It’s taken an inordinately long time, but Final Audio has finally released a set of wireless headphones active noise-canceling over-ear headphones. Despite an intriguing finish on most of the polymers used in their production, Final Audio UX3000 doesn’t appear or feel particularly unique. However, its specs, which include long battery life, aptX Low Latency Bluetooth, and active noise canceling, make up for it. Furthermore, their small size & weight make them a viable option for anybody looking to listen to music in comfort.
There’s practically nothing to complain about once they’re in your thoughts. Yes, their noise-canceling here is adequate. But not exceptional, yet their dynamism, detail retrieval, and, ultimately, musicality make the UX3000 an interesting and very delightful listen. No genre is off-limits here; these headphones enjoy all types of music.
If you’ve been looking for a set of wireless noise-canceling headphones. But have been put off by the high prices of the market leaders, Final Audio has some great news for you.
What you will see here?
Price and Release date
These Final Audio UX3000 wireless headphone active noise-canceling over-ear headphones are available for $149 / £119 right now. The price in Australia has yet to be revealed. However, it is expected to be approximately AU$200.
This is getting close to the starting level for wireless headphones using active noise-cancellation technology. But that doesn’t mean the UX3000 is out of the running. The Jabra Elite 85h costs somewhat more, while the colorful Urbanista Miami costs slightly less.
Design and Features
With the design of the UX3000, Final Audio appears to have tried for nothing more innovative than ‘small’ and ‘nicely textured’. These are pleasantly light headphones that fold up nicely (a soft travel case is included in the package) and have earcups that don’t threaten to overwhelm those of us with smaller heads.
Despite its lightweight, the UX300 has a solid feel about them. All of the moving elements appear to be sturdy, and all touch places have well-judged cushioning beneath soft faux leather. All non-padded parts are made of hard plastic, with Final Audio employing a’shibo’ finish -‘shibo’ is an old Japanese word that means ‘a wrinkle on the exterior of paper or leather,’ and it tends to make the UX3000 a possibly a bit more visually appealing proposition than that of most price-comparable alternatives.
The left earcup has a USB-C charging port as well as an on/off button for active noise canceling. If ANC turns off, the UX3000 has to last 35 hours on a single charge, and 25 hours so about if it turns on. They can charge completely from a flat in around two and a 1/2 hours (30 minutes). There is also no wireless charging capability. The headphones may be worn with ANC turned on even when there is no incoming signal, something Final Audio refers to as an ‘earmuff’ capability.
Final Audio UX3000: 3.5 analog input
There’s a 3.5mm analog input providing hard-wired hearing on the right earcup, as well as three helpful control buttons. One covers the ‘power on/off, ‘Bluetooth pairing,’ ‘answer/end/reject a call,’ and ‘activate voice assistant’ functions (Siri & Google Assistant both support). The other two control ‘volume up/down, “skip forwards/backward,’ and ‘play/pause.’
Each earcup contains internal and exterior microphones for taking calls and interacting with voice assistants, but also active noise cancellation. Final Audio UX3000 claims that their ‘hybrid’ noise cancellation technology provides class-leading noise suppression. But for uncompromised audio reproduction – the full-range driver within each earcup design is particular to resist the strains exerted on it by operating ANC circuitry.
Bluetooth 5 utilize for wireless communication, and SBC, AAC, aptX, & aptX Low Latency codecs support.
Audio Performance
It’s a tight line between ‘neutral’ and ‘bland’ when it comes to the sound of headphones, and it’s one that either number of price-comparable competitors to the Final Audio UX3000 don’t even bother to walk. Instead, they bombard you with an overconfident lower frequency and a sonic relentlessness that may be readily (but only temporarily) misconstrued with ‘excitement.’
The UX3000, on the other hand, does not engage in such cheap foolishness. They’re all about accuracy and realism, so though they may not sounds the most ‘exciting’ at first, they’re a lot possible to cope with in the long term.
Given half-decent stuff to cope with, the Final Audio is a competent listen. They provide a closely integrated and perfectly constant tone from the top to the bottom of the frequency spectrum, with powerful and controlled bass underlying everything.
They are articulate & revealing in the midrange, which is great news for vocalists of all types, and shinily robust at the high end. All through the frequency range, information levels are excellent, and control – of individual sound onset and decay. As well as overall integration – is total.
True, they don’t have the widest soundstage. But the UX3000 can build out a tape logically and build a compelling auditory image. Specific instruments or performers have their own tiny region of the soundstage. There is no blurring or mingling of locations on it.
And they’re equally competent and assured when it comes to dynamics. Any decent headphone can handle the wide ‘from-quiet-to-loud-and-back’ range. It’s the subtle dynamic fluctuations perceptible from one key-push and skin-hit to the next that truly distinguishes the specialists. It’s reasonable to conclude that the UX3000 performs better with this type of transitory. Yet critical, material – and they don’t sound forced or unnatural doing so.
Same Scenario
It’s the same scenario when it comes to rhythmic expression and assurance. The Final Audio UX3000 resolves even more difficult rhythms and tempos in an almost natural manner.
In terms of noise cancellation, Final Audio’s decision let the drivers do their job without interference from ANC technology is successful. True, they won’t be able to eliminate all traces of exterior sound. For that, you’ll have to at least twice your money and go to Sony and Bose – but they’re not terrible. And, don’t forget, they don’t change their sound signature when canceling (most of) the noise.
Final Audio UX3000: Competitor
The Sony WH-XB910N wireless noise-cancellers are a little more pricey than the Final Audio. They do, however, have a lot of things going for them. The battery life is comparable to the Final Audio UX3000, and the noise cancellation is perhaps superior. They are, however, a more enthusiastic and less nuanced listen than these, and lack the aesthetic impact of the Final Audio. However, the concept of an instantly recognized and highly-regarded brand emblem influences your purchase selections. Sony is definitely worth looking into.
Conclusion
Anyone with realistic expectations of what this kind of money can get in terms of wireless over-ear active noise-canceling headphones nicely pleased by the Final Audio UX3000. They’re a mature, very sophisticated, and beautifully balanced listen, they’re well-made and comfy, and they’re not awful at noise cancellation.
Yes, you can spend the same amount of money on a more forward sound or a more prominent brand logo. But it won’t get you any further musicality than what’s available right now.
