Experience Exceptional Audio with Technics AZ100: A Leap in Sound Quality and Innovative Bluetooth Features

Опубликовано: 5 марта, 2025

My recent experience with the Technics earbuds was less than stellar. The AZ70W marked the brand’s return following its relaunch by Panasonic in 2014. While the 2020 version had some commendable features for its $250 price, its variable audio quality prevented it from becoming a serious competitor. In 2021, Technics introduced two additional wireless options, while the 2023 AZ80 received widespread acclaim for its audio capabilities.

For its 2025 release, Technics leveraged its expertise to refine the already impressive AZ80, unveiling the AZ100 ($300). These top-tier earbuds feature completely new drivers, adaptive active noise cancellation (ANC), AI-enhanced voice features, Dolby Atmos spatial audio, and a unique tool that stands out among competitors. Fortunately, the AZ100 delivers on its promise of “epic, reference-quality high-resolution audio.”

Technics/Engadget

85100Expert Score

Technics AZ100

Technics’ magnetic fluid drivers significantly enhance sonic performance, and you won’t find the ability to connect to three devices simultaneously anywhere else.

Pros

Outstanding sound quality
Numerous options in the app
Compact design for a comfortable fit
Three-device multipoint Bluetooth capability

Cons

ANC is not as effective as the best
Lacks some contemporary «smart» features
Spatial audio doesn’t enhance the standard tuning

$284 at Amazon

Audio quality

Although I’m skipping an entire generation of Technics earbuds since the AZ70W, this also gives me a clearer view of how much the brand has progressed over time. The AZ100 is a remarkable audio device compared to its predecessor, delivering some of the finest sound quality I’ve encountered in my extensive earbud testing.

The innovative magnetic fluid drivers are responsible for the audio enhancements. According to Technics, they provide “reduced distortion, precise bass, and high resolution.” These components are derived from the company’s insights gained from the $1,200 EAH-TZ700 in-ear monitors (IEMs), which contain 10mm magnetic fluid drivers. The fluid is integrated into the voice coil, promoting precise diaphragm movement, resulting in minimal distortion and remarkable clarity throughout the sound spectrum.

They also focused on enhancing bass capabilities in the AZ100. These drivers contribute to that, complemented by an updated acoustic control chamber and harmonizer to amplify low-end performance. Additionally, the AZ100 supports Dolby Atmos for spatial audio and Sony’s LDAC high-quality wireless audio codec. While Dolby Atmos is often found in premium models, LDAC is uncommon in earbuds outside Sony’s lineup.

The AZ100 shines with high-resolution tracks, such as those in Apple Music’s Dolby Atmos library. For example, with L.S. Dunes’ alt-rock/post-hardcore Violet, you can expect robust, punchy bass that remains clear and detailed. The kick drum, for instance, possesses a thunderous rhythm that exemplifies Technics’ refinements to the AZ100’s audio system. Even classic albums from the early 2000s, like The Appleseed Cast’s Mare Vitalis, immerse you in a rich soundscape filled with dynamic drums, intertwining guitars, and the ambiance of a live concert rather than a studio recording. This is particularly impressive when streaming lossless audio on Apple Music, not just Dolby Atmos.

However, the AZ100’s spatial audio feature is where it falters in terms of sound quality. This immersive mode, which works with or without Dolby dynamic head tracking, can thin the sound, losing the vibrant energy that the boosted bass originally offered. When activated, it compromises the lively audio profile, resulting in a duller experience.

ANC efficacy

Despite Technics employing its most advanced noise-canceling technology, the AZ100 falls short compared to the best in the market. They feature adaptive ANC, which adjusts based on the surrounding environment, yet it doesn’t compete with the capabilities of Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. While the AZ100 performs adequately in various contexts, it struggles against chatty coworkers and is less effective at silencing constant noise sources like fans or white noise machines.

Application and features

Every brand now provides a companion application, but their functionality can vary significantly. Technics has included an extensive range of features in its app, conveniently placing most of the necessary tools on the main screen. Once the AZ100 is linked to your phone, the application displays the remaining battery for each earbud and the case. Following this, you’ll find a user guide, noise cancellation settings, EQ presets, and a Voice Focus AI Test. At the bottom, access to ambient sound, EQ, and the more comprehensive settings menu is available.

When it comes to the settings menu, it can get a tad overwhelming with numerous options available. Some features that should be prioritized are found lower in the menu — such as altering the touch controls. The spatial audio option is also exclusively accessible here, which I believe should be more prominently featured on the home screen. While the app provides a comprehensive way to tailor the AZ100 to your preferences, it may require some time to fully navigate.

A unique offering from Technics is the ability to connect to three devices simultaneously through multipoint Bluetooth connectivity. I haven’t encountered this in other earbuds, although there are some limitations. For instance, you cannot use LDAC audio when three devices are connected, likely due to Bluetooth’s constraints. Technics advises disabling multipoint if you wish to enjoy LDAC quality audio. Within the application, you can choose whether multipoint will shift devices during media playback or when you receive a call. I primarily used it with my phone and laptop, but those who regularly utilize a tablet or a separate work phone may find this feature especially convenient.

Call clarity

The Voice Focus AI Test feature enables you to listen to how you would sound on calls using the AZ100. This is a valuable tool for assessing the earbuds’ clarity during essential calls or virtual meetings. In quiet environments, the AZ100 provides clear and relatively natural sound. However, when you find yourself in a noisier space and the Voice Focus AI activates, your voice becomes somewhat robotic and synthetic. Although people on the other end can hear you without background interference, the clarity of your voice diminishes.

There are two ambient sound modes — Transparent and Attention — but neither offers much aid for voice and video calls. The AZ100 does not channel your voice back through the earbuds, so you need to project your voice to hear yourself. Transparent mode allows all sounds to pass through the earbuds unchanged, whereas Attention is geared towards isolating voices. In practice, I found the Transparent mode to be superior, even when conversing.

Battery performance

Technics claims that the AZ100 can last up to 10 hours with ANC active, plus an additional 18 hours with the wireless charging case. With LDAC enabled, however, these figures decrease to seven hours and 11 hours, respectively. After using the earbuds for 10 hours with noise cancellation engaged, they still had 20% battery remaining, which theoretically provides about two more hours of usage. When short on time, a quick 15-minute charge will yield up to 90 minutes of listening time.

Aesthetic refinements

Delving deep into the specifications of the AZ100 reveals some design improvements. This is primarily because the enhancements in sound and technology are the focal point. Nevertheless, Technics made several modifications to the aesthetics of these earbuds compared to the AZ80, reducing both dimensions and weight. The company claims that the newly designed shape allows the IPX4-rated AZ100 to better conform to your ears for enhanced comfort and stability. This was evident as the earbuds fit securely and I experienced no discomfort, even after prolonged use.

Both the touchpad on the earbuds and the cover of the case feature the iconic Technics logo in gold on a textured metal surface (available in both black and silver). This gives the entire set a luxurious appearance, though the gold accents may not appeal to everyone. While the design modifications aren’t drastic compared to the previous model, the meticulous refinements, particularly regarding fit and design, are noteworthy.

Competing products

Prior to the AZ100’s launch, Bowers & Wilkins held the top position on Engadget’s premier wireless earbuds list for an extended period. However, the introduction of Noble Audio’s exceptional yet costly FoKus Rex5 has pushed Bowers & Wilkins to second place. Although Noble’s five-driver configuration is unmatched, both Bowers & Wilkins and Technics deliver remarkable audio quality at a lower price compared to the FoKus Rex5’s $449 tag.

With the competition now focusing on second place, I would favor the AZ100. It has many appealing attributes compared to Bowers & Wilkins’ Pi8, which might be preferable if you seek a more natural sound with less emphasized bass. Personally, I appreciate the richer bass provided by the new Technics drivers, alongside the extensive feature set of the AZ100. I also find Technics superior in ANC performance, and notably, the AZ100 is priced $100 lower than the Pi8.

Conclusion

It’s challenging to succeed a well-regarded product with another outstanding one. Perhaps that’s why many audio brands avoid making significant changes to their earbuds and headphones for new iterations, preferring to uphold sound quality and ANC efficiency. “If it isn’t broken…” often seems the guiding principle.

Technics believed it could enhance its highly-rated AZ80 by integrating technology from another model, and this decision has certainly proven worthwhile. Undoubtedly, you might find superior noise-canceling features with Bose or more advanced functionalities with Sony, but Technics has created exceptional sound quality that few can match. The Best of CES award is a testament to this achievement.