Final TONALITE Review

 

Introduction:

Final, a Japanese manufacturer known for its emphasis on acoustic engineering rather than short-lived industry trends, has broadened its product range with the introduction of the TONALITE. Building on its experience with high-fidelity wired monitors, the company is extending its technical expertise into the premium True Wireless (TWS) segment.

The TONALITE represents a continuation of the ZE series, developed around the concept of “Timbre Fidelity.” At its core, the device employs Digital Twin Audio Simulation (DTAS), a system that adjusts the sound profile according to the anatomical characteristics of the listener’s head and ears. Supported by a dedicated application, this technology aims to replicate how sound naturally reaches the eardrum, with the goal of achieving a more faithful reproduction of recorded audio.

Unlike many personalization technologies that emphasize spatial effects for 3D or cinematic playback, Final’s approach focuses on preserving the accuracy of two-channel stereophonic sound. By prioritizing timbre, the TONALITE is designed to retain the original character of music in everyday listening, offering a balanced presentation without excessive digital alteration.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the features and sonic performance of the TONALITE.

 

Disclaimer:

I would like to thank JackRabbit Media and Final for providing me with the TONALITE for review purposes. I am not affiliated with the brands beyond this review and all observations shared here reflect my objective and honest experience with the product.

  

Price & Availability:

The Final TONALITE has a suggested retail price (MSRP) of $329.00. Further details regarding availability and specific regional pricing can be found on Final’s official website and authorized retailers. More information’s can be found under the links below;

• Final TONALITE TWS Earphone (Kickstarter)

 

Package & Accessories:

The packaging of the TONALITE follows Final’s minimalist and premium aesthetic, featuring a clean white box with with some product related brandings on ist top surface.

This box contains the following items & accessories;

• 1 x pair of Final TONALITE TWS Earphones
• 1 x Oval-shaped Charging Case
• 5 x pairs of Fusion-G Tri-brid Ear Tips (SS/S/M/L/LL)
• 1 x 3D Scanning Calibration Headband
• 1 x USB Type-C Charging Cable
• 1 x User Manual & Quick Start Guide

 

 

Design & Build Quality:

The Final TONALITE introduces a design shift toward a monitor-style housing that emphasizes both practical use and ergonomic fit. Each unit incorporates a matte plastic faceplate with a tactile marker on the touch-sensitive area, helping users locate controls by feel. The sensors respond to light gestures to minimize pressure on the ear canal, though some users may find that the touch interface requires adjustment to avoid unintended inputs.

The upper housing is slimmer and more rounded compared to earlier models, creating a closer fit against the ear. This curvature is intended to reduce wind resistance, while the Adjusting Ring system provides stability by resting against the inner fold of the concha. Its effectiveness varies depending on individual ear anatomy.

The suface finish is designed to reduce skin irritation, although the wear detection sensor used for automatic pause functions may perform inconsistently depending on earbud placement.

The sound nozzle features a wider diameter and shallow insertion depth to accommodate the 10mm dynamic driver. This design improves comfort for listeners sensitive to deeper insertion but may slightly reduce passive noise isolation compared to alternatives with a deeper fit.

A fine mesh filter protects the acoustic chamber from debris. Gold-plated pins on the inner shell enable a magnetic connection with the charging case, requiring clean contact points for reliable power transfer.

Internally, the earbuds use a microphone array built on Infineon IM73A135 MEMS sensors. Each earbud includes one feedback microphone near the nozzle and two feedforward microphones on the outer shell. These capture environmental and internal noise data for processing by the Sony Semiconductor Solutions CXD3784 ANC chip. The effectiveness of active noise cancellation depends on achieving a proper seal with the ear tips.

The charging case is made from A0-level flame-resistant polymer, selected for thermal stability and battery safety. Its oval shape and matte finish help reduce visible fingerprints, though the case is slightly larger than ultra-compact designs. A 180-degree tension hinge allows the lid to remain securely open during use.

A vertical four-LED indicator shows the 700mAh battery status in 25 percent increments. The system supports reinforced USB-C and Qi wireless charging, managed by an internal protection circuit that monitors thermal conditions. Overall, the Final TONALITE is designed to meet technical standards for high-fidelity audio while maintaining durability and consistent build quality.

 

Fit & Comfort:

The Final TONALITE focuses on a more ergonomic approach with its refined, rounded housing and the integration of a specialized Adjusting Ring system. This ring is designed to rest against the ear’s inner fold, providing a stable fit without the pressure often caused by traditional, bulky ear wings. This design allows the monitors to sit relatively flush against the ear, which helps in reducing wind noise and making the device feel less intrusive during long sessions. The distribution of weight is well-balanced, and for many, the Adjusting Ring will offer a secure “locked-in” feel that stays comfortable even during moderate movement.

However, actual long-term comfort is heavily dependent on the choice of ear tips. While Final includes the new Fusion-G Tri-brid Ear Tips, their unique material and shape may not suit every ear anatomy. For some users, these tips might feel a bit stiff or fail to provide the perfect seal required for both comfort and optimal sound isolation. Consequently, the “out-of-the-box” comfort experience can be hit-or-miss. To get the most out of the TONALITE, some users may find it necessary to experiment with third-party tips or Final’s own classic E-Type series to find a better balance between a secure seal and a soft fit. Ultimately, while the shell design itself is a significant ergonomic step forward, the final comfort level remains subjective and highly dependent on the interface between the ear canal and the chosen tip.

 

Hardware, Battery & Connectivity:

The internal hardware suite is headlined by the Sony CXD3784 flagship ANC processor and the Airoha Flagship Series AB1585 DSP-equipped SoC. This combination provides the massive computational power required to run the DTAS algorithms in real-time while maintaining a stable Bluetooth 6.0 connection with LDAC support. The Sony CXD3784 is particularly crucial as it handles the high-bitrate audio processing and high-precision noise suppression simultaneously.

Battery performance is class-leading for a flagship TWS of this caliber. Each earbud is equipped with a high-density 100mAh battery, while the charging case features a 700mAh capacity and a Smart Charging Protection System. 

• LDAC Codec / ANC Off: approx 8.5 to 9 hours
• LDAC Codec / ANC On: approx 7.5 to 8 hours
• Total with Case: approx 27 hours

The charging process via the USB-C Port takes roughly 100 minutes for a full cycle. The case also supports Qi Wireless Charging, adding a layer of modern convenience. The hybrid ANC system is remarkably effective thanks to the triple Infineon IM73A135 microphone setup on each side. These high-spec microphones provide a signal-to-noise ratio that allows for effective isolation from environmental chatter without creating an uncomfortable “vacuum” pressure sensation.

 

Software & The DTAS Ecosystem:

The Final Connect application functions as the central interface for the Digital Twin Audio Simulation (DTAS), a system designed to account for the influence of human anatomy on acoustic perception. While much of the industry’s recent focus has been on spatial audio for 3D content, Final’s research highlights a different issue: conventional earphones do not compensate for the way individual ear and head shapes affect timbre, or tone color. DTAS addresses this by creating a virtual model of the listener’s acoustic environment to improve the accuracy of stereo reproduction.

The process begins with data collection through the app, using the smartphone’s camera and a calibration headband to capture the geometry of the pinna and head. This information is combined with in-ear measurements, where frequency sweeps map the resonance and length of the ear canal via the Infineon IM73A135 microphones. The resulting dataset is processed on Final’s cloud servers to generate a Personalized Timbre Profile, which is then stored directly on the earbuds.

This profile is not a fixed equalizer setting but a dynamic correction map managed by the Sony Semiconductor Solutions CXD3784 processor. The system applies DTAS data to reduce frequency distortions caused by anatomical variations, helping instruments and vocals retain their intended texture. In addition to automated DTAS adjustments, the Final Connect app provides tools for manual fine-tuning. These include a PRO 10-Band Equalizer, designed for precise adjustments without degrading driver clarity, and a Volume Step Optimizer, which subdivides volume increments near the preferred listening level for more controlled adjustment.

 

Pairing, Signal Strength, Latency & Call Quality:

The initial pairing process for the Final TONALITE is straightforward. A long press on the touch-sensitive surface for two seconds places the device in pairing mode, allowing it to be selected from the Bluetooth source menu. Once paired, the auto-reconnect function ensures the earphones connect automatically when removed from the charging case. The Airoha AB1585 SoC also enables Multipoint Connection, allowing the earbuds to remain active on two devices simultaneously, such as a laptop and a smartphone.

In terms of signal stability, the TONALITE provides a consistent Bluetooth 6.0 connection within a typical range of about 10 meters when using AAC or SBC codecs. When operating with the LDAC codec at its highest bitrate, however, the increased data transmission makes the connection more sensitive to interference. In this mode, effective range is reduced, and obstacles such as walls or moving into another room can cause interruptions. For reliable playback at maximum quality, close proximity to the source device is recommended.

For media synchronization, the TONALITE includes a Low Latency Mode. This mode minimizes lip-sync delay when streaming video content and provides responsive audio timing during gaming. Call performance benefits from the internal hardware, with voice transmission remaining clear even in outdoor or noisy environments. This is achieved through a triple Infineon IM73A135 microphone array and the Sony CXD3784 processor’s beamforming algorithms, which help isolate speech from background noise and wind.

 

Technical Specifications: 

Driver Type	High-precision 10mm Dynamic Driver (Ultra-low THD)
Main SoC	Airoha Flagship Series AB1585 (DSP-equipped)
ANC Processor	Sony Semiconductor Solutions CXD3784 Flagship
Microphones	6 x Infineon IM73A135 MEMS (3 per earbud)
Bluetooth Version	6.0
Supported Codecs	LDAC, AAC, SBC
Personalization	Digital Twin Audio Simulation (DTAS) via 3D Scan
Battery (Earbuds)	100mAh per earbud
Battery (Case)	700mAh (Qi Wireless Charging Supported)
Battery Life (LDAC)	Approx 7.5 to 8 hours (ANC ON) / 9 hours (ANC OFF)
Total Battery Life	Approx 27 hours (with charging case)
Charging Time	Approx 100 minutes (Full Cycle)
Safety Standard	A0-level Flame-Resistant Case Material
Special Features	Wear Detection, PRO 10-Band EQ, Volume Step Optimizer

 

Equipment’s used for this review:

• TWS Earphones        : Final TONALITE, Sony WF-1000XM4
• Source                       : Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, MSI Vector GP68 HX

 

Albums & tracks used for this review:

• Gogo Penguin – Raven
• Lorde – Royal Massive Attack – Angel
• Toutant – Rebirth
• Really Slow Motion – Deadwood
• Massive Attack – Angel
• Muse – The Handler
• Twerl – Lishu
• U2 – Sunday Bloody Sunday
• Lunatic Soul – The Passage
• Metallica – Sad but True
• Megadeth – Sweating Bullets
• Rush’s – Leave That Thing Alone
• Slayer – Angel of Death
• Liquid Tension Experiment 2 – Acid Rain
• Edith Piaf – Non Je Ne Regrette Rien
• Diana Krall – So Wonderful
• Aretha Franklin – I Say a Little Prayer
• Hayley Westenra – Odyssey Album
• Dionne Warwick – Walk On By
• Sarah McLachlan – Angel
• Sting – Englishman in New York
• Barry White – Just The Way You Are
• Isaac Hayes – Walk On
• Elton John – Rocket Man
• Eric Clapton – Wonderful Tonight
• Sting – Englishman in New York
• Casey Abrams – Robot Lovers
• Fazıl Say – Nazım Oratoryosu (Live)
• Chopin – Nocturn No. 20 In C-Sharp Minor
• Vivaldi – Le QuarttroStagioni “The Four Seasons”
• Otto Liebert & Luna Negra – The River

 

 

The Sound:

The Final TONALITE offers two distinct listening experiences depending on the active mode. In the Stock Profile, the earphone follows a traditional high-end monitoring signature that is exceptionally clean, flat, and transparent. It is a technical presentation that prioritizes accuracy and acts as a “blank canvas.” However, once the Personalized Timbre Profile via DTAS is engaged, the sound undergoes a transformative change. The DTAS profile does not merely boost frequencies like a standard EQ; instead, it uses the 3D scan data to compensate for the specific acoustic resonances of your own ear canal. This results in a presentation where the timbre of every instrument feels uncannily lifelike, and the “in-head” sensation of traditional earphones is replaced by a holographic, speaker-like experience.

 

Bass:

The bass performance of the TONALITE is handled by the bespoke 10mm dynamic driver, which is engineered for ultra-low total harmonic distortion. In the Stock Profile, the bass is lean, fast, and remarkably articulate. It follows a reference curve that provides enough sub-bass extension to feel the weight of a kick drum without any artificial bloat in the mid-bass regions. It is a purist’s bass that focuses on texture and the “pluck” of a bass guitar string. When switching to the Personalized Timbre Profile, the low-end gains a more natural sense of body and impact. This change occurs because the DTAS system corrects for the specific way low-frequency pressure builds up in your unique ear canal. The result is a bass that feels more integrated into the room’s atmosphere rather than being pumped directly into the ear.

The sub-bass reaches deeper into the subsonic frequencies with a more visceral rumble, while the mid-bass remains perfectly controlled. This allows complex orchestral arrangements or dense electronic tracks to maintain their energy while preserving the fine instrumental details occurring elsewhere in the spectrum. The speed of the 10mm driver ensures that even the most rapid bass lines are rendered with surgical precision and no unwanted lingering decay. It is a bass presentation that favors quality and texture, allowing the listener to perceive the “skin” of a drum or the vibration of a cello string with startling clarity.

 

Midrange:

The midrange is where the TONALITE truly establishes its dominance over other flagship TWS models. In the Stock Profile, the mids are exceptionally transparent and revealing, offering a “monitor” feel that highlights every flaw in a recording. While impressive, this can sometimes feel a bit dry for casual listening. The Personalized Timbre Profile changes this by addressing the 2kHz to 5kHz “ear canal resonance” peaks that are unique to every listener. By smoothing out these anatomical distortions, the DTAS profile makes vocals sound startlingly intimate and realistic. Male vocals gain a natural warmth and authority, while female vocals take on a soaring, crystalline quality that is free from any harshness or sibilance.

Instruments like the piano or acoustic guitar benefit from an improved sense of timbre; you can hear the resonant body of the instrument and the subtle friction of fingers on strings. The level of transparency is high enough to perceive the artistic intention of the producer, yet the personalized calibration adds a layer of musicality that makes the experience deeply emotional. The separation between the lead vocal and the background elements is expanded, creating a layered and three-dimensional midrange that feels wide, open, and vividly detailed. It provides a highly emotional listening experience that honors the original recording’s intention by placing the listener right in front of the artist in a way that standard tuning cannot replicate.

 

Treble:

The treble region of the TONALITE is a masterclass in resolution and smoothness. In the Stock Profile, the treble is crisp and energetic, providing a high level of detail that is perfect for critical listening. However, depending on your ear anatomy, certain high frequencies can sometimes feel a bit sharp in this mode. This is where the Personalized Timbre Profile proves its worth. By calculating the exact reflections within your pinna, the DTAS system tames any harsh peaks while simultaneously extending the upper treble air. This results in a top-end that is both more detailed and more comfortable for long-term listening. High-frequency transients such as cymbal crashes, bells, and triangles are reproduced with a natural decay and a refined sparkle that avoids any metallic coloration.

The use of the high-spec Infineon IM73A135 microphones allows the system to maintain this clarity even when ANC is active, ensuring that the high frequencies remain pure and unaltered by external noise. The sense of brilliance and spatial awareness is exceptional, providing the necessary “air” that makes the soundstage feel limitless. It is a sophisticated treble presentation that manages to be revealing of micro-details without ever becoming fatiguing or distracting from the core musicality. This top-end successfully bridges the gap between technical analytical performance and smooth musical enjoyment, satisfying both critical listeners and casual music lovers alike.

 

Soundstage & Imaging:

The spatial performance is the highlight of the DTAS system. In the Stock Profile, the soundstage is wide with a good sense of separation. However, with the Personalized Timbre Profile, it expands into a truly holographic environment. The DTAS system effectively simulates a professional loudspeaker setup in a treated room by correcting the phase and timing of the audio signal based on your anatomy. Imaging becomes pinpoint accurate, allowing you to track the height, depth, and distance of every performer on a virtual stage. It creates a sense of realism that makes the sound seem to exist in the open space around your head rather than inside it.

 

Comparison:

Final TONALITE verus Sony WF-1000XM4:

Comparing the Final TONALITE to the Sony WF-1000XM4 reveals two distinct approaches to portable audio. The Sony WF-1000XM4 is engineered with a consumer-friendly, warm sound signature that emphasizes the lower frequencies. Using a 6mm driver, Sony delivers a thick mid-bass response that adds a sense of body to most genres, making it a safe choice for casual listening. However, this warmth comes at the cost of absolute transparency, as the mid-bass can occasionally overshadow the lower midrange. The Final TONALITE, equipped with a larger 10mm driver, opts for a more reference-oriented tuning. Instead of the Sony’s emphasized warmth, the TONALITE focuses on bass speed and sub-bass extension. This results in a cleaner transition between the bass and midrange, allowing for better instrument separation but potentially feeling less “impactful” to users who prefer the Sony’s more colored low-end.

The midrange and treble regions further distinguish these two flagships. Sony’s midrange is smooth and polite, designed to prevent listener fatigue during long sessions. While this is comfortable, it can lack the crispness required to hear the fine edges of vocal performances. The Final TONALITE provides a more revealing midrange that benefits from the DTAS calibration, which targets anatomical resonances to produce a more natural vocal tone. In the treble department, the Sony WF-1000XM4 is notably rolled off in the upper registers to ensure a smooth, non-fatiguing top end. While this avoids sibilance, it limits the sense of “air” and sparkle in the music. The TONALITE offers a more extended treble response, providing better resolution for high-frequency transients like cymbals or acoustic guitar overtones. Because the TONALITE uses personalized profiles to manage treble peaks, it achieves this higher level of detail without becoming as sharp as a traditional analytical earphone might.

Spatial performance and imaging also vary significantly due to their respective processing technologies. The Sony WF-1000XM4 provides a standard in-ear soundstage that is competent for a TWS but remains largely centralized within the listener’s head. The Final TONALITE uses its Digital Twin Audio Simulation to expand this stage, using phase and timing corrections based on the user’s scan data to create a more open environment. This makes the TONALITE feel more like a speaker setup, whereas the Sony maintains a more traditional earphone feel. While the Sony remains a highly reliable choice for those who enjoy a warm and bass-heavy presentation, the Final TONALITE is better suited for listeners seeking higher resolution, improved treble extension, and a more accurate spatial representation of their music.

 

Conclusion:

The Final TONALITE is a groundbreaking TWS earphone that successfully bridges the gap between high-tech convenience and audiophile-grade performance. It stands out for its genuine innovation of 3D-scanned personalization and its high-end internal components like the Infineon IM73A135 microphones and the Sony Semiconductor Solutions CXD3784 processor. By focusing on the naturalness of timbre for stereophonic sound, Final has created a device that honors the emotional impact of music. While it requires a serious investment, the combination of a flagship hardware suite and a truly unique acoustic calibration system makes it the definitive choice for those seeking the absolute pinnacle of portable audio technology in 2025.

 

Pros & Cons: 

• + DTAS calibration delivers exceptionally lifelike instrument and vocal textures.
• + Expansive, speaker-like imaging that removes the “in-head” sensation.
• + 10mm driver provides fast, articulate sub-bass without artificial bloat.
• + Neutralizes ear-canal resonances for intimate, crystal-clear vocals.
• + High-resolution detail and air without harshness or metallic sibilance.
• + Competitive 7.5–9 hours per charge (up to 27 total with the case)
• + A0-level flame-resistant materials and premium matte finish
• + Features Qi wireless charging, Multipoint connection, and granular “Volume Step” control.

• – Initial 3D scanning setup process requires dedicated time
• – LDAC signal stability and range are limited compared to standard codecs
• – Default tuning is strictly analytical and may lack “fun” or warmth.
• – Not a big fan oft he stock ear tips

Thank you for the Read!