Technics AZ100: Elevating Audio Excellence with Innovative Features and Stellar Sound Quality

My experience with the latest Technics earbuds I assessed was underwhelming. The AZ70W was the initial model to showcase the renowned turntable brand’s emblem following its reintroduction by Panasonic in 2014. The version from 2020 did a few things admirably for $250, but erratic audio consistency held them back from being a formidable competitor. In 2021, the company introduced two additional wireless earbud models, and the AZ80 released in 2023 was praised by numerous critics for its audio performance.

With its 2025 model, Technics leveraged innovative techniques to enhance the already impressive AZ80, culminating in the AZ100 ($300). These top-tier earbuds feature completely new drivers, adaptive active noise cancellation (ANC), AI-enhanced voice functionalities, Dolby Atmos surround sound, and one unique capability not found in the competition. Notably, the AZ100 delivers on its promise of “epic, reference-quality high-resolution audio.”

Technics/Engadget

85100Expert Score

Technics AZ100

The magnetic fluid drivers by Technics significantly enhance sound quality, while the three-device multipoint connectivity is unmatched in the market.

Pros

• Exceptional sound clarity
• Extensive features in the app
• Compact design for a snug fit
• Three-device multipoint Bluetooth capability

Cons

• ANC trails behind the top-tier options
• Lacks some current “smart” functionalities
• Spatial audio doesn’t enhance basic tuning

$299 at Amazon

Sound quality

Although I’m acknowledging that I’m bypassing several generations of Technics earbuds since the AZ70W, this also presents me with a clearer understanding of the substantial progress the company has made over the years. The AZ100 stands out as an audio triumph relative to the first iteration, offering some of the finest sound quality amid the plethora of earbuds I’ve evaluated throughout the years.

The technology behind the enhanced audio quality is based on new magnetic fluid drivers. Technics asserts that these drivers deliver «low distortion, precise bass, and high resolution.» They were developed using the expertise from their $1,200 EAH-TZ700 in-ear monitors (IEMs), which also utilize 10mm magnetic fluid drivers. The fluid is integral to the driver’s voice coil, facilitating accurate diaphragm movement, resulting in minimal distortion and superior clarity throughout the audio spectrum.

Technics has also focused on enhancing the bass response of the AZ100. These drivers contribute to this improvement, but the earbuds also incorporate a new acoustic control chamber and harmonizer to extend the low-frequency performance. Additionally, it’s a significant point that the AZ100 is compatible with Dolby Atmos for immersive audio and Sony’s LDAC high-resolution wireless audio codec. While the former is a common feature among flagship earbuds, the latter is often exclusive to Sony’s products.

The AZ100 excels when paired with high-resolution tracks from Apple Music’s Dolby Atmos library. For instance, L.S. Dunes’ alt-rock/post-hardcore album Violet is presented with a robust, punchy bass that remains precise and nuanced. The kick drum resonates with a powerful beat, showcasing the enhancements Technics has made to the audio landscape of the AZ100. Even older records, such as The Appleseed Cast’s Mare Vitalis, immerse you in the experience, highlighting drums, intertwining guitars, and the ambiance of a live performance rather than merely a typical recording. This is particularly impressive considering it’s streaming lossless through Apple Music rather than Dolby Atmos.

Conversely, when discussing spatial audio, this is an aspect where the AZ100 falls short in terms of sound fidelity. The immersive mode is accessible regardless of whether Dolby dynamic head tracking is enabled, but with it active, the sound can become overly thin for my taste. The vigor brought by the improved bass to the standard tuning diminishes, yielding a more sterile and somewhat less engaging audio experience.

ANC performance

Despite Technics’ employment of its most sophisticated noise-canceling technology, the AZ100 does not excel in this area compared to the market leaders. These earbuds feature adaptive ANC that adjusts to surroundings automatically, but it can’t compete with the performance of Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. While the AZ100 is effective in certain scenarios, it, like many competitors, struggles with reducing chatter from nearby colleagues and does not sufficiently block continuous noise sources such as fans or white noise generators.

App and features

Today’s earbud manufacturers typically provide a companion application, although the usefulness of these apps can significantly differ. Technics has included an impressive array of features in its app, and most of the frequently used functions are readily visible on the home screen. Once the AZ100 is paired with your smartphone, the app displays the individual battery life of each earbud as well as the case. Then users get access to a usage guide, noise cancellation settings, EQ presets, and a Voice Focus AI Test. The bottom section includes quick links to ambient sound, EQ options, and a more extensive settings menu.

The settings menu can become a bit overwhelming due to the abundance of options available. To put it simply, there’s so much information that it can be intimidating. Some features, which ideally should be more accessible, are buried deeper in the menu, such as customizing touch controls. The spatial audio feature can only be activated via this menu, which I believe should be more directly accessible from the main screen. There’s a wealth of options for personalizing the AZ100, but it will require some time to navigate all the available settings.

A distinctive capability that Technics offers is the multipoint Bluetooth connection for up to three devices. I haven’t encountered this feature in any other earbuds, but it does come with some limitations. For example, you can’t utilize LDAC audio when all three devices are connected, likely due to Bluetooth limitations. In fact, Technics advises disabling multipoint if you’re aiming for LDAC-quality audio. The app allows users to determine whether multipoint will switch devices during media playback or when a call comes in. I primarily used multipoint with my phone and laptop, though if you also have a tablet or a dedicated work phone, the feature certainly holds potential benefits.

Call quality

The Voice Focus AI Test is an innovative tool that lets you hear how you’ll sound on calls when using the AZ100. This feature is helpful for assessing whether the earbuds are suitable for important calls or virtual meetings. When in a quiet environment, the AZ100 provides a clear and fairly natural voice quality. However, in noisier settings, once the Voice Focus AI engages, your voice may come across as more synthetic and processed. Though the recipient can hear you clearly without background noise interference, the overall voice quality does take a hit.

There are two modes for ambient sound — Transparent and Attention — however, neither mode significantly enhances the experience during voice and video calls. The AZ100 does not relay your voice back through the earbuds, so you’ll need to raise your voice in order to hear yourself. In ambient mode, Transparent allows sound to flow through the earbuds without alteration, while Attention focuses more on speech. I found Transparent to be more effective overall, even while trying to hear conversations.

Battery life

Technics claims that the AZ100 provides up to 10 hours of battery life with ANC active, alongside an additional 18 hours with the wireless charging case. Opting for LDAC audio results in a decrease to seven hours and 11 hours, respectively. After 10 hours of ANC usage, the AZ100 retained 20 percent battery life, which suggests about two more hours of use at the rate I experienced. In case of emergency, a 15-minute charge allows for as much as 90 minutes of playback.

Design updates

You have to delve quite deep into the specifications for the AZ100 before encountering any discussions on design changes. This is primarily because the upgrades in sound and technology are the standout features. However, Technics has made some adjustments to the aesthetics of these earbuds compared to the AZ80, such as reducing their overall size and weight. The company asserts that a new shape allows the IPX4-rated AZ100 to fit the contours of your ears more securely, enhancing comfort and stability. This proved effective as the earbuds remained firmly in place without causing discomfort, even during extended wear.

The touch panel on the earbuds, as well as the case lid, feature the iconic Technics logo in gold on a textured metal surface (present in both black and silver variants). This certainly contributes to a premium appearance, though it may not appeal to everyone. While the design alterations don’t represent a significant shift from the AZ100’s predecessor, the meticulous updates, particularly regarding fit and contours, are worth noting.

The competition

Prior to the AZ100’s arrival, Bowers & Wilkins had maintained a dominant position in Engadget’s best wireless earbuds rankings for sound quality for an extended period. However, they recently fell to the second position, overtaken by the outstanding yet expensive FoKus Rex5 from Noble Audio. Although neither Bowers & Wilkins nor Technics can match the five-driver configuration offered by Noble, both brands provide superb audio quality at a lower price point compared to the $449 cost of the FoKus Rex5.

As the competition for second place has intensified, I would give the advantage to the AZ100. There are numerous appealing aspects of Bowers & Wilkins’ Pi8, and if a more natural sound with less pronounced bass is what you prefer, they may be the ideal choice for you. Personally, I appreciate the additional low end provided by the latest Technics drivers and am impressed by the extensive feature set of the AZ100. Additionally, regarding ANC efficiency, Technics takes the lead, plus the AZ100 is $100 less than the Pi8.

Wrap-up

It can be challenging to follow up a well-received product with another equally stellar release. This may explain why many audio brands tend to avoid significant modifications to earbuds and headphones in new iterations, opting instead to maintain sound quality and ANC consistency. The saying goes, “If it ain’t broke…” and that rings true.

Technics believed it could enhance its already well-received AZ80 by integrating technology from another product in its lineup, and this decision has undeniably proven to be beneficial. While it’s true that you can find superior noise-cancellation solutions with Bose, and more contemporary features with Sony, Technics has crafted outstanding sound quality that is hard to rival. I would assert that the Best of CES award was rightfully awarded.

1 / 10

Technics AZ100 review

The earbuds and the case have textured metal panels.