[General Accessories] vectron:
This is a Review of Noontec Zoro II Wireless on-ear headphones. http://noontec.com/html/us/article_read_552.html, available on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B014EQOMZO/

I remember being very hesitant when Noontec approached me with a request to review their Zoro II HD (ZII HD) on-ear headphones because I wasn't familiar with a company and their folding design style looked generic to me. ZII HD turned out to be a great discovery in my book which I'm glad I got a chance to review, and later saw covered by other respected audiophile websites. Afterwards I had an opportunity to test their other headphones (Hammo S and Rio S), all with the same consistent performance. So when they approached me to look into Zoro II Wireless (ZII Wireless) - I had zero hesitation.

In the last few years a noticed a common trend with wireless headphones. What's once considered to be a convenience during sport activities, now evolved into headphones with wireless sound quality approaching a wired level of performance. As a matter of fact, most of the wireless headphones today include an option for wired connection in case if you run out of battery or if you don't have access to a Bluetooth connection. I found a lot of popular brand names following this trend, so I wasn't surprised Noontec chose to transform their ZII HD into a Wireless version. The main goal of my review was to compare how ZII Wireless will stack up against its wired twin, and how its wireless sound quality would compare to its wired performance. Here is what I found.

Arrived in a nice compact packaging box identical to ZII HD, the cover art now features a face of a guy wearing ZII Wireless, and other keywords describing main features of these headphones, such as SCCB (surround closed cavity body), Votrik speaker (their own tuned 40mm drivers), HD (referring to high definition sound), and a new features of Wireless connection, apt-X codec (very important if your source supports it) and NFC pairing option. Just like in my Hammo S review, I wasn't too crazy about having a “model” face on the box cover since it takes away focus from the headphones. The top of the box had a magnetic flap cover to reveal the headphones underneath of a plastic display window, and some additional detailed info printed inside of that cover. I know some might find it as not a big deal, but I think it adds a nice "premium" touch to the packaging. Out of the box, you get a nice view of a folded design which looks very compact.

Unboxing.

Along with headphones, you will find a removable audio cable, a charging usb cable, and a draw string storage pouch. A storage pouch was rather nice with a soft stretchy suede/felt type of finish. In comparison to the original ZII HD, I noticed this storage pouch was roomier to accommodate folded headphones without a problem. Personally I'm a fan of hard shell cases, and it would have been nice to see one similar to Hammo S case, but I assume this is just one of the ways to distinguish premium model with better accessories. Besides, draw string pouch should be sufficient for storage while traveling. Also, USB charging cable had a decent quality.

Regarding removable cable, I was glad Noontec decided to use a standard 3.5mm connector going to earcup which makes it compatible with other common replacement cables. Cable is flat and has a rubbery shielding, making it easy for storage and also helping to reduce microphonics when rubbing against your cloth. Cable also includes an in-line remote with universal multifunction button for Play/Pause/Call with a single click, and Skip track with double/triple click. I like how in-line remote with mic was not placed too far down the cable, allowing it to be closer to the mouth. I had no issues using it for calls, though have to admit I don't use public transportation to test "noisy" environment. Plus, it came handy using it with a smartphone or even X3ii/X5ii DAPs that support in-line remote for playback control.

Accessories.

The build is pretty good, no creaking or squeaking as you twist/bend/expand the plastic headband. The height adjustment was good but felt a bit looser in comparison to ZII HD. Looking closer, you can see a metal reinforcement band inside of the end piece which slides together with earcup. It also has an aluminum reinforcement edge with an etched Zoro II Wireless logo, but I was still not too crazy about the locking mechanism of the hinge and a loud snap sound it makes when you open headphones. I'm sure it has been tested plenty by Noontec, but still a loud snap and two pieces of plastic rubbing together was a bit of a concern to me. But overall build quality looked solid, and from Noontec website they mention about using aluminum and stainless steel reinforcement inside of bendable parts, assuming inside of headband as well.

Moving on to earcups, they have an oval shape and attached to the ends of headband at a joint which allows a small degree of up/down/left/right pivoting movement for a more comfortable adjustment on your ears. With on-ear design it's often a hit or a miss when it comes to fitment since you have to find a sweet spot to position headphones for a better sound performance. Here it was an easy task, and in addition to comfortable soft earpads covered by quality pleather (Noontec refers to these as protein cotton), the headband also had a comfortable enough clamping force to assist in decent passive noise isolation.

Furthermore, inside of headband you’ll see a nice soft padding to support headphones on top of your head. At about 210g these headphones are lightweight to begin with, and soft earpads and inner headband padding just adds to the comfort. Earpads did get a bit warm after an extended period of use (had them on for a few hours, and had to take a break after that), but it felt more "breathable" in comparison to my other headphones. Also, headphones stayed on my head very secure even while I was moving around with them on.

Looking closer at earcups, just like in the original ZII HD you will find 3.5mm headphone socket in the Left earcup. Now with addition of wireless functionality, there is also a rubbery multi-function button on the back of Left earcup, and right above it led power indicator. Right earcup has micro-usb charging port and corresponding built-in battery where a full charge should give you a whooping 20+ hours of playback time. You will also find 2 multifunction buttons for playback and volume controls. All these rubbery control buttons had a nice tactile response, and were conveniently located facing back for easier access with your thumbs.

Design details.

Fitment.

Of course it makes sense that ZII Wireless will be a little heavier than ZII HD due to additional electronics and a battery (about 50g difference), but I didn't expect that earcup size going to be identical. With an exception of wireless controls and micro-usb port, it's nearly impossible to tell them apart. I found it to be very impressive!

Zoro II HD next to Zoro II Wireless.

Wireless connection was typical of other headphones, just hold power button down until you enter pair up mode and select it from a list of available devices to connect to your phone and media audio. Afterwards, pair up was seamless. With an available NFC support, you can also do that by placing a phone near the left earcup area labeled with “NFC”. I tested wireless connection up to 45ft away in the open space, and confirmed solid operation.

Once paired, multi-function power button also works as Play/Pause/Call. In addition, pressing this button twice lit up 4-led power indicator above it to show the remaining battery capacity. On the right earcup, pressing and holding up/down button changes the volume, while double click on corresponding buttons skips track forward/back. It took me a little while to get used to it since this functionality is implemented different across other headphones. After awhile it made sense so there is no confusion if you click it once or hold it longer to press it. Double click vs long press leaves no discrepancies.

Sound Analysis.

When it comes to a sound evaluation, I left ZII Wireless to burn in for 24 hours before starting my testing. I found Noontec ZII Wireless to sound very close to ZII HD, and to have a nicely balanced smooth organic warm sound signature with a bit of mid-bass boost. Noontec continued with their proven fine-tuned formula to make sound very appealing for any style of listening. The bass is there, but it's not over exaggerated. Mids are smooth, detailed, and organic, and not micro-detailed or harsh. Treble is clear and smooth, and not sibilant or fatigue.

In more details, bass has a nice mid-bass punch with a texture of sub-bass underneath (lower in quantity though). Bass doesn’t have that typical commercial “Beats” tuning, though it’s definitely north of neutral. There is a little bit of spillage into lower mids, but just enough to add to the body of a sound, not to make sound muddy. Mids have a nice body, and sound clean and detailed, though more of a smooth-detailed. I found vocals delivery, both male and female, to be very pleasant and quite organic. Treble is smooth and clear, but has a noticeable roll-off to keep the "sparkle" under control, away from the bright edge. Though it doesn't extend too far, it still captures enough details for a well defined sound, just don’t expect too much airiness.

Soundstage was surprisingly spacious and above the average, and I found ZII Wireless to have a slightly better expansion in comparison to ZII HD. Layering and separation was on the same level, but ZII Wireless sound was noticeably wider. Another very interesting observation when comparing ZII Wireless vs Wired modes (within the same model), in wireless connection a low end was a little bit tighter and mids/vocals were a bit more upfront and brighter. To be honest, I actually enjoyed wireless sound a little bit more with these.

Conclusion.

After testing ZII Wireless in both wired and wireless modes and also comparing against the original ZII HD, I found a striking similarity in their audio performance. Noontec did a great job tuning its Votrik driver, which I already had a pleasure to listen to when reviewing ZII HD, and now they were able to extend this performance into a wireless domain without sacrificing a sound quality. Keeping design the same (earcup size remained unchanged), they added wireless capability with an impressive range, playback and volume controls, 20hr battery, and support of apt-X codec with an overall wired vs wireless performance being very close. ZII Wireless might still have a generic look, but honestly there is nothing generic about its sound and wireless performance. As a matter of fact, if you were considering a wired Zoro II HD version, I would recommend you to invest extra money and get Zoro II Wireless instead.