Technics EAH-AZ100 Review: Next-Level Sound That Will Ruin Other Earbuds
▼ Summary
– The Technics EAH-AZ100 earbuds deliver exceptional, nuanced sound quality across various music genres due to their proprietary magnetic fluid drivers that minimize distortion.
– These earbuds offer impressive battery life, providing 10 hours of playback with active noise cancellation enabled and 18 hours total with the charging case.
– While the active noise cancellation performs admirably against common noises like crying babies, it is solid but not as elite as competitors like Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra earbuds.
– The earbuds are comfortable for extended wear and come with multiple eartip sizes, though their design is not the sleekest and touch controls are just adequate.
– Despite a higher price point than many competitors, the EAH-AZ100 excel in core features like sound, battery, and comfort, making them a strong choice for audio-focused users.
Discovering the true meaning of high-fidelity audio often requires a personal listening experience, something the Technics EAH-AZ100 wireless earbuds deliver with breathtaking clarity. Priced at $299, these earbuds aren’t just another pair of Bluetooth earphones; they represent a serious investment in sound quality that stands apart from mainstream options like Apple’s AirPods. For those accustomed to ordinary audio performance, hearing music through the EAH-AZ100 feels like lifting a veil you never knew was there.
At the heart of their exceptional performance are proprietary magnetic fluid drivers, a technological innovation that minimizes distortion by stabilizing driver movement. Unlike conventional drivers that vibrate erratically, these are suspended in a magnetic fluid that restricts unnecessary motion, resulting in cleaner, more accurate sound reproduction. The difference isn’t subtle, it’s transformative.
Listening to a variety of genres, from rock to hip-hop, revealed a consistent depth and richness. On Geese’s “3D Country,” distorted guitars retained their raw texture without blurring, while basslines felt natural rather than artificially boosted. Vocals emerged with striking clarity, and even compressed Spotify streams sounded more alive and dimensional. In direct comparison with Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra earbuds, the Technics model offered noticeably superior audio clarity.
Battery life is another area where the EAH-AZ100 excels. With active noise cancellation enabled, these earbuds last an impressive 10 hours on a single charge, far beyond what many competitors offer. During a long flight from New York to Arizona, they performed reliably throughout the journey without requiring a recharge. The carrying case provides an additional 18 hours of power, making these earbuds ideal for travel or extended use.
Noise cancellation is solid, though not class-leading. While they effectively reduced background noise like crying babies on a flight, Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra still holds a slight edge in this department. That said, the ANC performance is more than adequate for most environments and doesn’t detract from the overall premium experience.
Comfort is a highlight, especially for extended wear. The pre-installed ear tips fit securely without causing fatigue, even after hours of use. For those who need a different fit, four additional ear tip sizes are included in the box. The design, while not the most stylish, prioritizes function over form, a trade-off that makes sense given the advanced driver technology inside.
Touch controls are functional but not exceptional, and the pairing process requires placing the earbuds in your ears and holding the outer surface, a minor inconvenience for some. The companion app offers standard features like customizable EQ, ANC settings, and spatial audio, though these are becoming commonplace even in mid-range models.
Where the Technics EAH-AZ100 truly shines is in its core mission: delivering extraordinary sound. Few wireless earbuds at any price point can match their audio performance, and they even rival some over-ear headphones in clarity and detail. If you value sound quality, battery life, and comfort above all else, these earbuds are an outstanding choice. While they may not lead in every category, their strengths lie exactly where it matters most.
(More on: Gizmodo)
