japan, Fnal has been making strides into Europe and the USA over the last decade. Becoming a household name for Audiophiles, they have recently broken into the more mainstream consumer markets with their Wireless product range. Winning awards for their affordability, style and sound quality along the way.
About Final
Established in 2007, Final’s first earphones were released onto the market in 2009 and their first Final branded headphone was released in 2013. They are a very modern company, making use of high precision Japanese engineering and adopting cutting edge technology such as 3D printing. This in turn aids their now famous and unrivalled focus on finesse and accuracy.
A name for itself amongst the audiophile world over the last 10 years
This company wide attention to detail, alongside their stylistic minimalist approach to their products has resulted in Final carving a name for itself amongst the audiophile world over the last 10 years. In addition to this, further recognition amongst the general consumer market, most recently with their “Best Most Affordable Wireless Headphone 2022” award from TechRadar for their UX3000 has further enhanced the brands image in the western world’s mainstream.
They are finally starting to get the recognition they deserve in this general consumer space. This is because their products in all price categories from £19.99 to £4000+ fulfil their mission to provide the highest quality of audio design. That “Final magic” reviewers often write about is something very real, and it would be remiss to not try out what they offer.
Final D8000 Pro Limited Edition
Collaboration series
As Final gained more renown worldwide and a reputation for producing great audio devices, they have begun to collaborate with other Japanese cultural exports to create unique products. Without a doubt, these are as collectable as they come and they are great “Final” products themselves. For example, the collaboration between Final and the anime show Evangelion uses the characters Mechas as a motif. So each model (there are now 6 in the wild!) are totally unique with the earphone chassis and case. Not only can people get something that reflects their favourite character, the voice signals in each device, such as “power on” are also recorded by the actors that play the characters these devices represent.
Final have taken this approach further with a recent collaboration with Ultraman and in the coming months, there is sure to be even more collaborations with other Japanese cultural icons that are already popular culture in the western world. As big as Naruto or Pokémon? Hold your breath, because it is going to blow your mind.
Final UX3000
Final Collaboration Series: EVA2020 x Evangelion
Fun FACT
Final has a state-of-the-art “Final STORE” located in Kawasaki, Japan. This is open to all music lovers and audio enthusiasts to come in and experience Final’s range of headphones & earphones. You can even reserve a table or even a soundproof room to try out their products. In addition to this, they offer on the spot, repair / support consultations on your Final products.
Furthermore, they offer various events such as limited edition sales or “The MAKE series tuning experience”. The MAKE series is a DIY earphone kit that allows you to find “your own sound” by changing the internal tuning with the included kit. As well as the option to be able to purchase the kit on the spot, the experience includes staff recommended tunings and advice on how to get the earphone to create more of the sound you desire. Worth a visit if you ever find yourself in Tokyo, Japan!
Ethos
Final strongly believe in creating products that are highly revered by people. They design and build their products with the intention for the customer to have an affinity towards them and continue to use in the same way as for example with mechanical wristwatches; The kind of products that will continue to be valued and seen as antiques in the future.
Final aspire to make their name synonymous with Earphones/Headphones. Much like the countries Switzerland being famous for wristwatches or Germany for their cars. To that end, Final embody the design of their products with their core values and mission, unrivalled craftsmanship precision and accuracy.
Milestones
2007: Founded.
2009: The manufacture and sales of earphones under the Final audio design brand began in conjunction with the beginning of an earphone. / headphone OEM / ODM business.
2011: Sales of Final audio design branded products began overseas focused in Europe and Asia.
2013: The first headphones under the Final brand were released onto the market.
2014: The brand name was standardized to “final”, and the company logo was revamped. Joint development of LAB I, the first earphones with a titanium housing created using a 3D printer.
2015: The company’s head office expanded and relocated from Shinagawa, Tokyo to Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture.
2016: LAB II, earphones with a titanium housing, were developed in collaboration with NTT Data Engineering Systems using a 3D metal printer.
2017: Released the bestseller the E3000, the result of research on the correlation between hearing and physical characteristics. The D8000 planar magnetic headphone is also released.
2018: Scaled down ODM and OEM businesses in line with the growth of the Final brand.
2019: Created the ag brand that handles wireless products and opened a directly managed Final store
2020: Name changed from S’NEXT Co., Ltd. to Final Co., Ltd.
2021: Head office and directly managed Final store expanded and relocated to Nakasaiwai-cho, Saiwai-ku, Kawasaki.
2022: Released Final wireless range the UX3000 and ZE3000 to critical success. Major review platforms such as Trusted Reviews, T3 Magazine, Techradar and Hi-Fi Choice chose the UX3000 as one of the best affordable headphones 2022.
Late 2022: A limited edition of the D8000 pro is released.
Final have really worked their “magic” here. Solid build quality, paired with great sound and effective ANC for under £120 is something rarely heard of. Add to that fantastic mic quality and you have an absolute bargain on offer. The Final UX3000 can be recommended to absolutely anyone looking for a portable over-ear headphone. You will only see smiles on their faces.
2. Final A8000 Audiophile Custom-Driver Earphones – £1,999.00
With the A8000, Final prove that multiple drivers aren’t necessary for producing mind blowing audio. One driver is all that’s needed! Final don’t settle with any old drivers either. For the A8000, Final has developed their custom made ultra thin Beryllium foil driver. Along with Final’s four chamber housing design, the A8000 gives high resolution a whole new meaning. These need to be heard to be believed.
Designed with gaming and VR users in mind, the E500 delivers impressive spatial awareness and pin point accuracy. These qualities don’t only favour gamers. They give music an edge with clear imaging and a soundstage that brings you right into the mix. All of this for under £20 makes them a no brainer for those looking for a budget wired earphone.
Final VR3000 gaming earphones enable complete immersion into the VR and gaming world by reproducing the acoustic spatial sound as intended by the game creator. Most earphones for games and 3D sounds are made with exaggerated low and high frequencies, emphasising the surprise when you listen to them. VR3000 is very different.
Final have released a Limited Model of the flagship D8000 Pro Edition headphones, with a new stylish finishing concept and further upgrades. A luxurious and authentic matte black finish is applied throughout, and dry gold-plated perforated metal is used for the AFDS driver. The structural and acoustic design of the driver, and dedicated housing construction which optimizes sound, have been retained.
Latest Final Updates and News:
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Christmas will be here soon, so what better time to release a guide of our favourite picks from the past year. Whether you are buying for yourself or a loved one, we’re sure there will be something for every headphone aficionado in this gift guide. We have True Wireless earphones, Gaming headphones, DACS, AMPs, Speakers, even the perfect Running earphones & more! Check our Christmas 2022 Gift Guide out below:
Cleer Enduro ANC Headphones– £149 Currently £119
If earphones aren’t your thing, then the Cleer Enduro ANC wireless headphones with active noise cancelling would be the ideal gift for the music lovers out there. The features include 60 hours of playback with ANC enabled and sound quality that easily challenges the pricier options out there from Sony, Bose and Sennheiser.
Audeze Penrose / Penrose X – £298.99 Currently £249.00
With the advent of the PS5 and Xbox X consoles, gamers will want some headphones to maximise their experience. The Audeze Penrose and Penrose X have been designed with these consoles in mind, using their low latency wireless technology for accurate listening, a built in microphone designed by the one and only Shure, and planer magnetic drivers for award winning sound quality makes these a must have – Full Review
the Lypertek PurePlay Z5 is the ideal gift for those that want the best sound quality from their true wireless earphones. Having gained multiple awards for not just their impressive sound – the PurePlay Z5 is jam packed with features for a very favourable price.
The PurePlay Z5 are one of the best, if not the best, true wireless models for daily use. They have ANC, Ambient mode, wireless charging, accompanying app and more along with truly suburb sound quality for a low price.
The Final UX3000 ANC is a fantastic product for its price. Final have really worked their magic here. Solid build quality, paired with great sound and effective ANC for under £120 is something rarely heard of. Add to that fantastic mic quality and you have an absolute bargain on offer. The UX3000 can be recommend to anyone looking for a portable over-ear headphone. Full Review
The combination of eating too much over Christmas and local lockdowns may see a real spike in outdoor activities – the Cleer Arc is the ideal true wireless earphone for this. Their secure fit means they will stay put, and the open sound means you can hear your surroundings while on the move. They also look great too.
For those who want something more neutral to natural. With a nice sub-bass weighting, good vocal presence and a very coherent and articulate treble performance the Khan does a fantastic job. And It looks like a piece of uniquely crafted Art.
This is something for lovers of anime – and especially the popular Evangelion series. Final has collaborated with Evangelion to release three true wireless earphone models based on different robot units from the hit show. With Final behind the build, sound quality is as good as you’d expect – and the design is equally impressive.
If you’re a lifetime rock & roller, either on the stage or in the crowd then we have the perfect gift idea for you! These dynamic, electronic earplugs will keep your ears damage-free without forcing you to give up the natural quality of the music around you.
Burson Audio Conductor 3 Reference- £1,999.00 Currently £1,799.00
For those of you that want to splash out or add a bit of style to their Setup. The Burson amp/DAC combo’s also work so well with all Audeze products. Providing tons of clean power without any sort of harshness. There is an ever so slight hint of smoothness to the Burson amps that just keeps you wanting to listen more.
The Final ZE3000 are designed for ultimate sound quality and in that they succeed, They also look awesome and fit perfectly. What more could you ask for at £119? – Full Review
A Brilliant Budget Earphone that Sounds MAGIC. We have found the E11C to be a grown-up earphone with a keen knack for giving a clear and accurate presentation across the board. It is a true bargain and certainly a very good IEM for everyday use. The mic and controls are an added bonus and making use of the included case as well as regular cleaning ensures that these earphones last well beyond their warranty. Perfection? Not quite. But at £52 you will struggle to find a similar product worthy of your investment. – Full Review
Campfire Audio Holocene- £649.00 Currently £599.00
TheHolocene are almost a scaled down Andromeda, but with a twist of their own of course, they are slightly warmer and less airy in the top end but still have a very enjoyable sound. The Holocene are fairly linear with a slight bass lift that doesn’t bleed into the midrange, allowing that to cut through with clarity and accuracy. The lower treble is dipped slightly, robbing them of some energy but also meaning they don’t sound fatiguing or sibilant, yet the upper treble is well presented with great extension and air. Overall they are a really impressive earphone, and make a superb daily driver. – Full Review
Noble Sultan Black & Grey- £2,899.00 Currently £1,999.00
For those serious audiophiles looking for some of the best earphones on the marke & detail lovers that want a controlled yet also fun sound that isn’t clinical.
GravaStar Venus Bluetooth Speaker- £79.96 Currently £59.99
For those who love Sci-fi. A Bluetooth speaker with all the character of a sci-fi movie and the sound to match. This speaker is as much an art piece as it is a piece of tech, with unmatched build quality, portability, and style. It would look at home in any gamer’s space. You can even pair them together to create surround sound! Full Review
For ultimate value, the best budget true wireless is the Lypertek Z7. If you want exceptional audio quality, phenominal battery life and an abundence of clarity, then look no further. At just under £90, the Lypertek Z7 is easily one of the most impressive options out there. Full Review
The LCD-2 Classic are a well controlled, but ultimately warm sounding headphone. They offer up a fatigue free sound with good width and height. If you listen to electronic centred music, old school rap/hip-hop and smoother more acoustic music they are a joy to listen to.Full Review
Instead of going for the usual neutral-ish sound signature of most high-end models, Final instead decided to make the D8000 enjoyable, with very punchy and dynamic bass and impressive clarity across the board, the D8000 stand out from the crowd.
The Pinnacle of performance. This is a gift for someone who only wants the best of the best. Audeze’s new flagship planar magnetic headphone is a phenomenal piece of kit. It offers a brand new Audeze sound, way more than just a simple evolution from the LCD-4. With a natural yet almost reference style tuning they hit all the right marks. They are also lighter and significantly more comfortable than previous models. Full Review
If you want to give yourself or someone you know a birthday or Christmas present, you can safely consider surprising yourself/them with the Audeze LCD-X. The Audeze LCD-X is a real eye-catching headphone. For a retail price that seems crazy at first glance, the bottom line is that the price-performance ratio of this headphones is absolutely fantastic. Not only due to the impeccable manufacture, but also a robust construction, use of high-quality materials and wonderful, detailed sound Loved by Audiophiles and sound engineers alike. If you do take the plunge, A very, Merry Christmas is all but guaranteed.
