Intro
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From TOZO, we previously tested the top-of-the-line model, the Golden X1 True wireless in-ears. Those did make an impression. We recently received a second package, the “Open Buds” a somewhat less common pair of earbuds in terms of model and shape. Here is our review.
Back in the day, the world was clear and so was the realm of headphones. There was only one species and those were large ear cups that went around the ears. A coiled cable connected the headphones to the tuner-amplifier. That was really it, wasn’t it? Sony’s Walkman (1978) brought the lightweight on-ear headphones that could offer hi-fi quality. The arrival of Apples iPod (2001) gave a boost to wired white “earphones” . In 2015, Japan’s Onkyo introduced true wireless in-ears, earbuds that do their job completely wirelessly. And then there are “bone conduction” earphones that transport sound by transmitting micro vibrations to your skull. Sounds scary, but it works. The advantage is that your ears are free; there is nothing sticking in them, which feels less secluded. Therefore, this type is very suitable for athletes.
To add even more diversity to the diversity of the population, TOZO has come up with a kind of hybrid form; a true wireless system where the driver is not in, but against the ears and is attached with a hook. Not such an attractive description, but read on. TOZO calls this the Open Buds.
Open Box
The earbuds come in a lightweight. mid-size box and are already charged upon arrival. Nice. We see an oblong unit (about 2 x 0.8 cm) to which a swivel holder is attached for attachment to the ears. With the hook facing up, it looks a bit like the Dutch Gispen brand logo. The box also serves as charging station with battery, equipped with a USB-C connection.
The TOZO app allows you to adjust the EQ in a number of presets; classical music, vocal, more bass, more treble. It is also possible to personalize the controls; volume, play/pause, next track. It all works just fine.
