Ultrasone Zino S-Logic Natural Surround Sound Portable Headphone
From Ultrasone Inc.
Music lovers, concerned about the effects that ear buds have on their hearing, will be glad to know a safer and better sounding headphone solution is here. Ultrasone introduces a new portable headphone called Zino. Designed for use with iPods, MP3 players and other portable music players, Ultrasone’s Zino features the company’s patented S-Logic™ and ULE™ safe listening technologies in an ultra-mobile design. Ultrasone has given the Zino a sleek, modern look with gunmetal black, brushed aluminum ear cups and silver colored diamond-cut aluminum nameplates. Even though the Zino was designed for mobile applications, it features two powerful 40mm gold plated drivers, which most commonly are found in full-sized studio headphones. The Zino’s foldable design allows for easy storage and safe transportation in the included hard carrying case. Despite its small size, the Zino utilizes Ultrasone’s patented S-Logic™ technology. Rather than directing the sound to the listener’s ear canal, as most conventional headphones do, S-Logic technology employs decentralized drivers that direct audio to the listener’s outer ear. This technology not only gives the user a natural surround experience in a stereo headphone by utilizing the ear’s anatonomy, but it also reduces sound pressure on the eardrums by an astonishing 40%. Additionally, the Zino features MU-Metal shielding (ULE technology) that reduces the amount of radiation directed to the listener by up to 98%, as compared to conventional headphones.
Color: Black Brand: Ultrasone Model: ZINO
Great product, great sound! After a disappointing experience with the Senheiser PX200s, I placed an order for the Zinos. I was a bit skeptical about them at first, not having any experience with Ultrasone in the past. I was looking very hard at the AKG K450, but decided to try the Zinos before I made the jump in price to the AKGs after having read some good things about Ultrasone online. I do not regret that decision. My main set of headphones are the AKG K701. They're probably one of the best headphones you can buy, but not very portable. The Zinos are exactly what I was looking for. They're lightweight, portable, and pretty handsome looking as well. They have great sound quality. And they price is reasonable for what you're getting. The sound doesn't match the K701s, but the Zinos are the best portable headphone I've heard yet. I listen to a wide range of music. Contemporary jazz, alt, rock, trance, some hip hop, even a bit of country, and this is what I've found. The low end is accurate and solid. It's not overwhelming like so many 'phones these days; if you're looking for huge thumping bass, these don't do that. The midrange is a bit forward, but not too much so, and it's smooth and detailed. The high end is smooth, clear, not overly bright. A very pleasant sound overall. The sound-stage is a bit wider, more "out of head" than most headphones because of the positioning of the transducer in the headphone. Ultrasone calls is S-Logic. Some may not like this, but I don't find it objectionable. It lends a nice spactiousness to the sound I think. These headphones are a bit larger than what you may typically find for a portable on ear headphone; they cover my entire ear. They are very comfortable though, the padding is thick and covered in cloth, instead of vinyl, so they don't get hot or moist like most other headphones after long periods of use. They are very light as well, without feeling cheap or fragile. I can barely feel them when wearing them. The only downside that some may find is the size again, especially the case, which is a bit large. If these are too big though, you're probably best of going with a set of earbuds anyways. If you care about good, accurate sound, and are looking for something more portable than full sized reference sets, these are definitely highly recommended! Suround Sounds eminate from the Ultrasone ZINO! If you are looking for a high quality, Very comfortable and stylish headphones with Great sound you are in luck. The Germans know how to make nice stuff. Because of this Ultrasone suceeds with the Zino which was designed to work with Ipods, Zunes, and all other MP3 Players. I noticed many new sounds while listening to my music that I had never heard before. The bass is not overbearing and the S-Logic Tech makes the music sound more spacious and awsome. To test these headphones I listened to a wide range on music from each genre. Eminem and Fitty Cent sounded awsome with the bass at the right levels. The Eletronic/House music of Daft Punk and Justice sounded extremely Detailed and despite the fast pace and numerous sounds never sounded convoluted or muffled. Rock/ and Metal sounded awsome with the guitar riffs of Led Zeppelin, Disturbed and AC/DC. Overall any type of sound that eminates from these headphones sounds great. You get what you paid for and these headphones at $100 dollars are worth the cost. These are not sound-isolating headphones however and other people will be able to hear the music you are listening to. If this is a problem I recomend getting other headphones. The headphones are VERY comfortable and I forget I am wearing them sometimes. You can also fold them up and put them in a small case. I do not recomend these headphones for running as they are not designed to stay on your head during exercise. Overall Great Product. 90/100 The Best Portable Headphones In This Price Range These are the greatest portable headphones I've owned. I own the Ultrasone PRO-650s and was blown away from the sound they delivered. I wanted the 650's experience in a more portable format as the 650's are huge and not conducive outside of a studio/home-listening environment. I have to say I am very impressed by the sound produced from these cans. These are open so you will have little in terms of sound reduction form the outside world. As far as the size goes, I have been wearing them now for an hour and they feel great. Some of the other reviews mentioned the discomfort due to head size and I can see where they are coming from. If my head were bigger I would imagine the pressure over the ears. I think they would have to be broken in. The material used to cover ear pads feels very nice for prolonged sessions as so far I can barely tell they've been there. The openness of the fabric lets your skin breathe not allowing sweat and heat to be bothersome. Overall, they are very comfortable. The great part is the sound quality. It might be an acquired taste but the being able to hear all of the bass and highs at low levels without blasting my ears to smithereens is true genius of Ultrasone's products. I have not tried the Akai, Grado or Sony line for long periods of time but doing a brief sound check of those lines (can't remember model numbers, this was years ago) the Ultrasone line sounded the best to me. I listen to many electronic genres if that helps anyone. I have so far listened to 2562's "Unbalance" album and FaltyDL's "Bravery" and am very satisfied with the sound production. Going to be moving on the Paul White's "The Strange Dreams of Paul White" album next with anything from Burial, The xx or Leyland Kirby to end the night and do not see any issues coming from these cans. If there is anything to wonder about purchasing these it is the following. First, the cord is long enough for portable MP3 players meaning the cord will reach into a pocket (around waist level, cord length is 1.2m) and that's it. The phones come with a hard case but with phones this size the case looks like a mini hip-pack. Easily carried in a bag (I will be throwing these into my bag for work). Also, unlike the higher end Ultrasone's, the ear cups, cables, etc are not user replaceable. Enjoy!
