Technics EAH-AZ100 Earbuds: Enhanced Sound in a Compact Form

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8/10

Technics made waves with the acclaimed EAH-AZ80 wireless earbuds in 2023. Their elegant design, superior fit, and excellent sound quality quickly endeared them to audio enthusiasts. When their follow-up showcased at CES 2025, promising improved audio, my expectations were notably high.

The AZ100 admirably builds on the AZ80’s success, offering enriched, vibrant audio thanks to new magnetic ferrofluid drivers and restructured acoustic chambers. Esteemed features like Spatial Audio and Bluetooth LE Audio are on board, encased within a more subtle yet chic design.

While the updated design is more compact, it feels slightly less contoured to my comfort. The noise cancellation, though improved, still lags behind competitors. Nevertheless, the AZ100 delivers another triumph for Technics, standing out in quality and luxury among top-tier choices.

Refined Aesthetic, Innovative Features

Building on the AZ80’s glamorous facade, the AZ100 presents an even more streamlined design with prominent metallic accents reminiscent of Technics’ iconic turntables. Though lighter by a gram per earbud, the fit seems worn over extended use.

The accompanying charging case is redesigned to be more compact, dropping 8 grams for portability, although it offers less capacity for multiple recharges. Yet, the earbuds shine with extensive playtime: 10 hours with noise cancellation, surpassing many top contenders.

The AZ100 embodies Technics’ commitment to modern features. From automatic pause functions, customizable EQ, Google Fast Pair, to an Earbuds Finder, everything can be tailored via the app to your preference. Extensive configuration lets you alter voice relay or video synchronization settings among others.

However, some features fall short of the seamless integration seen in Apple's AirPods Pro. The call suppression manages ambient noises well, though it lends voices a mechanical timbre. Occasionally, the app demanded refreshes, though it was mostly stable.

The AZ100 supports three-device multipoint Bluetooth pairing, allowing for fluid switching between gadgets. Alongside Bluetooth codecs like AAC and LDAC, they are equipped for future wireless streaming advancements.

Audio Excellence: The Velvet Gleam

The AZ100’s auditory prowess deserves special mention. They reveal their capabilities gradually, enhancing audio tracks with depth and clarity as you delve deeper into listening.

Upon initial use, the sound character was unexpectedly rich, leaning more on the bass spectrum. This richness creates a plush foundation, allowing for intricate instrumental details to shine. Rediscovering familiar songs becomes a nearly transformative experience.

The AZ100’s drivers excel in minimizing distortion, showcasing instruments in high definition across mixes. Percussion delivers as particularly vibrant, with nuanced soundscapes unfolding naturally. While comparable to Sennheiser's Momentum 4 TW, the AZ100 distinguishes itself in rendering instrumental details.

Moderate Noise Management

The active noise cancellation, albeit an improvement, hovers around the midrange for its price category. It performs well enough to mute everyday disturbances but falls short against leaders like Bose. The adjustable transparency mode aids spatial awareness but might overemphasize high-frequency sounds.

In essence, for audiophiles who prioritize sound fidelity, the AZ100 stands as a formidable contender. If matched with their premium allure, these earbuds make for a top selection among distinguished offerings.