ZORO II HD Impressions thread: Zoro Re-Imagined

[Tom22]

I've noticed that there hasn't been much talk about the latest release from Noontec, the company that made a big splash a few years back with their Zoro headphones.
 
They certainly garnered plenty of praise all around and Tyll over at Innerfidelity still has the Zoro/ Zoro HD on his wall of fame at the time of writing.
 
(At the time i purchased it for about $100 or so). And i loved how they sounded and how compact they were.
 
To describe very briefly how the original Zoros sounded like: tight, fast bass, very well balanced and smooth polite treble. (I will post my review of the Original Zoros and the Zoro II HD below)
 
since then Noontec released a ZORO HD, to correct that notch at about 4K, which i found made the midrange a bit distant sounding.  And it showed in the new measurements of the Zoro HD. 
 
Its certainly good to see that they are continually working to improve their headphones
 
Now with the recent release of the ZORO II HD, lets see how much they improved on their already improved headphone. Their currently priced at about $99 on amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Noontec-Headphone-Adjustable-Earphone-Cellphone/dp/B00MWRR8OA
 
 
I'm going to be updating this thread as i begin my journey with these ZORO II HD headphones.
 
here is my full review: 
http://www.head-fi.org/products/noontec-zoro-ii-hd-headphone-professional-sound-good-sound-quality-durable-foldable-comfortable-adjustable-fashion-on-ear-stereo-headphone-earphone-for-mobile-phone-smart-phone-violet/reviews/12746
 
here is my video review:

 

 

 

[Tom22]

here is my unboxing of the ZORO II HD
 
 
 
here is my first impression video! 

 

[Tom22]

reserved

 

[potterpastor]

I will be posting my review shortly. I think the Zoro II HD is an improvement on the Zoro HD in every way, clarity, comfort, build quality, cup size.

Tight plump bass response, neutral mid range, and polite, slightly veiled treble. Like a Chinese Sennheiser.

They sound very very good and they are much more comfortable than the previous Zoro releases. An iPhone treble boost is all that is needed to make these headphones audiophile excellent for me

 

[Tom22]

updated with first impressions video!

 

[DisCHORDDubstep]

I will be posting my review shortly. I think the Zoro II HD is an improvement on the Zoro HD in every way, clarity, comfort, build quality, cup size.

Tight plump bass response, neutral mid range, and polite, slightly veiled treble. Like a Chinese Sennheiser.

They sound very very good and they are much more comfortable than the previous Zoro releases. An iPhone treble boost is all that is needed to make these headphones audiophile excellent for me

huh. Didn't hear anything about these until some random youtuber I'm subscribed to made a video with zoro 2 in the title. Instantly did a head-fi search. Definitely looks interesting.

 

[Tom22]

finally finished with my review on these noontec zoro II HD headphones: (updated original post!)
 
here is the link! 
 
http://www.head-fi.org/products/noontec-zoro-ii-hd-headphone-professional-sound-good-sound-quality-durable-foldable-comfortable-adjustable-fashion-on-ear-stereo-headphone-earphone-for-mobile-phone-smart-phone-violet/reviews/12746
 
here is my youtube video link:
 

 

[TSIG]

Add my review to the mix!
 

 

[Tom22]

  Add my review to the mix!
 

 

  Add my review to the mix!
 

Great of you to post your review! I think for $100 their build quality is fair, not great. 
 
i agree if your comparing to more expensive headphones (ala the beats solo2 or the studios) with a similar design, the build quality would seem lacking though
 
i'm surprised you liked them more than the ath m50s (i didn't a/b them (i heard the m50s a while back), i should really get a pair of the m50 myself, i know shame on me!)
 
but sounds like you certainly like em  =) i am

 

[markanini]

How do they compare to V-Moda XS?

 

[Tom22]

  How do they compare to V-Moda XS?

 
now I haven't had my xs in a while, but from memory, very very good!
 
they have a sort of similar clamping force (but a bit more, which is good in terms of stability, whereas I found the xs a bit unstable on the head because of the light clamp)
 
comfort wise I would say I would give the edge to the xs (the earpads are softer) and the lighter clamping force, but the zoro II HD are comfortable
 
sound wise, funny enough I actually prefer the tuning of the zoros more! they have a tighter bass (whereas the xs I thought the bass was somewhat loose), and the bass is faster too, though in terms of sheer punch (the xs has more)
 
the midrange is more natural on the zoros where as the xs is more forward (but fuller sounding and a bit more interesting)
 
the treble I prefer the zoros again (they have about the same extension but they aren't as smoothed over as on the xs)
 
soundstage, the xs is bigger sounding and somewhat more spacious as well
 
isolation- is about the same, maybe a bit of an edge to the zoro II
 
build quality is the biggest difference, and that's where the extra money on the xs will get you.
 
overall the zoros I think are just a no brainer if your in the market for an on ear headphone and your on a budget (sub $100)

 

[altrunox]

@Tyll Hertsens approves
 
http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/very-well-balanced-noontec-zoro-ii-hd-page-2

 

[SSandDigital]

Why are these in this forum?  Aren't these on-ear?  These are not full size.

 

[430633]

In a bout of recklessness yesterday, I found out that I could remove the right earpad of the Zoro II HD! Modders Rejoice! For on the face of the driver housing rests 10 air vents/ports that are covered by some paper-like membrane material. So saying, only Daredevils and experienced (or adventurous!) Modders are recommended to try it out, for I doubt this modification can be reversible; and honestly, the Zoro II HD remains a terrific headphone without any modifications. It was a pain to reattach the earpad though and I spent 10 minutes forcing the edges back in with the help of a fine penknife. Having done so, I would like to praise the Zoro II HD for the durability of its earpads and the resistance of its varnish to scratches- I was initially afraid that I would have destroyed it in the process. Disclaimer: I used the blunt edge of the penknife for it would have certainly been most unwise to do otherwise

 

[430633]

The driver itself had a slight bluish tinge to it. I wonder what material it is comprised of?