Can you hear music in 8K? Final promises with its next-gen earbuds, yes you can
Oh, final audio. I really want to believe in “8K sound” even if it is nothing.
Resolution referring to pixels per square inch does not translate aurally. Those who value the quality of their music usually prefer the term “hi-res audio,” specified as anything above 1,411 kilobits per second, also known as “CD quality” 16-bit/44.1 kHz. Audiophiles work with audio bit depth and sampling rate, not the number of pixels crammed into a horizontal screen for visual sharpness.
But Final isn't alone in wanting to promote an “evolution in sound quality” through a bit of new terminology. Amazon Music calls its highest level streaming quality 'HD' (also nothing in audio), while Apple Music prefers to place its improved audio proposals in the categories 'Lossless' and 'Hi-Res Lossless' – which, although very decent in quality, are again somewhat misleading terms. Even Tidal isn't immune to some slick wording, choosing to call its most expensive streaming quality 'Max' (which is actually up to 24-bit/192 kHz).
But let's stop talking about the hi-res chops within each of the top music streaming services and move on to Final's gorgeous-looking new earbuds. Behold, the definitive Audio ZE8000 MK2!
It's a surprisingly early update to the February 2023 inaugural ZE8000, but given the list of improvements and tweaks the company has made to the inaugural model, an MK2 moniker is very much justified.
You now get (deep breath) new 'Shield Fin' earbuds in five sizes, which offer 32% better isolation with ANC active and a more secure fit; software and hardware changes to improve signal-to-noise ratio; the ability to deactivate ANC and all other noise control settings; a 5 dB increase to maximum volume plus updates to the Final Connect app, including improved 'Volume Step Optimization' and new multi-point capabilities.
And to say that Final is a talented audio specialist is putting it mildly: see our five-star Final Audio UX3000 review if you want to be convinced of the company's prowess at cutting the wires on its listening equipment.
Analysis: Final Audio probably hit a home run here
Although the first generation ZE8000 received mixed reviews, the somewhat disappointing noise cancellation (rather than the audio quality itself) seems to have been the main problem. And because Qualcomm aptX and aptX Adaptive are both on the spec sheet, they're a great listener on paper.
We can't vouch for the ZE8000 MK2 yet (although that's coming – I'll review them soon), but given the stylish build and the plethora of tips on offer, it could well be that a good seal is achieved to both maximize audio quality and noise cancellation. all the updates they need.
That said, most of the contenders in the best noise-cancelling earbuds guide here can survive Final's battery life, which is up to five hours from the earbuds or up to 15 hours including the case. The beautiful Technics EAH-AZ80 can last up to seven hours before needing a charge, and up to 25 hours with the case; the entry-level Sony WF-C700N matches Final's 15-hour total, but offers seven and a half hours from the buttons themselves.
How well will the updated app, new tips, under-the-hood tweaks, and software upgrades prove under intense evaluation? Time will tell, but if you just can't wait, the Final Audio ZE8000 MK2 is available from today (December 8) for $399 (which is about AU$609) from Amazon and select retailers worldwide.