web analytics
yugatech x infinix pad

Parrot Zik by Starck Review

Last time we gave you guys a quick tour of the Parrot Zik and some of its nice set of features that made it a standout among the other premium headphones in the market. Now, we’re here to see (or hear) if these pricey cans have a decent sound quality to go along with its looks.

Just a refresher, the Zik is a geeked-out wireless headset designed by world-renowned industrial engineer Philippe Starck and manufactured by Parrot. It’s considered by many as the most technologically-advanced headphones because of the extra features (NFC, Touch-sensitive controls, Jawbone and Vibration-tracking sensors) added to its arsenal.

parrot zik by starck

The Parrot Zik can be used wired (through audio jack) or wirelessly (via Bluetooth). Wireless connection can established manually or by pairing it to the audio source using NFC. Furthermore, the Zik is imbued with touch controls on the right ear cup which allows users to increase/decrease the volume, change tracks and Play/Pause the music, as well as Vibration-tracking sensor which automatically pauses the music when it detects that it’s removed from the listener’s ears.

No shortage of microphones

In addition to fancy controls, the Parrot Zik also has a set of microphones, a total of five to be exact, scattered around its body. Of these five mics, only one can pick up the user’s voice, while the other four is assigned to pick up external noises which allow the Zik’s built-in noise cancellation mechanism to emit the same sound waves to suppress unwanted noise.

As if that wasn’t enough, Parrot also threw a Jawbone sensor in the mix which allows the designated microphone to zero in on a user’s voice when the Zik is used as a communication device.

parrot zik philippines

The result, as you’d expect, is nothing short of outstanding. We were clearly understood by the people we’ve talked to on the phone even when we were in a crowded place and during public commute. The additional two microphones (most headphones with ANC only have two mics) seem to really do the trick and perform quite well in almost all situations.

Sound Performance

We were initially planning to do a separate test on the Parrot Zik’s sound performance to show the difference between the outputs when the headset is directly hooked up to the sound source and when it’s wirelessly connected.

However, after playing around with the Zik for a number of days, we can’t really distinguish the difference in sound which is rather surprising since most headphones like this usually performs better when plugged in to a device.

Test environment:

(24 hours of burn-in was done prior to the actual test)
Device: iPhone 5
Volume: 80%
Equalizer: Off
File format: Combination of .mp3 and ALAC (.m4a)
Track bitrate: 256Kbps and above

Tracks:
• My Friends Over You – New Found Glory (Good)
• Concrete Jungle – Bob Marley and The Wailers (Best)
• Man Who Can’t Be Moved – The Script (Best)
• Save The World – Swedish House Mafia (Good)
• Band On The Run – Beatles (Best)
• Sunday Morning – Maroon 5 (Best)
• Paraan – Mayonnaise (Good)
• Much Has Been Said – Bamboo (Best)
• One Hit Combo – Gloc9/Parokya Ni Edgar (Good)
• Pink Five – Silent Sanctuary (Best)

The Parrot Zik offers a well-balanced sound output with no particular attention to a single portion of the sound spectrum. It delivers deep and rumbling bass, but doesn’t come at the expense of drowning the mids and the highs.

Although the vocals were a bit attenuated for our liking, it’s not something we’d consider as a red flag for this headphone. The cymbals and other similar instruments sounded very natural and has a nice sparkle to it. This Bluetooth headset also did pretty well in picking up small sound detail in the songs that you wouldn’t normally hear on run of the mill headphones.

Best used turned on

Unlike other wireless headsets, the Parrot Zik can still be used even without a battery (or it ran out of juice) by plugging it directly to the audio source. However, in doing so, you’ll lose all of the fancy features we’ve mentioned earlier, as well as its noise cancelling properties.

Not only that, we also noticed a significant difference in the sound quality when the Zik is running on empty. This is because the headphone needs power in order to make use of its built-in DSP (Digital Signal Processing) to produce sounds that are more pleasing to the ear.

Bottom line, despite of the fact that the Zik can still be used even without battery, you’re better off using it with its battery charged, or else you’re left with a fancy headgear which costs twenty-one-grand but sounds similar to a headphone that retails for less than a tenth of its price.

Battery Life

While we’re on the topic of battery, let’s discuss the mileage we got out of the Zik. Parrot claims that their headphone can last up to six hours on single full charge, but didn’t give the specifics of the testing environment that the headphone were in when it achieved such feat.

Parrot Zik by Starck philippines

During our time with the Zik, the headphone’s battery held up to its maker’s claim. On our first test, with all of its features enabled and the volume cranked to its max, the Zik lasted for a little less than seven hours.

We were able to extend our mileage quite a bit by turning off some of the features like the noise cancelling and lowering down the volume. In doing so, we managed to squeeze in around 9-10 hours of battery on a single full charge.

Parrot Audio Suite app

Another great addition to the Zik’s feature set is the free-to-download app called Parrot Audio Suite. Not only does this app complements the Zik as a whole, but also expands its functionality by allowing users to tweak the sound to their liking.

This includes manipulating the equalizer settings, as well as giving users the freedom to select the virtual angle of the speakers which would yield the best possible listening experience.

Conclusion

We know that shelling out a few grand on a decent audio device is tough pill to swallow for most consumers, let alone spending Php21,000 for a fancy wireless headset. However, for those who can afford it, we feel that the Parrot Zik has all the right tools to justify its premium price tag.

It has great looks, durable construction, above average sound quality and sports a plethora of features you wouldn’t see even on high-end headphones. Despite of a few minor drawbacks that we found on the Parrot Zik, we still feel that it managed to negate most, if not all of them, because of its great overall performance.

What we liked about it:
* Unusual, but ingenious design
* Respectable build quality
* Comfortable ear cushion
* Well-rounded sound performance
* Decent battery life
* Outstanding Noise Cancellation
* NFC
* Intuitive touch controls and sensors
* Dedicated Audio Suite app
* Wires/Cables feels very durable

What we did not like:
* More cushion on the underside of the headband would’ve been nice
* Poor audio quality without batteries
* Can’t disable/enable features without the app
* Non-collapsible design
* Doesn’t come with a hard carrying case
* Gold/White model easily turns to Gold/Gray
* Proprietary batteries
* Can’t pair more than two devices
* No Bluetooth aptX support
* Quite expensive

The Parrot Zik is available in Pismo Digital Life Concept Store at the East Wing of Shanri-la, EDSA. It’s available in black/bronze, black/silver, white/silver and white/gold.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 1,118 other subscribers
Avatar for Ronnie Bulaong

This article was written by Ronnie Bulaong, a special features contributor and correspondent for YugaTech. Follow him on Twitter @turonbulaong.

23 Responses

  1. Avatar for Ubuntu Networking Ubuntu Networking says:

    A person necessarily lend a haand to make significantly pksts I might state.
    That is thee very first time I frequented your websiye page and so far?
    Iamazeed with the analysis you made to create this particular submit
    incredible. Magnificent task!

  2. Avatar for unlimited web unlimited web says:

    If you own a business, having a website has become a necessity.

    Choosing an e – Commerce web host requires a little bit
    of searching, and also requires that you understand what to look for in an e – Commerce web
    host. When finding the best web hosts, your first consideration should
    be price.

  3. Avatar for bit.ly bit.ly says:

    When I originally commented I seem too have clicked
    the -Notify me hen new omments are added- checkbox and from now
    on every time a comment is added I recieve four emails with the exaact ssme comment.
    Perhaos there is an easy method yyou are able to remove
    me from that service? Thanks a lot!

  4. Avatar for Onita Onita says:

    Really love this website, awesome content here, had been a little bit sceptical about purchasing a steam shower unit
    for our house although the content here sorted my head out, fantastic many
    thanks

  5. Avatar for Sac Longchamp Pas Sac Longchamp Pas says:

    Sac Longchamp Pas Cher Neuf Prix Sac Longchamp Pliage
    lKdIK Cintura era una corda o un pezzo di stoffa o pelle, il tutto indossato in vita o fianchi durante il Medioevo.
    Un pezzo importante del guardaroba per uomo e donna, è stato utilizzato per
    fornire denaro, ma anche rosari, pomanders, chiavi e
    persino pugnali.. Longchamp Prix Sacoche Longchamps YRxHG Vecchie idee e avvicinarsi lentamente
    sostituiti con l’approccio nuovo e rilevante secondo LAST divulgazione
    di business coaching basata sulla conoscenza. Il nuovo approccio non è così efficace, preciso,
    più sicuro e più rilevante nel contesto attuale. Sacoche Femme
    Longchamp Longchamps Sac buBxZ Naturalmente, se si va alla
    bellezza e comfort, probabilmente non ottenere un buon prezzo sulle loro scarpe da sposa.
    D’altra parte, è solo necessario per una giornata, in modo che il $
    300 paio di scarpe realizzate nell’ultimo decennio è di alcun beneficio
    per acquistare. Webcam Saint Francois Longchamp Collection Sacs Longchamp TdDgG L’davvero vecchio e il veramente praticamente
    andato da HK. Alloggio di alta qualità è il programma di
    crescita. Sac Cosmos Longchamp Sac Ordinateur Longchamp UWjDw In primo luogo,
    potrebbe come dove trovare borsa della replica se si decide di pagare una replica borse Gucci
    Hobo devono chiedere. Come sacchetti della replica sono
    in vendita presso le bancarelle in molte grandi città., Di solito vicino all’ingresso della metropolitana, la migliore selezione e il più bello falsi borse Gucci Hobo si trovano.

    Sac Seau Longchamp Portefeuilles Longchamp MCCgc La suola scarpa realizzata secondo ciò che può
    o non può assorbire l’urto, i risultati solo per una parte
    della più robusto e meno assorbimento degli urti può
    essere dovuto alla stabilità della scarpa ha attirato l’attenzione caso Shuemann.

    Tuttavia, ha detto un dolore più flessibile un ginocchio può essere la risposta a lungo termine.
    Sacs Longchamp Pliage Prix Sac Longchamp uOyba Questo è
    un genio! Cinghia piatta mantiene i pantaloni in cui si desidera
    cancellare (con il circuito super piatti, in modo che possa essere montato in alto sulla
    cima di una sottile e addirittura non sapeva che una cintura nella foto) sono disponibili.
    Ideale anche per coloro che si attengono con la decisione del potere del nuovo anno.
    Sacs Longchamp Soldes Acheter Un Sac Longchamp eIdoN E ‘difficile
    rompere il tendine di Achille, ma la maggior parte delle persone
    hanno fascite plantare, Achille tendinite con. La tensione è in realtà
    meglio che nella realtà in realtà non vogliono danni al tendine di Achille
    rischiare un sacco di ricerche suggerisce che peggiorare.

  6. Avatar for dieta 13 zile, dieta 13 zile, says:

    This piece of writing preseents clear idea in favor of the new visitors of
    blogging, that truly how tto do blogging and site-building.

  7. Avatar for onlinehairclinic.com onlinehairclinic.com says:

    Kim Vo salon in Beverly Hills Montage Hotel on Cannon 1 block North of
    Wilshire offers a fantastic hair gloss treatment that returns shine and a healthy
    glow to lack luster locks. Stop hair loss and restore hair in the comfort of your own home by using the Leimo Personal Hair Laser Starter Kit.
    What makes a hair salon really a good one is the perfect style given to you.

  8. Avatar for thedietingblog.pen. thedietingblog.pen. says:

    Hi i am kavin, iits my first time tto commenting anyplace, ?hen i read
    t?is paragraph ? t??ught ? could ?lso mawke commment ?ue
    to thi? goo? article.

  9. Avatar for exploited college exploited college says:

    And the courts are not just “slapping the wrist” of offenders any longer; as the proliferation of cases are filtering into the courts.
    To make things still worse, the Indian Forests Act of 1878 restricted the peasant access to
    those forest areas not deemed commercially economical and sanctions were
    levied on those who violated such restrictions. He is the one who
    will stand before a jury of his peers to account for his actions and it
    has nothing to do with the sins of Missouri.

  10. Avatar for mobile locksmith mobile locksmith says:

    What’s up to all, since I am genuinely keen of reading this blog’s post to be updated regularly.
    It consists of nice material.

  11. Avatar for authentic louis authentic louis says:

    Heya i am for the primary time here. I found this board and
    I find It truly useful & it helped me out a lot.
    I am hoping to provide one thing again and help others like you aided me.

  12. Avatar for Jeramy Jeramy says:

    Nice blog here! Also your web site rather a lot up fast!
    What host are you the usage of? Can I get your affiliate hyperlink on your host?
    I want my web site loaded up as fast as yours lol

  13. Avatar for Barry Barry says:

    Hi it’s me, I am also visiting this website on a regular basis, this
    web page is genuinely pleasant and the viewers are in fact sharing nice thoughts.

  14. Avatar for Guillermo Guillermo says:

    I delight in, cause I found exactly what I was taking a look for.

    You have ended my four day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great day.
    Bye

  15. Avatar for buy sports shoes buy sports shoes says:

    If some one desires expert view regarding blogging and site-building then i recommend him/her to pay a quick visit
    this website, Keep up the nice job.

  16. Avatar for Derek Derek says:

    you’re in point of fact a excellent webmaster. The web site loading
    velocity is amazing. It seems that you are doing any unique trick.
    Furthermore, The contents are masterwork.
    you’ve done a great process in this subject!

  17. Avatar for Mitchell Mitchell says:

    Thanks , I’ve just been looking for information about this topic
    for a while and yours is the greatest I have came upon so far.
    However, what concerning the bottom line? Are you positive about the source?

  18. Avatar for Adoption Network Adoption Network says:

    Provide a list of individuals or organizations that are
    not directly affiliated to the agency which can aid you with your adoption,
    along with the costs of those services. Encryption is a branch
    of cryptography, and involves making plain text unreadable by using an algorithm,
    known as cipher. Both steps are integral in helping the professionals and
    the adoption agency determine if you are ready to adopt.

  19. Avatar for work from home ads work from home ads says:

    Thanks , I have just been searching for info approximately this topic for a while and yours is the best I have came
    upon till now. But, what concerning the bottom line?
    Are you certain concerning the supply?

  20. Avatar for auto tracking auto tracking says:

    WHEN your pride and joy is stolen you always hope you’ll see it again. Tracking
    services naturally boost the chances of recovery, but
    one lucky bike owner has Bike Trac and Interpol to thank
    for the return of their prized possession after a particularly lengthy
    search.

    Taken on a Monday evening from South London, the £12,000 Ducati 899
    Panigale was quickly confirmed as stolen thanks to the equipped Bike Trac unit communicating with its owner and the firm’s operating centre.

    Despite everyone’s best efforts the bike crossed the English Channel before
    UK police could reach it. However, a mixture of GPS signal and the triangulation of mobile
    phone masts across Europe allowed Bike Trac to keep
    an eye on its movements.

    Now Tuesday and with the bike in Lithuania,
    the tracking team traced it to the town of Vilnius. The following day, and with the help of Interpol,
    local Lithuanian authorities moved in and secured the stolen bike.

    Commenting on the operation, Sue Hitchmough, General Manager for Bike Trac
    parent company Road Angel Group, said: “To recover a stolen motorcycle over 1,000 miles away is no better example of the effectiveness of tracking technology. This is naturally a huge success for us, but it’s also a great example to everyone that tracking really does work.

    “I’d like to personally thank everyone involved in this recovery from our team at HQ to Interpol and to the Lithuanian authorities. It’s very pleasing to know so many people want to stamp out bike theft.”

  21. Avatar for Justin Justin says:

    “when you use it on games on Smartphones, the delivery of the sound is delayed.”

    … That’s poor quality right there. You paid P17K for delayed sound? How can you possibly say it’s worth it?

  22. Avatar for AJM AJM says:

    I bought mine for 17K (cash) if not 18K at Pismo last year around November. How come that the tag price is 21K? I swear, it’s totally worth it. IMHO, I think Zik wouldn’t need to adapt the aptX since I had no issue about the sound quality. Oh, you didn’t mention that when you use it on games on Smartphones, the delivery of the sound is delayed. Even if you use it on your laptop/Mac when streaming or watching movies. Plus if its windy, it enters right on the ear pads. I just hope that they would make an external battery charger/ wall charger. It’s a big plus if you have a spare one. In the application, they should work on the battery indicator.

    • Avatar for Abe Olandres Abe Olandres says:

      The Php21k price is for the Limited Edition Gold variant, comes with a carrying case as well (as shown in photo above).

Leave a Reply