Technics AZ100 Review: Unmatched Audio Excellence with Innovative Multipoint Connectivity

My recent experience with the latest Technics earbuds left me underwhelmed. The AZ70W marked the debut of the renowned turntable brand’s logo following Panasonic’s revival in 2014. While the 2020 iteration had some commendable aspects for its price of $250, the unreliable audio quality prevented it from being regarded as a genuine competitor. In 2021, the company introduced two additional wireless earbud models, and the 2023 AZ80 received praise from various reviewers for its audio performance.

For its 2025 model, Technics utilized an array of innovations to enhance the already impressive AZ80, culminating in the AZ100 ($300). These top-tier earbuds feature new drivers, an adaptive noise cancellation (ANC) system, AI-enhanced voice features, Dolby Atmos support for spatial audio, and a unique tool that none of the competitors provide. Thankfully, the AZ100 lives up to the promise of delivering “epic, reference-quality high-resolution audio.”

Technics/Engadget

85100Expert Score

Technics AZ100

Thanks to Technics’ magnetic fluid drivers, there are significant improvements in sound quality, and the three-device multipoint connectivity is unrivaled.

Pros

• Exceptional sound quality
• Abundant app functionality
• Compact size for comfort
• Three-device multipoint Bluetooth connectivity

Cons

• ANC performance is not top-tier
• Lacks some modern smart features
• Spatial audio does not enhance default sound tuning

$290 at Amazon

Sound quality

Having missed a few generations of Technics earbuds since the AZ70W, I now have a clearer understanding of the brand’s evolution. The AZ100 stands out as a remarkable audio device compared to its predecessor, delivering some of the best sonic experiences among the many earbuds I’ve evaluated over time.

The sound enhancement is attributed to the novel magnetic fluid driver technology. Technics claims this advancement delivers “lower distortion, accurate bass, and high resolution.” These drivers benefit from insights gained from the company’s $1,200 EAH-TZ700 in-ear monitors (IEMs), which likewise utilize 10mm magnetic fluid drivers. The fluid is incorporated into the driver’s voice coil to ensure accurate diaphragm movement, leading to minimal distortion and exceptional clarity throughout the frequency range.

Additionally, Technics prioritized enhancing the bass capabilities of the AZ100. While the drivers contribute to this performance, the earbuds are also equipped with a novel acoustic control chamber and harmonizer designed to optimize low-end output. Moreover, the AZ100 supports Dolby Atmos for spatial audio effects and Sony’s LDAC codec for high-resolution wireless audio. While Dolby Atmos is frequently included in premium models, the support for LDAC is rare in devices outside of Sony’s own offerings.

The AZ100 shines with high-resolution tracks, such as those from Apple Music’s Dolby Atmos selection. For example, when listening to L.S. Dunes’ alt-rock/post-hardcore album Violet, the earbuds produce powerful, punchy bass while maintaining clarity and detail. The kick drum’s thunderous rhythm serves as an impressive showcase of the audio enhancements Technics implemented in the AZ100. Even classic albums from the early 2000s, like The Appleseed Cast’s Mare Vitalis, envelop listeners in an immersive auditory experience reminiscent of live performances, rather than conventional recordings. It’s noteworthy that this is achieved through lossless streaming via Apple Music, not just Dolby Atmos.

However, regarding spatial audio, this is where the AZ100 somewhat falters. This immersive feature can be utilized whether or not Dolby dynamic head tracking is enabled, but when it is active, the sound can become too thin for my taste. The liveliness brought by the enhanced bass gets diluted, leading to a somewhat bland audio profile.

ANC performance

Despite Technics employing its most sophisticated noise-canceling technology, the AZ100 trails behind the competition in this area. These earbuds are equipped with adaptive ANC that adjusts automatically to different surroundings, but it doesn’t match the capabilities of Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. While the AZ100 performs adequately in specific environments, similar to many rivals, it struggles with noisy offices and constant background sounds like fans or white noise machines.

App and features

Most earbud brands now offer companion applications, although their usefulness can significantly differ. Technics has integrated many features into its app, with most essential controls easily accessible from the home screen. After pairing the AZ100 with your phone, the app displays the individual battery levels of the earbuds and charging case. You also receive a user guide, ANC controls, EQ presets, and a Voice Focus AI Test. Quick access to ambient sound, EQ, and a detailed settings menu is conveniently located at the bottom.

Yet, navigating through the settings can become a bit overwhelming due to the sheer volume of options available. There are instances where essential features are located further down the list than one might expect, such as custom touch controls. The activation of spatial audio can only be done from this menu, rather than being available on the main screen, which could be more intuitive. Although the app provides plenty of ways to customize the AZ100, it may require some time to familiarize yourself with everything it offers.

A distinctive feature offered by Technics is its ability to connect to three devices simultaneously via multipoint Bluetooth. This is a rarity among earbuds, but it does come with limitations. Notably, LDAC audio cannot be utilized when all three devices are connected, presumably due to Bluetooth bandwidth restrictions. Technics recommends disabling multipoint connectivity if you wish to enjoy LDAC-quality audio. Through the app, users can decide whether connections should be switched during media playback or in response to incoming calls. I primarily used multipoint with my phone and laptop, but those who incorporate a tablet or separate work phone may find this feature beneficial.

Call quality

The Voice Focus AI Test provides a way for users to assess their vocal clarity during calls with the AZ100. It’s a useful tool for determining whether the earbuds are suitable for important calls or virtual meetings. In quiet settings, the audio quality during calls is clear and somewhat natural. However, in louder environments, the Voice Focus AI technology tends to make the voice sound more robotic and artificial. While the caller on the other end will hear you clearly without background noise, the overall voice quality may suffer.

For ambient sound awareness, there are two modes — Transparent and Attention — but neither mode significantly aids voice or video calls. The AZ100 does not channel your voice back into the earbuds, prompting you to speak more loudly to hear yourself. While Transparent allows all ambient sounds to pass through unfiltered, Attention is designed to concentrate on human speech. I found that, in almost all situations, Transparent provided a better listening experience, even when trying to engage with someone speaking.

Battery life

Technics claims that users can enjoy up to 10 hours of playback with ANC activated, plus an additional 18 hours thanks to the wireless charging case. However, these figures reduce to seven hours and 11 hours, respectively, when using LDAC audio. After using the AZ100 for 10 hours with ANC on, I observed that about 20 percent battery remained. Based on this consumption rate, I estimated there would be enough power for approximately two additional hours. Furthermore, in a pinch, a quick 15-minute charge can provide up to 90 minutes of usage.

Design updates

Design elements of the AZ100 become apparent only after delving further into the specifications, as the sound and technological advancements take precedence. Nevertheless, Technics has made subtle changes to the design compared to the AZ80, such as a reduction in both size and weight. The revised design is claimed to allow the IPX4-rated AZ100 to conform better to the contours of the ear for enhanced comfort and stability. This was evident during my usage, as the earbuds remained securely in place and caused no irritation, even over extended periods.

The iconic Technics logo in gold appears on both the earbuds’ touch panel and the charging case lid, which adds a touch of luxury to the overall design (supported in both black and silver variants). While the changes from the previous model are subtle, the careful refinements, particularly in shape and fit, are significant.

The competition

Preceding the introduction of the AZ100, Bowers & Wilkins were long held as the premier choice on Engadget’s best wireless earbuds list, particularly in terms of sound quality. Recently, they were overtaken by the exceptional but pricey FoKus Rex5 from Noble Audio. Neither Bowers & Wilkins nor Technics can match the exceptional five-driver design of Noble, but both provide remarkable audio quality at a more accessible price point than the $449 FoKus Rex5.

With the competition now mainly for second place, the AZ100 takes the lead. There are numerous appealing features about Bowers & Wilkins’ Pi8, but for those who lean towards a more natural sound signature and less exaggerated bass, those might be your choice. Personally, I appreciate the pronounced bass response from the new Technics drivers, and the AZ100 boasts a more extensive feature set. Additionally, Technics outperforms in ANC performance and is priced $100 less than the Pi8.

Wrap-up

Introducing a highly praised product makes it challenging to follow up with another stellar offering. This might explain why many audio brands avoid making significant redesigns for their new earbuds and headphones, preferring to maintain consistency in sound quality and ANC performance. “If it isn’t broken…” is a common adage in the industry.

By leveraging technology from its acclaimed AZ80 model, Technics aimed to elevate its already successful line-up, and the strategy has clearly borne fruit. While alternatives like Bose may offer superior cancellation capabilities and Sony may present more advanced features, Technics has succeeded in achieving exceptional sound quality that few can rival. It’s safe to say that their Best of CES award was well-deserved.

1 / 10

Technics AZ100 review

The earbuds and the case have textured metal panels.