Technics EAH-AZ100 - Reviews & Impressions

[Andrew_WOT]

Alot of little changes
1. More battery life
2. Better call quality and voice isolation ( I've tested this myself to confirm )
3. Better anc but not by much. Still top tier
4. Spatial audio with Atmos added ( tried it briefly ,works as expected )
5. New tips are great but kinda annoying as third party tips may not work well given the tip adapter design .
6. LC3 support
7. Alexa support removed
8. Ability to control what happens with multipoint .i.e if u need to pause playback on one device or not .
9. No tip fitting test
10. Adaptive ANC .seems to work well
11. Ai voice can also supress noise from the caller end
12. The earbuds are much smaller now

Thanks, mostly interested in sonic characteristics, can you comment on that?

 

[Vin571]

There's always something with ANC really. I think it's partly a matter of what you're sensitive to, and partly there's variations between otherwise identical pairs of the same thing. Found Bose QC ultra over-ears unbearable and went back to my QC35s. ML5909s had even louder white noise, but were less objectionable to my ears than the ultras. Of the 5 TWSs I've tried, the az100s have some of the least objectionable white noise. It's there, but more gentle blanket than annoying hiss for me at least. Haven't tried AZ80s

Yeah you shouldn't try the Bose Qc Ultra earbuds then, the white noise and pressure is stronger than everything I tried.
Don't have the ML5909 (still trying to decide whether buying or not now that they are cheaper), but between the Bose Qc Ultra buds/headphones, Sony Xm5 buds, Denon Perl Pro and the Az80, the Technics have the least white noise to my ears. If they improved even more with the az100, it would be pretty impressive honestly.

 

[Saraugie]

After 15 minutes: A TOTL sound and finish. App updated the buds and the few clicks in the app were fast.
Tomorrow I plan on a serious evaluation. To be fair, the AZ100 is going to be handicapped because I've just hooked up a mid-tier IEM to ear hooks and they are wonderful.

The other TWS it is being compared to are AKG N9, Rex5, Svanar, ZX~1, and Pi8. All heavy TWS hitters plus a BT HF.

 

[helmutcheese]

NVM

 

[galaxygrrl]

I read a bunch of reviews last night, and this is the one that sealed the deal.
Panasonic Technics EAH-AZ100 Review: Fantastic Sound, Unique Features

Here are two outtakes:

I compared them to Sennheiser and B&W wireless earbuds that are within the same price range and did a quick commuting comparison with the Apple AirPods Pro. These earbuds blow them all away, and then some. The sonic clarity and quality of sound shines through in every track. Their closest rival among the earbuds I have on hand are the OnePlus Buds 3 Pro, custom engineered with Dynaudio.

Sound is crisper with the AZ100s. While the AZ80s still sound wonderful, there’s a slight muffle to the sound. When the instruments kick in, it’s harsher and punches way harder, which some listeners might prefer. But this sometimes overpowers the vocals. The better balance with the AZ100s is appreciated, especially when listening to tunes that switch so rapidly from softer to louder, heavier moments. (Note: I listened using the same Direct sound mode to ensure that any differences could not be attributed to the chosen equalizer mode).

 

[PixelSquish]

These got delivered this morning. What a small sleek package - what TWS should be. This is probably the smallest most portable case of any TWS I've had so far. These also fit so easily and well into my ear. The app is very good. Tons of options. I still think the Senn app UI is the best but this Technics app is very good, and has a lot of features.

Quick sound impressions are very positive. I wish I had my Momentum 4 TWS to compare directly as they have always been my favorite sound quality. But it's easy to tell this SQ is very good.

 

[helmutcheese]

Amazon UK got silver back in stock yesterday and black back in stock today (pre-orders sold out), both are still in stock as of me typing this.

EDIT: Sold out again.

 

[PixelSquish]

Took these on a dog walk and also made some calls at home. Call quality seems to be good, nobody complained. But I'll make more calls and ask if I sound good. Also gotta test calls when walking outside. Have not tested ambient mode - I have the setting turned on to hear voices so that will happen soon. I often walk to go shopping nearby and use transparency when I do.

Sound quality is very pleasing. Listening to Eyes Closed by Ed Sheeran, I can remember that the bass on the MTW4 hit better. Just had a more visceral feel to it. Not sure if this magnetic/oil driver needs burn in though. But they still sound very good overall. I like the Dynamic EQ setting on these.

Again this case is smaller than the Jabra Elite 10, the size and portability and app of this are just excellent. This is what TWS are meant for - ON THE GO BABY!

 

[Andrew_WOT]

I read a bunch of reviews last night, and this is the one that sealed the deal.
Panasonic Technics EAH-AZ100 Review: Fantastic Sound, Unique Features

Here are two outtakes:

I compared them to Sennheiser and B&W wireless earbuds that are within the same price range and did a quick commuting comparison with the Apple AirPods Pro. These earbuds blow them all away, and then some. The sonic clarity and quality of sound shines through in every track. Their closest rival among the earbuds I have on hand are the OnePlus Buds 3 Pro, custom engineered with Dynaudio.

Sound is crisper with the AZ100s. While the AZ80s still sound wonderful, there’s a slight muffle to the sound. When the instruments kick in, it’s harsher and punches way harder, which some listeners might prefer. But this sometimes overpowers the vocals. The better balance with the AZ100s is appreciated, especially when listening to tunes that switch so rapidly from softer to louder, heavier moments. (Note: I listened using the same Direct sound mode to ensure that any differences could not be attributed to the chosen equalizer mode).

Great feedback, other reviews point out smaller soundstage on AZ100 comparing to "holographic" one on AZ80, something to do with smaller acoustic chamber.
Why can't we have everything?

 

[helmutcheese]

 

[Andrew_WOT]

Now confused, multiple owners called out smaller soundstage on AZ100, while this reviewer claims "huge" sonic improvement along with wider soundstage.

 

[galaxygrrl]

Great feedback, other reviews point out smaller soundstage on AZ100 comparing to "holographic" one on AZ80, something to do with smaller acoustic chamber.
Why can't we have everything?

Oh, this will be interesting; I have the Pi8 and the AZ 80. These are my two favorites, I sold my Sony's and used to love the Momentums, but did not try the 4, only used the 1, 2 and 3's.

I like the Pi8s better, and they are way more comfortable than the AZ 80s, so we will see where I come down. I have the AZ 80 break on my at least 2 or 3 times, so I'm hoping the 100's are better.

High hopes for the AZ 100

 

[galaxygrrl]

Oh and what is fun, my AZ 80s are in for repair and so are my Pi8 (B&W process sux btw) So I went and bought Air Pod Pros just to try them out, I've never used them before. The sound is much less precise than what I'm used too.

 

[Andrew_WOT]

Sounds like stuff likes to break on you.
Pi8s do not support LDAC, correct?

 

[BooleanBones]

I read a bunch of reviews last night, and this is the one that sealed the deal.
Panasonic Technics EAH-AZ100 Review: Fantastic Sound, Unique Features

Here are two outtakes:

I compared them to Sennheiser and B&W wireless earbuds that are within the same price range and did a quick commuting comparison with the Apple AirPods Pro. These earbuds blow them all away, and then some. The sonic clarity and quality of sound shines through in every track. Their closest rival among the earbuds I have on hand are the OnePlus Buds 3 Pro, custom engineered with Dynaudio.

Sound is crisper with the AZ100s. While the AZ80s still sound wonderful, there’s a slight muffle to the sound. When the instruments kick in, it’s harsher and punches way harder, which some listeners might prefer. But this sometimes overpowers the vocals. The better balance with the AZ100s is appreciated, especially when listening to tunes that switch so rapidly from softer to louder, heavier moments. (Note: I listened using the same Direct sound mode to ensure that any differences could not be attributed to the chosen equalizer mode).

I have had only listened to them (AZ80 and 100) tonight, but so far I would agree with those outtakes. They are very different monsters for sure. The 80s I have to use Treble+ to enjoy them (which I do). I can't envision ever using that EQ setting with the 100s listening to any of my music. I haven't had a chance or much desire yet to switch off the flat EQ setting with them. The fit is a bit different too. The 100s sit just a bit deeper in the ear canal than the 80s, but not uncomfortable whatsoever. I did switch from the stock tips over to Spinfit W1s for comparison purposes and I will most likely stick with them. The 100s sound much more intimate and refined and really shine with vocals/acoustic sets.