Has Parrot created the world?s most technologically advanced headphones? Qobuz is giving the matter some serious thought, and will now give you a full account of our experience using the headphones.
To start with, the headphones are beautiful to behold. Presented in a handsome box, the ZIK 2.0 is even more elegant than its brother the ZIK. Starck?s design is enchanting, especially its ear-pads, whose robustness and design give the set an open and minimalist look. The 2.0 is curved everywhere, pleasant to touch, and its headband is sufficiently padded that it won?t irritate bald heads.
It is incredibly comfortable to wear; you feel like the high quality synthetic leather is gently massaging your head. You completely forget that it weighs 270g and never once have the sensation that you are being aggressed by a clunky fuselage headband. Admittedly, those who have big heads do risk feeling rather cramped.
The ZIK 2.0 contains magnetic earphone covers that you can take off to insert a battery, which has a life of 18 hours in the Bluetooth + 'Adaptive' Noise Cancellation (?ANC?) mode. However, the headphone?s most impressive feature is its controls, which are touch command and located on the surface of the right ear pad. You can adjust the volume by raising or lowering your finger, change the track (with Bluetooth connexion on iOS or Android), and even pause the music.
The ZIK 2.0 also has a detector hidden in the headband. When the device senses that it is no longer in use, it stops the music by putting the Bluetooth diffuser into Pause mode. When it detects pressure on your ears it restarts the playing. This system is double-edged: nice in theory, temperamental in real life.
The dream application compatible with iOS and Android!
Another highlight is the extremely intelligent and inventive Application linked to the ZIK 2.0 headphones, which comes free of charge with the product. It not only establishes a link between the headphones and the device, but works with the six microphones that are integrated into the headphones, which capture (incidental) external noises. The App then analyses these noises using the headphone?s electronics, and sends out counter measures!
The application also allows you to turn your smartphone into a decibel level reader (it tells you the sound pressure in dB).
In addition the application gives you access to the integrated DSP?s default settings, enabling you to manage the parameters, environment and 5-band EQ at your fingertips. This system enables you to play the audio in jazz clubs or concert halls, and to disconnect all the devices at any point. Of course ZIK 2.0 can work without the electronics being switched on when you use it in the wired mode.
The heart of the matter:
The Zik 2.0 is equipped with neodymium loudspeakers whose frequency response ranges from 20-22,000Hz. Regarding the electronics, Parrot claims the headphones have a digital/analog conversion of 24-bit/192kHz (in wired mode), as well as a ?24-bit? signal that boosts the amplification. The Bluetooth is not compatible with APT-X algorithm (which insures ?CD? quality in the wireless mode, whether with AAC/Apple), which we find a shame for a headphone of this calibre. The wireless communication is very efficient (sometimes it is even compatible with ?HD?, depending on the type of phone, operator and network). The speech recognition is similar to that of Google Maps or Siri.
Put to the test: A balanced, gentle and pleasant ?Hi-Fi? sound.
If you like sounds that burst your eardrums, then move along, as the ZIK 2.0 is not for you! This headphone, which has a fantastic dynamic, delivers a non-aggressive substantial sound, which remains enjoyable throughout long periods of listening. Light, not tight around the head, the sound is incredibly rich and thorough in its details. The treble is not at all shrill (it is moderate, very clean and perhaps pushed into the background), while the bass is strong and precise rather than throbbing (sounds remain pure, rather than smudged together).
On the whole, Parrot has drawn a balance between a moderate total power (that does not burst the eardrums), and the vast array of settings that allow you to make the most of this closed design. The spatialisation is very good, giving the soundstage a richness that one can control via the electronics, whether using Bluetooth (test with HTC One M8) or wireless connection (Astell&Kern AK 120 music player).
Qobuz praises the effective sound insulation from external noises (and of the Street Mode, that completely envelops you with sound even when you?re walking in the street).
When you hold the ZIK 2.0 in your hands, you almost believe it has been sent from the future, to guide the way for other competing audio devices.
The good points:
-The quality of the design
-The fantastic complementary application (iOS and Anroid)
-The high-quality ?Hi-Fi? sound, that isn?t at all ?deafening?
-General balance, clean bass, fantastic sound restitution
-Dynamic, general spatialisation
-Excellent sound isolation from external noise
-DSP adjustment, decibel meters via the App
-Comfortable design and materials, touch/ digital controls
The not so good points:
-Bluetooth not compatible with APT-X (wireless and CD quality)
-Sometimes the sound restitution is a little restrained
-The sound reproduction of the treble is sometimes overshadowed
-The general sound ?power? is decent, nothing more
-The automatic pause function is sporadic (the sensory receptor over the ears is sometimes too sensitive).
Manufacturing features :
Closed headphone, 2 loud speakers, 40mm in diameter, frequency response of 20 to 22,000Hz, Bluetooth/NFC, DSP, ZIK Parrot 2.0 App, (extractable) 830mAh battery, maximum 18 hours of battery life, external noise reducer, weight of 270g, 6 different colours.
Price: ?349
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PP Garcia pour Qobuz
Twitter @ppgarcia75