Technics AZ100: Elevating Audio Excellence with Cutting-Edge Bluetooth Features

My impression of the previous Technics earbuds I evaluated was far from positive. The AZ70W was the inaugural model to feature the iconic logo of the turntable brand after its revival by Panasonic in 2014. While the 2020 version showcased some commendable aspects at a price of $250, inconsistent audio quality hindered its status as a serious contender. In 2021, the company released two additional models, and the 2023 AZ80 earned positive praise from numerous reviewers for its sound performance.

In its upcoming 2025 iteration, Technics leveraged its innovative technologies to enhance the already exceptional AZ80, culminating in the AZ100 ($300). The flagship earbuds feature entirely new drivers, adaptive active noise cancellation (ANC), AI-enhanced voice functionalities, Dolby Atmos spatial sound, and a unique tool that none of the rivals possess. Fortunately, the AZ100 lives up to its reputation for providing “epic, reference-quality high-resolution audio.”

Technics/Engadget

85100Expert Score

Technics AZ100

The magnetic fluid drivers from Technics enhances auditory performance, and their three-device multipoint connectivity is unparalleled.

Pros

• Outstanding sound quality
• Wide array of choices in the app
• Compact size enhances comfort
• Bluetooth connectivity for three devices

Cons

• ANC experiences some limitations compared to the best
• Lacks some of today’s “smart” features
• Spatial audio does not enhance the default settings

$299 at Amazon

Sound quality

I acknowledge that I am skipping multiple generations of Technics earbuds since the AZ70W, but this allows me to have a clear perspective on how much the brand has advanced over the years. The AZ100 stands out as a sound engineering accomplishment when compared to the inaugural model, providing some of the finest sound quality among the numerous earbuds I’ve tried throughout the years.

The enhanced audio is thanks to new magnetic fluid drivers. Technics claims they provide “low distortion, accurate bass and high resolution.” These components were developed using the company’s expertise from its $1,200 EAH-TZ700 in-ear monitors (IEMs), which also utilize 10mm magnetic fluid drivers. This fluid is integrated within the voice coil of the driver to ensure accurate movement of the diaphragm, leading to minimal distortion and outstanding clarity across the frequency range.

Technics also focused on augmenting bass delivery with the AZ100. While those drivers contribute, there’s also a new acoustic control chamber and harmonizer to broaden its low-frequency capabilities. Additionally, the AZ100 supports both Dolby Atmos for spatial sound and Sony’s LDAC high-resolution wireless audio codec. While Dolby Atmos is commonplace in premium models, LDAC is uncommon outside of Sony’s own earbuds and headphones.

With high-resolution tracks, particularly Apple Music’s Dolby Atmos collection, the AZ100 truly excels. Listening to L.S. Dunes’ alt-rock/post-hardcore album Violet reveals powerful, well-defined bass that remains punchy and precise. The kick drum, in particular, provides an impressive foundation for the enhancements Technics has integrated into the audio framework of the AZ100. Even older records like The Appleseed Cast’s Mare Vitalis surround you with dynamic drumming, intertwining guitars, and the ambiance of a concert rather than a studio recording. This is remarkable considering the streaming was done at lossless quality on Apple Music, not Dolby Atmos.

However, when it comes to spatial audio, the AZ100 does falter in sound performance. This immersive feature can be enabled regardless of whether Dolby dynamic head tracking is activated, and when used, it can render the sound too thin for my preferences. The vibrancy brought by the improved bass is lost, resulting in a more sterile audio output that lacks excitement.

ANC performance

Despite Technics employing its latest noise-cancellation technology, the AZ100 doesn’t quite measure up to the leading options available. These earbuds provide adaptive ANC that adapts to your surroundings, yet it doesn’t match the performance of Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. The AZ100 performs adequately in certain contexts, but like many competitors, it struggles with noisy neighbors and fails to mute continuous sounds like fans or white noise devices.

App and features

Most earbud brands today offer a companion app, yet their usefulness can vary widely. Technics has integrated a lot into its app, making most frequently used features easily accessible right on the main page. Once the AZ100 is synced with your device, the app displays individual battery life for each earbud as well as the case. From there, you can access a usage guide, controls for noise cancelation, various EQ presets, and a Voice Focus AI Test. Additionally, quick links for ambient sound, EQ settings, and a more detailed settings menu can be found at the bottom.

The settings menu is where it gets a bit complex. To put it simply, the abundance of options may feel overwhelming. In certain cases, features that would benefit from being highlighted are instead buried down the list, such as customizing touch controls. Spatial audio activation can only be done through this menu, and I believe it should be more readily available on the main page. While there’s ample customization available for personalizing the AZ100, locating everything you need will require some time.

One distinctive feature from Technics is the capability for multipoint Bluetooth connectivity with up to three devices. This is a rarity among earbuds, but it does come with limitations. For instance, you cannot utilize LDAC audio while simultaneously connected to three devices, likely due to Bluetooth limitations. Indeed, Technics advises users to turn off multipoint when aiming for LDAC-quality audio. Within the app, users can designate whether they prefer multipoint to switch devices during media playback or for incoming calls. I primarily utilized multipoint between my phone and laptop, though if you integrate a tablet or dedicated work phone into your routine, this tri-device capability could prove advantageous.

Call quality

The Voice Focus AI Test allows you to hear how you’ll sound during calls with the AZ100. This is a useful feature for assessing whether the earbuds are suitable for critical calls or virtual meetings. In quiet surroundings, the AZ100 delivers a clear and relatively natural sound. However, in louder environments, triggering the Voice Focus AI can make your voice sound overly processed and robotic. Although the recipient will hear you without background noise, the clarity of your voice noticeably degrades.

There are two modes for ambient sound — Transparent and Attention — but neither significantly aids during voice and video calls. The AZ100 doesn’t relay your voice back through the earbuds, requiring you to raise your voice to hear yourself. In ambient mode, Transparent allows all sounds to pass through without any adjustments, while Attention emphasizes human voices. I found Transparent to be more effective in all situations, even when trying to listen closely to someone else’s speech.

Battery life

Technics claims that the AZ100 can last up to 10 hours on a single charge with ANC activated, and the wireless charging case adds an additional 18 hours. When opting for LDAC audio, these numbers drop to seven hours and 11 hours respectively. After 10 hours of usage with active noise cancellation, the AZ100 retained 20 percent of its battery. Given the discharge rate I observed, that would suffice for approximately two more hours. Moreover, a quick 15-minute charge will provide up to 90 minutes of playback.

Design updates

The specification details for the AZ100’s design appear later in the discussion because the advancements in sound and technology take precedence. Nonetheless, Technics did make aesthetic adjustments compared to the AZ80, including minimizing size and weight. The company states that the modified shape allows the IPX4-rated AZ100 to conform to the contours of your ears, providing greater comfort and stability. This is indeed the case, as the earbuds remained securely in place and did not cause discomfort even after prolonged usage.

The touch panel of the earbuds and the lid of the case feature the iconic Technics logo in gold on a textured metal surface (available in both black and silver). This definitely lends a premium aesthetic, although not everyone may appreciate the gold detailing. While the design modifications may not deviate drastically from the previous model, the thoughtful enhancements, especially concerning shape and comfort, are significant.

The competition

Before the AZ100’s debut, Bowers & Wilkins held the top spot on Engadget’s best wireless earbuds list in the sound quality category for an extended period. Recently, however, they were supplanted by the remarkable yet expensive FoKus Rex5 from Noble Audio. Although neither Bowers & Wilkins nor Technics can rival the five-driver setup that Noble offers, both brands deliver excellent audio quality for a lower cost than the $449 price tag of the FoKus Rex5.

Given that the competition is essentially for the second place position, I’d lean towards the AZ100. There’s much to appreciate about Bowers & Wilkins’ Pi8, especially if you prefer a more natural sound with a less booming low-end. Personally, I enjoy the added bass provided by Technics’ new drivers, along with the extended feature list of the AZ100. In terms of ANC efficacy, Technics also takes the lead, and additionally, the AZ100 is priced $100 lower than the Pi8.

Wrap-up

It is challenging to replace a well-received product with another successful model. This might explain why many audio brands refrain from making significant changes to their earbuds and headphones in new releases, opting instead to maintain consistent sound quality and ANC effectiveness. “If it ain’t broken…” applies here.

Technics believed it could enhance its well-reviewed AZ80 by incorporating technology from another model in its lineup, and this risk has paid off significantly. Indeed, while better noise-cancelling features can be found with Bose and more advanced functions with Sony, Technics has achieved remarkable sound quality that is hard to contest. The Best of CES award was well-deserved.

1 / 10

Technics AZ100 review

The earbuds and the case have textured metal panels.