Final ZE8000 MK2 Review: A Dubai Perspective
As a mad music lover, there is nothing I would want but the best wireless earbuds. Listening to some of my favorite tracks often ends up not being excellent as a result of bad sound output. I always keep an eye out for superior audio devices. My choice of music is vast, including indie to house, hip-hop to written artist, you name it. All these different tastes require earphones equipped with EQs to have the sound tweaked to the best quality for each genre. Imagine my surprise when a package dropped into my email regarding the new ZE8000 MK2 earbuds from Final, with the Japanese brand boldly claiming to offer '8K' sound quality.
But exactly how does one define '8K' audio? But amazing though the term may be, it just encapsulates a mingling of some of the most advanced—as they say—technologies, mostly digital signal processing, married to an ergonomic design with strong codec support, in a bit to bring about a heightened audio experience. This makes fuller, richer, and more detailed sound compared to other wireless earbuds that do not have these features.
The ZE8000 MK2s are the improved version of Final's older brother, the ZE8000s, engineered to produce accurate sound with 32% better-in-class Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology running a Class AB amplifier, new-generation PML capacitors that significantly reduce audio leakage.
Retailing at AED 1,282 (approximately AED 1,282) for the Asia Pacific, these are priced squarely within the luxury category of TWS earbuds. Yes, the sound quality is no less than perfect, but developing some of the features that usually come standard in this segment, such as wear detection and probably acoustic adjustment, is missing from this design. Is greater audio quality enough recompense for these shortcomings? We shall find out in this detailed review of the Final Audio ZE8000.
Final ZE8000 MK2: Specifications
• Price: AED 1,282.
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2.
• ANC: Yes.
• Durability: IPX4.
• Supported Codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive.
• Wireless Range: 230 feet (tested).
• Battery Life: 15 hours (case), 5 hours (earbuds).
• Colors: Black.
Price and Availability
Price and availability in Dubai Final ZE8000 MK2s sell in Dubai for AED 1,282, which is pricier than some of the most desired, which sell for AED 1,098—like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra or the Sony WF-1000XM5s. Even the much talked-about AirPods Pro 2 sell for a lesser price—pegged at AED 912. However, on platforms like Amazon, these are available for a much-discounted price of AED 1,024.
Design and Comfort
The ZE8000 MK2s ship in a unique oblong case with a smart swipe-up lid—an effect like some clever packaging of a Victorian pocket watch. The case is bulky itself; a smaller overall form factor would work better for later versions. The eartips ship with five different sizes of silicon tips, from XS to XL, to ensure proper fit for all sizes.
Besides, the earbuds have an angled design that meets on the capacitor-containing stem, modernly stylish. They also come with a cleaning stick and additional covers for the drivers, making them long-last-able.
Controls and Connectivity
However, ZE8000 MK2s offer a few touch gestures, but you don't actually program them on top of those in the app, so it ends up somewhat cumbersome. Those operate over Bluetooth 5.2, allowing Magpods to maintain fall-in connection all the way out to around 230 feet. It can connect to two devices simultaneously, which is very convenient for someone to connect their phone and laptop together at the same time. In my testing, that worked seamlessly with an iPhone 11 and a MacBook Air M2.
Call Quality
The ZE8000 MK2s come into their own with wind-cut technology equipped, handling very decently in terms of call quality. According to my partner, there was a revealing positive difference when the earbuds were turned onto the wind-cut mode in particularly windy weather. Their voice transference became clearer, and their voice was amplified. Here, this feature sets the new earbuds way ahead in more competition with some top premium releases: the Jabra Elite 75t and the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro 2.
Sound Quality
I consider myself a pretty discerning person when it comes to sound quality, and the Final ZE8000 MK2s do not let me down at all. These earphones isolate, helping you focus, with a guarantee of keeping sound leakage at the bare minimum in your surroundings.
Coupling it further with a digital signal processor gets some of the best sound qualities I have really had a chance to work with. Then there's the aptX adaptive codec with Snapdragon Sound support, firing those high-res audio experiences through services such as Tidal. "The earphones exhibited really well in every genre, be it Indie or Classical, at which its dynamism works perfectly.".
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Things to be expected to note: Qi charging, charging note five stages LED, TW+ enhances accord, MobilePal chips, Z database feature. Active Noise Cancellation: It's really a killer feature that stands out the ZE8000 MK2s over many competitors, including the severely criticized AirPods Pro 2. Coupled with state-of-the-art algorithms and a robust hardware design, the earbuds' ANC delivers a truly immersive noise cancellation experience.
The silicone ear tips, which seal better in the ears like a vacuum, just do their work to seal off background noise, be it a hum from an aeroplane engine, the chattering in a café, or the noise of a busy bustling street. Such great isolation from noise allows you to put all your attention toward music or podcasts, offering a calm, undisturbed audio experience. In this, the ANC works in tune with four listening modes, including ambient and wind-cut, thus giving you flexibility based on whatever environment you are in.
Such a feature makes ZE8000 MK2s an ideal solution for people who need reliable noise cancellation done in a very versatile way—traveling, working, or relaxing. Overall, the ANC performance with these earbuds is really strong and compelling for those who significantly prioritize noise isolation in their audio gear.
Features and Shortcomings
The sound quality and ANC for the ZE8000 MK2s are Really Class, but then again, they quite drop out in specific sections when compared with some better high-end and mid-range models. They at least fit in the face of certain standards that are being considered on the market. For instance, compared to the cheaper AED 327 EarFun AirPro 4 or top-end AirPods Pro 2, the ZE8000 MK2s on their part at least do not have wear detection or audio that adjusts fast enough.
Which means that they don't stop or start playing music every time that you remove or insert them, a necessity that's now accepted as par for the course by most of these units. Moreover, while the ZE8000 MK2s do have four of these modes—ANC, ambient, voice-through, and wind-cut—the switching has to be done manually, which isn't the norm with most such headsets today.
Despite these downsides, the device's overall performance in sound quality and noise cancellation can still be considered attractive for users who prefer audio fidelity on FM and AM radios over convenience features. However, if you expect a richer feature set from your radio, these functionalities could be something you miss.
App Experience
This results in a somewhat mixed bag of features and limitations in the app experience with the ZE8000 MK2s that are managed by the Final app. One is an app using which earbuds can now help realize their full potential.
Ahead features such as 8K audio playback and custom EQ settings let users tune users to their preference. Its design and functionality could go through a bit of updating, and with certain bugs every now and then, the overall usability tends to really take a hit.
Thirdly, as for the inability to customize touch controls directly from the app, it implies that there will just nearly always come a time when the responsiveness of the earbuds becomes quite locked down. As such, it can be very infuriating for a user who has certain idiosyncrasies specific to them.
Still, the app generally serves its purpose by allowing the necessary controls and updates such that the earbuds still perform well. The app is as glorious an element of the ZE8000 MK2s experience as it is lacklustre in its functionality right now, but for the few who can stand a list of eccentricities in return for excellent sound tailoring.
Battery Life
The battery life of MK2s ZE8000 earbuds is decent but falls short of some expectations time. They promise about 5 hours of playtime in the specifications, which is quite solid in this day and age of wireless earbuds. At the time when the 8K sound driveway switched mode was on in all its glory, with an increased bit rate and admittedly, overall sound quality, time was a shade under 4 hours. If the notion of deep listening hours without interruptions to tethering might quite haunt you, then imagine the consequences for getting them into reality.
That's in addition to the 15 hours the charging case is said to provide, and that's plenty when you tally it up towards a 20 hours overall battery life. The respectably good longevity is underpinned by the Sony WF-1000XM5 with a better-extended battery life.
This could be a drawback for people who journey a lot and really cannot be bothered with lugging around this extra case. Besides, the good news is that the ZE8000 MK2s charge back relatively quickly, which offsets their abridged life some way. On the whole, though the battery life in the ZE8000 MK2 is more than adequate for most routine uses, this is not the case if used beyond the normal.
Final Verdict
Recommendation from It was unreal: a very convincing option for any audiophile in Dubai feeling their thirst for sound quality, with the new Final ZE8000 MK2s wireless earbuds.
The new Final ZE8000 MK2 truly represents the premium level of experiences that one could rock with unchallenged audio performance and a fanatical ANC. It is expected to bring the ultimate and undiluted effect of sound to a user desirous of an experience that is truly immersive and high fidelity.
Imposing an important point: although not lacking a premium price, these earbuds do not have the wear detection and adaptive audio some competitors offer. However, one should be able to put this in perspective; the ZE8000 MK2s are a worthy outlay.
These earphones would be just the perfect choice for somebody who is mainly worried about having the utmost audio quality and is not too much concerned with the features it finds. At the end of the day, with these earbuds, you would get one of the best audio experiences, the seeking of which gets an enthusiast—an advanced, immersive quality of sound that almost helps you forgive the high price and noninclusion of some features.
FAQs
1. What is the price of the Final ZE8000 MK2 earbuds in Dubai?
ZE8000 MK2 earphones final cost in Dubai is AED 1,282, but the price could be a bit different based on the retailer and presence of sales or promotions. It is interesting to look out for offers in some stores across the internet and malls.
It does fall, at times, to near-within-tolerance price points for some consumers when package deals or promotional discounts are offered. Plus, considering what you get feature-wise and the build quality, the price tags do position the earbuds as a luxury audio gadget for audiophiles and more critical listeners alike.
2. Do the ZE8000 MK2 earbuds support noise cancellation?
Yes, the ZE8000 MK2 earbuds have been designed with this state-of-the-art Active Noise Cancellation system, perfect for keeping out any unwanted background noise. Such a feature provides an incredible aural experience as it builds up an immersive acoustic surrounding, making it the best to use in noisy environments, public places, or uptowns.
This active noise cancellation is better than most in the market. It cuts off low-frequency noises and gives a silent and focused listening experience, which makes it apt for exhausted persons listening to music, yet more so, a large number of podcast hours in noisy environments.
3. Can the ZE8000 MK2 earbuds connect to multiple devices simultaneously?
Yes, the ZE8000 MK2 Earbuds do support multiple device connections. Users may disconnect and reconnect between up to two different devices when necessary. This is very helpful to those who are using different devices, such as a smartphone for calls and a laptop for video conferencing or music.
It will thus be easy switching audio sources without the need of disconnecting and reconnecting, leading to improvement of experience and more freedom with multiple devices. Therefore, it makes the earbuds the most flexible device for multitaskers and on-the-go professionals.
4. What is the battery life of the ZE8000 MK2 earbuds?
The ZE8000 MK2s offer up to 5 straight hours of playback on a single charge, which is more than enough for daily usage like commuting and working out or just listening to some of your favorite sounds. And, the case itself holds 20 hours of extra charge, bringing the total use time to around 20 hours.
This improved battery life further prolongs the usability of the earbuds throughout the day without a frequent need for recharging, making them convenient for that long trip or busy full day. The charging case is also configured to support fast charging, serving user needs at any given moment.
5. Are the ZE8000 MK2 earbuds worth the investment for their sound quality?
The ZE8000 MK2 easily passes as good value for money in the eyes of every audiophile looking for super sound and effective cancellation of noise. Packed with top-notch drivers and acoustics, it ensures to deliver premium and highly clear, balanced sound over a wide dynamic range of frequencies.
In this kind of earphone, a perfect combination has been declared for allowing people related to both professionally as well as personally getting connected in their valued music, podcasts, or even splendid calls. Similarly too, the built of these are sturdy and ergonomically correctly designed, which obviously causes price worth it, giving comfort and lot of lifetime to them. By and large, they make for a solid benner for anyone looking to enhance their audio experience.
