Japanese high-end audio technology brand Final, has established an affordable sub-brand called Ag. Based off the Japanese word ‘arigatakimono’ which means ‘one of a kind’ or ‘appreciation’, the Ag headphones have definitely impressed me.
Ag has two products out there right now, the first is the WHP01K Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones and then the TWS04K True Wireless Earphones. The company was kind enough to send a pair of each out to the ManSpace magazine office and we tried them out.
The first thing to mention is the audio quality. For its price point, the Ag audio solutions are solid and I had no issues with them at all.
The noise cancellation in the headphones is great, works just as intended but the earphones are slightly weaker. Considering that they’re smaller units, it’s no surprise that the active noise cancellation (ANC) is weaker but if I was going to turn it on, I’d make sure I’m using the headphones.
Both models are classed under Final’s K-series that aims to provide sound quality that would satisfy the needs of audiophiles for a price point accessible to all consumers. In addition to SBC and AAC, they support aptX LL which delivers superb sound quality with exceptional connection stability.
In terms of connecting the solution to my devices, the headphones had an average experience while the earphones were below average. The earphones connect as two separate devices on a devices Bluetooth page which was very confusing in the first place.
I’ve used a handful of wireless headphones in the past and haven’t found any that connect each earbud separately the first time.
The headphones come with 35 hours of playback with a single full charge when outside of ANC mode and while I didn’t measure the length with ANC on, it was less than a full day.
Conversely, the earphones get a bit of a cheat code, coming with its own synthetic leather case that charges it. The battery inside the case can fully charge the earphones 20 times before requiring a recharge, resulting in 180 hours of music playback. In the entire time I’ve been trialling the headphones, I haven’t had to charge the headphones or the case yet.
The actual headphone ear cups are made out of a very comfortable fabric and the housing can be tilted to better fit the wearer’s head. The top band that goes over your head isn’t as liberal when dishing out the soft fabric and rubs against the top of your head, leading to reduced wear times.
This isn’t an issue for the earphones and a range of ear plugs make it easier to find the perfect fit.
All in all, both of the Ag audio solutions make their money with the audio quality. Maybe I glossed over it, but the headphones do sound great, probably the best compared to others in its price range.
The earphones have their downfalls and unfortunately, since it’s only a hair under many other popular wireless ANC earphones in terms of price, it looks like it’ll lose out.
If you’re on the market for some new ANC headphones, however, check out the Ag solution.
