Based on sound alone it would be hard for the average person to pick one high-end set of headphones from another, which is why design plays such an important role – along with additional features, in differentiating them at the retail level to make the decision slightly easier. The Parrot Zik 2.0 have something that really could be the one thing to set them apart – their app.
At a few cents shy of $500, even on online discount sites – you’re certainly considering a premium set of headphones if the Zik 2.0 from Parrot are in your range.
Lighter than the first version of Zik these are more in line with a host of similar products at this price point, yet none of those seem to have the design credibility of the Parrot Zik 2.0.
Engineered in collaboration with well-known French designer Philippe Starck these things look different – very different, and that could be off-putting for some. But once you get past the initial look you will see some nifty little design features, from the metal components to the touch sensitive outside of the ear-pad, there is a serious level of comfort with these on your head.
From a music and audio performance point of view they are top shelf, however for me there is no doubt they come into their own and stand out from the crowd because of the sensational Parrot Zik 2.0 app.
With the app you can see the battery level available, which for Bluetooth Wireless headphones is critical given their tendency to go flat just when you want them most, however its the acoustic adjustments that make the real difference.
Inside the app you can manipulate the level of noise cancelling, adjust the equaliser and even choose a different “venue” for your listening which genuinely makes a difference to the sound profile right as you touch the app.
They are bursting with little features like “head detection” to pause the music when you take them off – all of which combine to make a seriously premium headphone.
Plus, with the App you can actually choose a music profile from a range of artists, which in theory should deliver you a sound as they enjoy it and in the case of their own music their songs almost exactly as they intended them.
It’s a great concept, pricey, but well worth it.
[schema type=”review” rev_name=”Parrot Zik 2.0″ rev_body=”Sensational premium Bluetooth headphones with great design that are set apart from the rest with an impressive app for sound control” author=”Trevor Long” pubdate=”2015-02-22″ user_review=”4.5″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]
