BUDGETFRIENDLY SPATIAL AUDIO
AUDIO DRIVER 40mm Neodymium
FEATURES SXFI. Adaptive ANC.
Ambient Mode
CODEC AAC, SBC
CONNECTIVITY Bluetooth 5.3, 3.5mm
BATTERY LIFE Up to 70 hours
PRICE $149
As part of the company's fourthgeneration SXFIenabled devices, these headphones offer a unique listening experience by allowing SXFI effects to work with any content, from Netflix to Spotify. The Zen Hybrid SXFI's design bears a striking resemblance to Sony's WH1000XM4, which isn't a bad thing.
Available in Black or Light Gray, the headphones are lightweight, compact, and comfortable for extended wear. Their foldable design enhances portability, and Creative includes a soft carrying case, USB-A to USB-C charging cable, and a 3.5mm audio cable for added convenience. However, the shallow earcups may be problematic for users with larger ears, leading to a less-than-ideal seal and reduced passive noise isolation. Additionally, the built-in controls on the right earcupmedia controls, ANC, and SXFI buttonscan be tricky to differentiate by touch due to their similar feel. The Zen Hybrid SXFI is supported by two apps: the Creative App and the SXFI App. While the Creative App handles basic features like EQ presets, noisecancelling modes, and low-latency toggles, the SXFI App personalizes the spatial audio experience by mapping your head and ear profile. This setup, which takes just a few minutes, creates a tailored soundstage designed to mimic multi-speaker setups.
This story is from the February 2025 edition of HWM Singapore.
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This story is from the February 2025 edition of HWM Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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