Going fully Wireless IEMs. Too soon? Or are we there yet?

[UR12]

For critical listening I think we're nowhere close but for working out/commuting I think most of today's offerings are adequate. If you are used to say $100+ earphones I don't think there's any wireless option that comes close.

Even with codecs like Aptx Lossless or SBC? If you have a stable connection they are pretty much lossless.

 

[helmutcheese]

 

[erockg]

Would you be able to elaborate on the differences in the bass you observe between the AZ100 and the PI8? Thank you for your impressions!

I feel that the PI8 has more clarity and not as muddy for me. I prefer that, and the tuning over the AZ100. But we're splitting hairs here. The AZ100 is great, but imo a tiny step below in sound. That said, ANC and transparency is better on the Technics. I really do feel like these 100 are the best they've created thus far. I haven't been a huge fan of all the predecessors. Others may disagree...

 

[erockg]

Manu thanks. How would you compare the AZ100 with the B&O EX soundwise?

Sadly, I don't have my B&O's anymore. Too much sound bleed on them and folks at home and work were saying, "Wow, are your headphones loud enough -- ?" I really do love the B&O sound, but as a complete package and 100 dollars less, I'd go for the AZ100.

 

[TooFrank]

Sadly, I don't have my B&O's anymore. Too much sound bleed on them and folks at home and work were saying, "Wow, are your headphones loud enough -- ?" I really do love the B&O sound, but as a complete package and 100 dollars less, I'd go for the AZ100.

Thanks again. While I do love my EX, I was just wondering if the AZ100 would be a good competitor/upgrade….?

 

[erockg]

Thanks again. While I do love my EX, I was just wondering if the AZ100 would be a good competitor/upgrade….?

I think for you it'd be a nice ANC and Transparency upgrade. EX sound is so great. Loved them for sound. Always will. Truly hope B&O put out a true upgrade and not just an incremental Eleven that were originally called the EX G2

 

[seekay00]

Sadly, I don't have my B&O's anymore. Too much sound bleed on them and folks at home and work were saying, "Wow, are your headphones loud enough -- ?" I really do love the B&O sound, but as a complete package and 100 dollars less, I'd go for the AZ100.

My wife also mentioned the sound leak but since I changed the tips, she no longer hears what I'm listening to. So it's more likely a fitting issue, rather than the EX buds themselves.

 

[erockg]

My wife also mentioned the sound leak but since I changed the tips, she no longer hears what I'm listening to. So it's more likely a fitting issue, rather than the EX buds themselves.

Of course. I did change tips more than I should to no avail. I've only tried a few tws bud (I kid) and these are the only pair that's done that.

 

[Knightsfan11]

You mean like every piece of tech item ever made? Do you have a cell phone? Weird comment.

Guess I'm still a little annoyed with Sony, after the batteries went to crap after a couple of years, they wouldn't change out the batteries, or replace the earphones.
Like I mentioned in my post, not top of my priority list when it comes to audio gear anymore.

Any yeah,, I have an iPhone 12 which I've owned now for 4 years. Battery was replaced just 2 weeks ago by Apple, good to go for another couple of years.

 

[Knightsfan11]

Testing my Geekfly L6 tws last few days they have blown my mind and audio performance wise they surpassed my expectations how good bluetooth wireless audio can be when done right. Immediate bullet points positives would be immersive, smooth musical sound signature, precision and details in the retrieval, expansive, three-dimensional soundstage, finesse and realism of the sound reproduction, stable solid connectivity even at distances from the source, natural anc with deep insertion and they stay put once inserted and seated with the right tips, plenty high quality codecs available hi res connectivity, lots of accessories and tip options, beautiful large leather like box case to keep it all stashed away and together, my new end game IEMs, let see how long I can stay away . Support for these for anyone concerned about battery degradation over the 2-3 year use period, geekfly is standing behind these with a 10 year free battery replacement this is big positive that sold me. A few negatives they are chunky and thick boys but for the design and internals these have it's to be expected but at least they are lightweight the app is a work in progress and they are working on a improved, updated app to be released soon and only works on Android at the moment, iOS is coming, no multipoint pairing, no wireless. For sound, gotta give credit to the engineering for tuning these right. They aren't tuned to sound bass heavy and dark, I would call it that there's right amount bass response and it digs deep. The L6s has the sub-bass extension I like and would expect from planars, but has an extra mid-bass bump that makes the audio immersive and musical with perfect amount of slam, but the bump doesn't bleed into mids and the mids hit more neutral than forward and lush with natural pleasant timbre. The sub-bass on the L6 really something else, between the 2 piezoelectric drivers and 10mm planar drivers whether or not it's coming from the 2 piezoelectric drivers and/or the planar drivers still has to be figured out but it's not dark or a muffled sound signature. L6 uses copper gold-plated sound chamber and brass material, which can absorb the excess reflected sound waves in each unit, making the sound more clean and transparent which could also positively enhance on the 2 piezoelectric resonance bone conduction drivers but well done Geekfly. I owned the MTW4, liked those the audio tuning was a favorite of mine but flawed in many other aspects, Pi8s wasn't a fan although they were comfortable, the negatives was on the high end unfortunately the section that I think got forgotten about. Yes, it does get a lot of detail and clarity, but compared to the driving low end, it feels weak and under appreciated and the latency was another issue.

Awesome to read about a company guaranteeing they'll replace the batteries.

 

[Knightsfan11]

Yes of course a Bluetooth dongle is not as sleek as TWS, but I don't know how some people operate, but I can be cleaning my house doing all kinds of chores and with the btr17 and the EXT twos, I'm listening to tip top stuff and it's very very convenient. Let alone just sitting on the couch or laying in bed listening to music.

The quality is so worth it

I'm still rocking a BTR5, got a 30cm cable made, attached to my Sennheiser IE300 - Clip the BTR5 to my shirt collar, good to go.

 

[Knightsfan11]

QCC3091 processor w/ LDAC & aptX Adaptive...(if I figure out how to use) will A/B vs the Rex5 & the Alien Svanar.


Note to self: 1/31/25 looming....must make keep/return decisions.

Sorry if it's been mentioned already, which BT adapters are they?

Edit.. ignore me.

 

[Blueshound24]

So can anyone compare the AZ100 to the AZ80 soundwise? I don't care much about other features, but do care about sound quality. I just got the AZ80 and love it, but would definitely upgrade if AZ100 is significantly better.
I can't find many compos.

Edit for clarity.

 

[Saraugie]

**I'm comparing BT signal strength, fit, and SQ qualities. I don't use most of the of the other features of TWS sets except for ANC/SQ adjustments.

Fit 5 hours....fiddling about (U.E.) only the iem same as w/ wire. The hooks themselves so far are comfortable to wear and walk around with.
SQ EBC80 i feel like it's getting enough to fire the drivers and listening at 75%.
BT aptX Adaptive will not go higher than 24/48, using LDAC.

 

[DigDub]

So can anyone compare the AZ100 to the AZ80 soundwise? I don't care much about other features, but do care about sound quality. I just got the AZ80 and love it, but would definitely upgrade if AZ100 is significantly better.
I can't find many compos.

Edit for clarity.

The az100 sounds smoother and more controlled than az80. Az80 has a more "Harman curve", the treble sounds more elevated and has an overall more exciting sound while az100 has a mature tuning. Az80 has a more holographic soundstage, az100 has a more precise soundstage if that makes sense. The biggest advantage of the az100 for me is the battery life. Az80 has about 4.5hrs on ldac with ANC on, while az100 has 7hrs, which is a significant difference.