Technics EAH-AZ100 headphones review: the music the artists want you to hear
A trip into history
In order to fully understand the importance of the headphones we are about to discuss, I find it necessary to take a slight look at the history of the Technics brand, as it is not that long ago that it may have ceased to exist. Which would be a great pity. Briefly. Technics is a Japanese brand specialising in audio equipment, founded in 1965 by Panasonic (then still under a different name).
From the very beginning, the company's main focus was to make sure that every product had the best possible sound, and although it initially focused mainly on amplifiers and speakers, it gained its greatest fame for the now-legendary SL-1200 series of turntables, with the first model (the SP-10) hitting the market in 1970. These have gradually become an indispensable part of DJ culture and are still considered one of the best turntables in the world today.
In the following years, Technics also added hi-fi systems, cassette recorders and other high-end audio equipment to its repertoire, gaining recognition among music enthusiasts and professionals alike.
However, as we entered the 21st century, a whole new digital age, interest in traditional hi-fi equipment declined radically, and Panasonic began to phase out production under the Technics brand until, by 2010, it seemed likely that it would disappear altogether. But audiophiles around the world refused to give up their favourite 'toys', and so just four years later Technics was resurrected, this time as a luxury high-end brand that combines traditional precision with the latest technology.
In addition to re-establishing its position in turntables and amplifiers, the company has also ventured fully into the wireless headphone segment, promising quality without compromise for the truly discerning user. And it's the EAH-AZ100 headphones that thanks to a combination of superior sound, state-of-the-art noise cancellation technologies and luxurious design say, "Challenge met again, we are currently the best Technics has to offer in our segment. And if you haven't had any experience with the brand, now is the best time to change that."
Design, comfort and construction
The AZ100 and its charging case look absolutely fantastic at first glance. There are two options to choose from - silver and black. Personally, I would choose my favourite black, which on the one hand the name done in gold stands out more, but more importantly they are less noticeable. I'm not exactly the type who needs the surroundings to know right away what's in my ears or what's on my desk. However, even the silver ones look gorgeous, plus I admit they look much more elegant and even a bit extravagant. But the choice of colour is purely a matter of taste.
What I already have a bit of a "problem" with, but again this is more of a purely subjective complaint, is also the specific "massiveness" of the headphones, which may sound paradoxical given that this is the smallest and lightest model yet. I don't know how to describe it in simple terms, but in short, their exterior is too bulky and conspicuous for my liking, no matter what colour it is. They just feel slightly protruding from my ears, although they are firmly seated and don't fall out even before a long run. Personally tested. But that being said, this is a purely subjective matter that the vast majority of users will get over with a wave of the hand.
As for lightness and shape, nothing to complain about here at all. Each headphone weighs 5.9 grams, while even the charging case itself isn't heavy at all and you hardly feel it when carrying it in your jacket pocket. Also quite amazing is the fact that you won't find any sharp edge on the inside of the headphones belonging to the ears. You simply screw them in and from then on it's absolutely easy to forget about them. Thanks to their shape, they don't cause bruises and even after wearing them for several hours, there are no scratches left behind. Which unfortunately has happened a few times with other headphones. What's more, I managed to fall asleep with them for about 8 hours, but even after that time they didn't cause any damage or pain.
All in all, it can be said that in terms of construction and wearing comfort, this is a very elegant, luxurious-looking and design-savvy accessory that also technically delivers what it promises. What exactly is it?
Music the way the artists want you to hear it
With technical reviews, I never quite know where to start, because there's something completely different for everyone in the first place, which is why I'll choose the Technics Audio Connect app, for example, which was actually the first thing I was offered to download when I managed to connect the headphones to my phone. Which is brilliant, by the way, because it saves a person from having to search for, and possibly accidentally download, something else entirely.
The app gives users quite a wide range of options to customize the headphones to their preferences. Thanks to the built-in equalizer, they can adjust the sound to their exact needs or use preset modes optimized for different music genres. I'm unpretentious in this regard and I love rumbling bass the most, so the preset program is just enough for me for their greater depth, however, the toy-lovers will really have a blast here. In addition, it allows detailed adjustment of the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) level as well as the Ambient Sound Pass Through mode, which comes in handy when switching between busy environments and situations where you need to be aware of your surroundings. More on that in a moment.
The app is also used to update the headphones' firmware, so users always have access to the latest features and improvements. A handy feature is also "Find Headphones", which will display their last known location or allow you to locate them using an audio signal. Tried and tested, it works. Just don't do it at night if you have grumpy neighbours. The sound may not be entirely pleasant for everyone.
For better energy management, there is an option to automatically turn off after a certain amount of inactivity, which helps conserve battery. Additionally, users will find quick access to a simple guide and FAQ so they can easily deal with any problems. Overall, the app greatly improves the comfort of using the headset and allows for full personalization. Exactly as it should be for headphones in the luxury category. However, the headphones can also be used without the app if for some reason you don't want it on your phone.
Now, back to the aforementioned Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). In fact, you don't even have to play with it too much in the app for it to work as it should. I'm often on the train and walking around the busy streets of Prague, which are absolutely perfect conditions for trying out a feature like this. And I'll say up front that I have basically no complaints here either.
If you select the pass-through mode, you can hear the ambient noises, but at the same time it doesn't interfere with listening to the music, which you can hear clearly and intelligibly despite the surrounding rumble and clatter. I particularly recommend this to drivers and cyclists who want to wear headphones while driving but still hear all the sounds from the surroundings, as it can literally save their lives.
Noise cancellation, on the other hand, brings almost heavenly silence, where you can hear the music incredibly crisp, as if you were right in the range of your favourite artists. But you don't have to worry about forgetting about the outside world. You can still hear the most critical sounds - the honking of a car right next to you, the jingle of a tram, or the loud screaming of a person standing next to you. In short, everything is so fine-tuned, even through no fault of its own, that after the first week of use I understood why it is usually really worth reaching for a more expensive model. The difference in the quality of listening, but also the subsequent feeling from the listening itself, is simply incomparable with headphones for a few hundred pennies.
All of this is further enhanced by Dolby Atmos support, which should give you the feeling that the sound is all around you. Plus, it should add more depth to tracks and separate instruments so they sound more natural, almost like a live concert. Combined with the 10mm drivers in the headphones with Magnetic Fluid technology, which delivers clear and detailed sound with deep bass and clear highs, the headphones promise a more realistic and dynamic listening experience. And you probably won't be surprised if I tell you that the promises didn't fall on deaf ears in this case either, and I don't think there's anything to add to that.
The cherry on top of this soundbar is Voice Focus AI technology , which improves call clarity by suppressing ambient noise and accentuating the user's voice. I have to say that I've never had such pleasant and intelligible calls through headphones. It's only when I've lost the desire to make a traditional phone call that I'm always annoyed when I accidentally forget my headphones at home.
Endurance and control
When I used to use cheaper models of headphones, it used to be the rule that they would run out of power within a few hours of use. And please, even with a fully charged case. I don't know if it's magic or some strange coincidence here, but I found that I used the headphones for about three days straight after charging everything. Some train rides, walking, listening to YouTube and playing games... Sure, I didn't use them every day for x hours at a stretch, but the feeling of not having to plug them in every night, only to have them "die" the next day on the first listen, is just a completely new and pleasant experience. Otherwise, as standard, the headphones offer up to 10 hours of playback on a single charge, with a total of up to 28 hours when using the charging case. Which would roughly match my experience.
The water resistance is interesting, as the headphones are blessed with IPX4 certification, so they should provide protection against splashing water or rain. I didn't have any luck with the latter, but I did the moderate shower experiment at my peril and the headphones survived. So even for extremely sweaty athletes and people who are around water, wearing the AZ100s is no problem.
Finally, there's the already standard touch controls on the more expensive models for easily switching tracks, adjusting volume, and taking calls, as well as multipoint connectivity that lets you link the headphones to up to three devices simultaneously. As far as both features are concerned, I'm getting a little embarrassed, but again, I have to say that I didn't find a single bug.
In short, what the headphones promise, they deliver without exception, at least in terms of technology and the resulting sound. So what do you want me to criticize? Or to add more?
Bottom line
I've avoided numerical ratings for some time now, as I dislike them about as much as grades at school, but if I had to, I wouldn't give anything but a full ten in the case of these headphones. I always thought that I could somehow talk my way around cheap headphones and their imperfect features, but after my experience with the Technics EAH-AZ100, I have to say that I can't do it anymore.
If you're a person who loves music, whether from a lay or professional point of view, this product is like a dream come true for you. Without exaggeration, the only minus for many will be the price of around 7000 CZK. However, those who are willing or able to invest in a really high quality sound will definitely not be disappointed or even have a neutral attitude. This is either love at first listen or nothing. I'm on the former team. For the brand's 60th anniversary, this is the perfect celebratory product.
Special discount for LUI readers
If you're as intrigued by the Technics EAH-AZ100 headphones as I am, we have a little editorial gift for you!
With the code LUI10 you will get 10% discount on the purchase of these headphones in the official Technics shop. Moreover, if you are from Slovakia, you can order the headphones directly from the Slovak shop. The offer is valid until April 21, 2025.
