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Known and recognized for its high-end audiophile items, the Japanese brand Final Audio is trying its hand at nomadism with the UX3000 and the ZE3000, two new products with solid technical data sheets, offered at surprisingly low prices.
Final Audio has long been reluctant to enter the wireless market, but the release of the UX3000 headphones and earphones true-wireless ZE3000 seems to herald a new era for the Japanese high-end audiophile brand. The brand’s first Bluetooth headset, the UX3000 is also the very first to feature active noise reduction.
Audiophile brands have never held Bluetooth and active noise reduction close to their hearts because, according to them, these features greatly limit the quality of sound reproduction. This is why Final Audio claims to have designed the loudspeakers as well as all the electronics of the UX3000 to overcome these limitations and thus obtain “pleasant sound quality without the tiresome sound characteristic typical of Bluetooth audio products”.
Final Audio also prides itself on having implemented a hybrid active noise reduction technology which, using a duo of microphones, reduces external noise as well as residual noise inside the ear cups. This feature is not revolutionary, however, since many recent ANC headphones are equipped with it. On the other hand, no mention is made of any “transparent” mode allowing listening to surrounding sounds on this UX3000.
Far from the flashy design of the iconic Sonorous headphones from the same brand, the UX3000 plays the sobriety card with simple matte and textured plastic shells. Like the vast majority of current mobile headphones, the headband and the pads are made of memory foam covered with imitation leather and are supposed to offer first-class comfort. The ear cups swivel in both directions and can be folded towards the inside of the helmet for easy storage in the soft carrying case, supplied with purchase.
In addition to its Bluetooth connectivity (compatibility with SBC, AAC and aptX Low Latency codecs), the UX3000 has a mini-jack input allowing it to be used beyond the 35 hours of autonomy promised (25 hours with the noise reduction on). The headset also has the multipoint function for simultaneous connection to two devices.
The UX3000 is already available at certain retailers at around 120 €. Such a low price is particularly surprising when put in relation to the helmet’s solid spec sheet. Would there be a wolf?
Along with the UX3000, Final Audio launches its very first pair of headphones true-wireless : the ZE3000. In order to better manage the movement of air in the acoustic chamber of the headphones while avoiding external vents, the Japanese firm has developed a damping system called f-LINK, which is based on the use of two acoustic chambers. The result would have a benefit on the rendering of bass and the soundstage. Final Audio also indicates that it has designed the loudspeakers of the ZE3000 in such a way as to limit distortion as much as possible.
The ZE3000 are IPX4 certified and therefore resistant to sweat and splashing water. © FinalAudio
Announced as the wireless heirs of the E3000s, the ZE3000s adopt an angular design similar to that of the B range headphones from the same manufacturer. Here too, goldsmithing gives way to sobriety since these ZE3000s have the same textured plastic design as the UX3000 headphones. The earbuds come with no less than five pairs of differently sized silicone eartips that Final Audio claims will only dig into the ear canal ever so slightly, preventing unpleasant occlusion of the ear. In addition, each earpiece is surmounted by a touch surface allowing a full range of controls: playback and volume management, navigation between tracks and call control.
The headphones are capable of switching to mono when used individually. © FinalAudio
The ZE3000 communicate via Bluetooth 5.2 and are compatible with SBC, AAC, aptX and aptX Adaptive codecs. They are advertised with a seven-hour battery life per charge and would benefit from four additional charges thanks to their small pebble-shaped case.
The ZE3000s have been available since the end of December 2021 at an approximate price of €140.