Technics EAH-AZ100 earbuds review: Magnetic fluid drivers deliver reference-grade sound

Technics, known for its legendary SL-1200 line of turntables, has now entered the world of premium Bluetooth earbuds with the release of the EAH-AZ100. Designed for audiophiles, these earbuds offer a significant upgrade in both design and performance. Our review sample was provided during a press trip to Kyoto, Japan, sponsored by Technics parent company Panasonic.

The build

The EAH-AZ100 earbuds are smaller and more comfortable than previous models, with a sleek design and improved weight distribution. The inclusion of multiple sizes of eartips ensures a customized fit for all users. Despite their compact size, these earbuds offer up to 10 hours of battery life with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) enabled. With LDAC streaming, the audio quality is enhanced, providing a wider frequency range and better overall sound performance.

One notable technical feature is the “Magnetic Fluid Driver,” which reduces distortion and improves sound clarity. The addition of internal microphones for ANC enhances noise cancellation, making the EAH-AZ100s stand out in their category. The earbuds also feature a passthrough mode and adjustable ANC settings for a personalized listening experience.

The setup

Pairing the EAH-AZ100s with various devices is seamless thanks to the Bluetooth 5.3 technology. The earbuds automatically enter pairing mode when removed from their case, simplifying the connection process.

When you first connect the EAH-AZ100s, you may receive a prompt to download the Technics app. This app is necessary for adjusting the EQ settings, downloading firmware updates, and checking the battery life of the case or buds.

The EAH-AZ100s will automatically connect to the first device they were paired with. To pair them with another device, simply hold your fingers on both buds after removing them from the case and inserting them into your ears to enable pairing mode. A voice prompt will confirm pairing mode, allowing you to connect to a second or third device via Bluetooth settings. The EAH-AZ100s can connect to the three most recently paired devices within Bluetooth range.

The triple multipoint pairing feature on the EAH-AZ100s is consistent and impressive, allowing seamless switching between devices without dropouts. This feature sets Technics apart as a best-in-class option for multi-device connectivity.

In terms of sound quality, the EAH-AZ100s deliver a superior listening experience. Whether you’re enjoying music or podcasts, these earbuds excel in handling a wide range of audio content. The improved bass is particularly notable, offering clear and deep low-end sound compared to other popular earbuds on the market.

During our tests across various music genres, the EAH-AZ100s showcased excellent instrument separation and clarity. Tracks with complex mixes sounded detailed and distinct, highlighting the earbuds’ audio capabilities. Additionally, these earbuds excel in reproducing intimate acoustic performances, revealing nuances and details in the music.

While the EAH-AZ100s support Spatial Audio for Dolby Atmos content, the immersive listening experience is subjective. The earbuds provide a spacious soundstage, but the true multi-speaker system experience is not fully replicated. However, if you enjoy Spatial Audio on other devices, you’ll appreciate this feature on the EAH-AZ100s.

In conclusion, the Technics EAH-AZ100 earbuds represent a significant advancement in TWS technology. With enhanced comfort, extended battery life, improved ANC, and upgraded audio systems, these earbuds offer a compelling listening experience. Technics has demonstrated a commitment to innovation and quality, making the EAH-AZ100s a top choice for audiophiles.

You can purchase the Technics EAH-AZ100 earbuds for $299.99, while the EAH-AZ80 model is available for $199.99. Please rewrite this sentence. Please rewrite this sentence.