The EX1 2nd gen has been "Hi-Res Audio" certified by the prestigious Japan Audio Society, which means that it has passed certain audio quality tests, including being able to produce 40kHz sound tones. With this certification, you can be sure that the EX1 2nd gen has a natural, cohesive sound that lets you listen to high-resolution audio the way it was meant to be listened. The EX1 2nd gen utilizes in its shell both stainless steel and aluminum alloy, giving it a pleasantly textured yet stylish look and feel. While the EX1 2nd gen's exterior is of a different color scheme compared to the original EX1, its lustrous black color is sure to capture the attention of many.