Two years ago, I reviewed the digiZoid ZO “personal subwoofer” (see related posts) and absolutely loved it. In short, the digiZoid ZO was a portable, personal headphone accessory that boosted low frequencies to give that fuller, richer sound that many of us enjoy. I love the original digiZoid zo so much, it singlehandedly ruined music listening for me WITHOUT it. What does second version ZO2 audio enhancement accessory bring to the table?
The digiZoid ZO2 comes in a box about the size of a DVD package.
Inside, you’ll find the ZO2, a mini-USB charging cable, a 6.5 inch long audio cable, and a color quick start guide. Gone is the longer audio cable found with the original ZO.
Let’s take a look at the specs:
Physical
- Dimensions: 2.75 x 1.5 x 0.38 in (70 x 38 x 9.6 mm)
- Weight: 0.94 oz (26.6 g)
- High impact-resistant polycarbonate enclosure with soft-touch coating
- Made in the USA
- 1-year warranty
Power
- USB-rechargeable Li-Polymer battery
- Recharge time of under an hour
- Playback time up to 17 hours
- Extends the battery life of your player
- Memory feature recalls last settings used
In the Box
- ZO2
- Mini 3.5mm stereo cable
- USB recharging cable
- Quick Start Guide
Performance
- 32-step digital potentiometer
- Class-A headphone amplifier
- Uses ultra-low noise pre-amp
- Compatible with output impedances from:
High Gain: 16 – 250 ohms
Low Gain: 16 – 80 ohms - Gold-plated, four-layer PCB, with high-grade SMT components
- Input impedance:
Low Gain – 3.8 kohms
High Gain – 2.8 kohms - Output impedance: 1.0 ohms
- Power output: 400mW / 55mW(rms) (15ohms, 1kHz)
- Max input voltage:
Low Gain – 2.8 Vpp
High Gain – 1.47 Vpp - THD: 0.004% (1kHz)
At first glance, it appears that the playback battery life has been increased from 8-10 hours (depending on contour profile) to 17 hours. What’s also changed is the new soft-touch, matte finish. The original ZO was a glossy, fingerprint-loving black plastic. The new matte finish does seem to grab onto dust specks, but you’ll only notice if you’re truly obsessed with keeping your gadgets pristine.
On the top, you’ll find the audio in and out jacks marked with a speaker icon (to headphones/playback) and music notes (source). Much easier to use than the first version.
On the right you’ll find the control wheel. This pushes up, down, and inwards. This has not changed.
As before, the LED color corresponds to the contour profile. Red gives more “boost” and green gives less.
The mini USB charging port is on the left. A tiny LED shows the charging status.
And here’s the digiZoid ZO2 with an iPod on the left and headphones on the right.
Besides the new matte black finish, increased battery life, and input/output icons, what else is improved? The ZO2 also adds a line output mode.
The zo2 has a configuration mode that allows you to listen to line out devices and control the volume from the ZO2‘s side controls.
As always, some audio purists may scoff at the idea of a plastic gizmo that electronically modifies your sound. I’m not in the rapper headphone demographic, but the ZO2 has taken over the original ZO as a permanent addition to my listening apparatus. It does just what it says in a lightweight, easy-to-use package.
Product Information
| Price: | $119.95 |
| Manufacturer: | digiZoid |
| Pros: |
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| Cons: |
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Mine has so much noise that it is totally useless, a well-documented situation.
Andy, nice writeup and pics. After reading your first ZO review I coughed up the cash and picked one up. What a surprise, this thing kicks major butt! I’m addicted and now I’ve got both the original and ZO2 kits. Couldn’t be happier.
Hello, I cannot find a place that sells the Zo2 ANYWHERE! Could someone tell me where they found theirs at? Thanks!
Interesting. I can’t seem to find them either anymore.