Zildjian Alchem E Perfect Tune Review | 93 Data compared

The AVForums review of the Zildjian ALCHEM-E wireless headphones, which earned a "Recommended" badge, highlights a spacious soundstage, superb build quality, and effective "Perfect Tune" software for hearing calibration and custom EQ. Specialized features, such as an intermediate noise-cancelling mode for drummers, are cited as major pros. Cons identified include a lack of aptX codec support for high-resolution audio, an divisive, unsubtle design, and a unique, awkward carrying case. AVForums

a little longer The Zildjian ALCHEM-E Perfect Tune wireless headphonesGo to product viewer dialogue for this item., reviewed by Forbes, introduce the cymbal manufacturer to consumer audio, featuring a stylish design and a 45-hour battery life with ANC. A standout feature is the "Perfect Tune" system, which utilizes a 5-minute hearing test to create a customized sound profile for the user. However, the review notes drawbacks, including the lack of high-quality codecs like aptX for Android users and the omission of a smart pause feature. Additionally, the on-ear controls are described as difficult to navigate, and the device lacks a dedicated ambient awareness mode.

The Zildjian Alchem-E wireless over-ear headphones are a unique offering from the legendary 400-year-old cymbal manufacturer, retail priced at £333 / $399 / AU$749. Designed primarily as a specialist tool for drummers, these closed-back cans boast a luxurious, gold-accented build with substantial ear padding and a standout battery life that exceeds 50 hours. Their most distinctive feature is a proprietary Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) system specifically tailored to acoustic drum kits to prevent audio clipping and evenly dampen frequencies. It features three ANC settings (Off, 50%, and 100%) and includes an "Audeara-powered" Perfect Tune personalization test to create a customized hearing profile that protects and corrects hearing damage. Tonally, the final production model delivers a lively, open, and well-balanced Bluetooth audio performance with deep, firm bass. The primary advantages of the Alchem-E headphones are their solid design, exceptional battery life, and highly effective hearing protection and correction features, including specialized ANC that evenly dampens live drums without frequency loss. However, they suffer from a few notable drawbacks. The review notes a premium price tag and a lack of common consumer...

Zildjian ALCHEM-E Headphones Review Summary The Zildjian ALCHEM-E Perfect Tune over-ear headphones mark a highly successful expansion into pro audio from a brand traditionally known for cymbals. Designed from scratch rather than re-badged, these $399 USD headphones cater to casual listeners, audiophiles, and studio engineers alike. The reviewer praised their exceptional luxury unboxing experience, aesthetic details like cymbal-inspired jog wheels, and extreme comfort during prolonged 4-to-6-hour sessions and outdoor hikes. Performance-wise, the headphones deliver a remarkable 7Hz to 22,000Hz frequency response through 40mm drivers, offering crystal-clear highs and punchy, mud-free bass even when handling demanding analog synth tracks and hip-hop sub-bass. A companion mobile app provides rapid, personalized EQ mapping through auditory testing alongside reliable Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), while the battery boasts an impressive lifespan of up to 45 hours with ANC active. In terms of distinct advantages and drawbacks, the review outlines the following: Pros: The headphones deliver pristine sound quality that rivals planar magnetic models triple their price, superb long-wear ergonomics, customizable app-driven sound profiling, reliable dual-setting noise cancellation, and fast USB-C charging. Cons: The reviewer officially...