FINAL AUDIO UX 5000

Final Audio is a brand that has earned its prestige with true High End headphone models. The renowned Sonorous series, for example, is an exponent of maximum realism in reproduction with closed-back enclosures. Or the D series, which takes planar-magnetic technology to its highest expression. In this case, the Japanese brand wants to capture a greater share of the spotlight in the wireless arena. To do this, it launches the model at hand, the UX 5000, with a winning approach: good design, great features, and a very competitive price. It does not escape the brand that portable audio is a growth sector and, therefore, it wants to position itself ensuring a safe bet. I can already anticipate that the UX 5000 is a product I liked very much, but, to value it in its proper measure, we must understand well what use it is focused on.

The UX 5000 are closed-back headphones, with a wireless Bluetooth connection and optional external noise cancellation. They are just the right size to close around the ears. And they also have a weight that does not give away the electronics they house inside. In that sense, Final Audio has achieved a very good compromise between design, portability and, no less importantly, long battery life. Upon unpacking the product, the inclusion of a lightweight, functional, and sufficiently solid case to transport the headphones when traveling, for example, is appreciated. A conventional 3.5 mm cable is included to use them with a standard audio output. We do not find, however, a USB power cable. I understand that everyone has plenty of them to spare and that it is not necessary to accumulate one more for each gadget we buy. The earpads can be extracted simply by pulling them off, as they are magnetic. In this way, one accesses the internal battery for replacement. Although I think the average user will not need to do this for years. The external appearance of the UX 5000 is discreet and elegant, although the inclusion of a more visible logo would not have been out of place. Being a uniform black color and mostly made of non-glossy plastic materials, they can look like a "white label" pair of headphones. In that sense, Final Audio could have capitalized a bit more on the image and prestige it is already recognized for with bolder branding.

On the other hand, the app to manage them properly and squeeze out all their potential is easy to install and configure; barely a few minutes. But, very correctly, the unit can also be used without going through the app thanks to a couple of discreet and well-located controls on the right side. In any case, the 10-band equalizer caught my attention, as its operation seemed very fine and non-intrusive. The noise cancellation system allows for three positions: active, ambient environment, and off. In other tests of other noise-canceling headphones, I have had very diverse experiences. In some products, the cancellation system was so aggressive and artificial that it practically discouraged its activation. In the case of the UX 5000, it is a positive surprise that the music sounds very similar in any of the three modes. The cancellation, when activated, is tremendously effective and, truly, we are isolated from everything happening outside. As explained, the physical configuration of the headphones is completely closed-back and, with the electronics doing their job just a little bit, it ensures that external noise does not bother us nor do we bother anyone with our music. Perhaps the bass is somewhat denser with the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) on, but, in general, none of the three modes seemed better or worse to me. But before moving on to evaluate the sound in depth, I want to give my opinion on the comfort/portability of the product. The earpads are soft and comfortable, but made of a faux-leather type material that is not very breathable. I sense that, in hot environments, they might not be the most suitable. Regarding fatigue when wearing them, I must say they pass the test with flying colors with sessions of more than one or two hours. They do not weigh too much, they are ergonomic, and they stay well secured without pressing hard, even when walking or moving around. Furthermore, they give the feeling of a solid, durable, and easy-to-clean product. That is to say, they seem ready for all kinds of adventures. I have worn them for hours in different situations and have not found any weakness in them. They even seem particularly suitable to drop into a suitcase and take on a trip.

Focusing more on the sound, I have also tested them in several ways: the three mentioned above (ANC, ambient, and off) with Bluetooth transmission, and also by cable, partnering them with a headphone amplifier. There are no substantial differences in terms of performance. From the start, the sonic footprint to which Final Audio has accustomed us in its higher series is perfectly recognizable. The midrange is exquisite and always holds the main spotlight, with a very realistic timbre in acoustic instruments and human voices. They are detailed, but without seeking an exaggerated analysis, and they are capable of offering a good soundstage. You can tell they are closed-back but, somehow, they manage to make the sound breathe and expand properly. The bass is concentrated and dense. It does not go excessively low, but we can always graduate it to our liking with the equalizer. Exaggerating the bass in closed-back headphones with not very large earcups could end up generating auditory fatigue. In this case, a very good balance has been achieved between getting a good punch in pop and rock tracks and not overloading our auditory sense. When I said at the beginning that the purpose of this type of wireless and truly portable product must be understood, I meant that we cannot demand the fineness and soundstage width of studio headphones. But Final Audio has managed to preserve a certain audiophile touch in headphones that are eminently practical and functional. And, at the price Final Audio launches the UX 5000 on the market, it makes them a probably smarter option than other brands that, until now, had a greater presence. In fact, they are valid both as the single but versatile headphones of a system or, also, to complement another model that is not portable and wireless.

Highlights:

• Simple but effective app

• Ergonomic and not very heavy

• Hi-Fi sound

• Great battery autonomy

Technical Specifications:

• Over-ear wireless closed-back headphones

• Driver: 40 mm dynamic

• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 40 kHz

• Wireless connectivity: Bluetooth 5.4

• Compatible codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, LDAC

• Sound modes: Noise cancellation, Ambient, Off

• Equalizer: 10-band parametric

• Connectors: 3.5 mm jack, USB Type-C

• Autonomy: up to 65 hours with ANC off

• Battery capacity: 700 mAh

• Weight: 310 g

• RRP €269