Technics EAH-AZ100

What Makes the Technics EAH-AZ100 So Special?

The Technics EAH-AZ100 have a clear focus: to bundle top-notch sound quality and comfort in a single product. In theory, every brand promises this, but with Technics’ strong pedigree and reputation, they stand a particularly good chance. Several main features put them at the forefront of the premium in-ear category:

• Magnetic Fluid: The drivers integrate a magnetic fluid system designed to minimize distortion and deliver precise audio.
• LDAC, SBC, AAC, and LC3: A variety of codec options allows you to adapt to your device and preferred audio quality. Sony’s LDAC codec promises up to 990 kbps bitrates and a frequency range of 20 Hz to 40 kHz, an attractive option for users who rely on high-grade audio sources like standalone DACs.
• Dolby Atmos with Headtracking: Intended to deliver an immersive 3D audio experience, ideal for movie enthusiasts and orchestral music lovers.
• Adaptive ANC with Dual Hybrid Noise Cancelling: Ambient noise is analyzed in real time and effectively filtered, complemented by effective passive isolation thanks to the in-ear design.
• Multipoint Connections: Up to three devices can be paired simultaneously (when LDAC is off). This is especially useful for home office setups requiring quick switching between smartphone, tablet, and laptop.
• IPX4 Certification: The earbuds are protected against splashing water. Rain and sweat shouldn’t pose a problem, although the charging case itself is not similarly certified.
• Battery Life:
  • Up to 7 hours (ANC + LDAC)
  • Up to 12 hours (without ANC and LDAC)
  • The charging case provides an additional 28 to 29 hours of playback, depending on your chosen modes.

Design and Wearing Comfort

Subtle Aesthetics

At first glance, the Technics EAH-AZ100 visually resemble their predecessor, the EAH-AZ80 (tested here). However, the engineers have further reduced the size and weight in this newer model. The result is a more understated and modern-looking pair of earbuds. The plastic surface is well-crafted, with precisely fitted edges. The matte black color option (silver is also available) keeps fingerprints from showing.

Five Different Eartips

The box includes five sizes of eartips (XS, S, M, ML, L). This greater variety compared to many other TWS models increases the odds that every user can find a comfortable fit—an essential factor for optimal sound isolation and bass response.

Compact Charging Case with Qi Support

The rounded charging case sits comfortably in the hand, featuring an LED indicator on the front to display battery status. While functional and lightweight, some might find it a bit too light or “cheap” feeling. Nonetheless, it does exactly what it’s designed for: protecting and charging your earbuds.

Conveniently, besides the USB-C port, the case also supports wireless Qi charging. Simply place it on a compatible charging mat and let it power up, although this wireless method takes longer than a wired charge.

Adaptive ANC: Dual Hybrid Noise Cancelling

How Does Dual Hybrid Noise Cancelling Work?

Technics refers to a dual hybrid setup where internal and external microphones work together. The external mics pick up surrounding noise and create inverse sound waves to cancel it out. The internal mics then measure what actually reaches your ear, fine-tuning the ANC even further.

Effective Adaptive and Static Adjustment

The ANC in the Technics EAH-AZ100 can adapt its intensity to the environment. It dials down in quieter areas and ramps up in noisier ones, maintaining effectiveness without distorting audio or causing ear fatigue.

In real-world use, the passive noise isolation from the secure in-ear fit already suppresses a surprising amount of ambient sound. Once ANC is activated, deep hums (from motors or air conditioners) are nearly eliminated, and mid-to-high frequency noises, including voices, are notably diminished—though not entirely gone.

Compared to the previous EAH-AZ80, the ANC performance is outstanding. Street noise and background sounds, like keyboard typing, are significantly muffled, allowing music or podcasts to come through without distraction. Besides auto-optimization, the noise cancellation can also be set to a static level. Via the app, you can fine-tune it smoothly, and fortunately, there’s very little underlying static noise—even though the Apple AirPods Pro 2 might have a slight edge in this regard.

Sound quality remains consistent between ANC and transparency mode. Only when both features are turned off does the sound become narrower and flatter.

Two Ambient Sound Modes

There are two transparency modes: “Transparent” and “Attention.” The second focuses specifically on speech, pausing playback upon activation so you can hear others more clearly. However, it doesn’t automatically detect conversations like the Apple AirPods Pro 2 do.

The normal transparency mode sounds relatively natural, whereas “Attention” skews the frequency balance of ambient sounds—your jacket rustling might seem boomy or unnatural. This filter is designed to emphasise typical vocal ranges, and in practice it works well enough, but we found that normal conversational situations sounded more natural with the ‘transparent’ mode on.

Overall, while entirely usable in daily life, the transparency feature falls slightly short of the AirPods Pro 2 in terms of naturalness and low self-noise. Wind noise is handled decently, though noticeable on a bike ride.

Dolby Atmos & LDAC: Experience New Sound Worlds

LDAC for Hi-Res Audio

LDAC is one of the best Bluetooth codecs currently available, capable of transmitting triple the data of SBC and theoretically supporting 24-bit/96 kHz Hi-Res audio. To take full advantage, your source device must also support LDAC. Many modern Android phones (by Google, Samsung, OnePlus, etc.) are LDAC-compatible, whereas Apple devices are not.

Dolby Atmos: Feature or Fad?

Dolby Atmos on in-ear headphones often yields mixed reactions. In principle, Dolby Atmos with headtracking creates a more immersive experience by altering the sound field based on head movements, aiming to make it feel like music or film audio comes from multiple directions.

In practice, Atmos can be beneficial for action movies or orchestral music. Stereo tracks not specifically mixed for Atmos may gain a sense of expanded space but don’t typically replicate true surround sound. Bass drums, for example, can sometimes sound muddy. Still, it’s a fun extra feature that some will appreciate—especially film fans.

Control Concept and “Technics Audio Connect” App

Touch Controls on the Earbuds

The Technics EAH-AZ100 use touch-sensitive surfaces for essential commands:

• Single, double, or triple taps for playback control (play/pause, next track, previous track)
• Long press to toggle ANC, ambient mode, and voice assistants
• Answer, end, or reject calls

These touch gestures respond consistently but can be triggered accidentally during exercise or hasty movements. Careful handling is recommended.

Comprehensive App Features

“Technics Audio Connect” might look plain at first, but it packs a deep range of customization:

• Equalizer & Presets
  • Ready-made profiles (Bass Boost, Vocal, Treble Enhance)
  • 8-band custom EQ to tailor the sound to your preferences (with up to 3 preset slots)
• Codec Selection
  • Choose LDAC for higher fidelity or AAC for battery efficiency and improved stability
• ANC & Ambient Mode
  • Fine-tune ANC intensity and set up the transparency mode (e.g., hear traffic while jogging)
• Adaptive ANC
  • Enable/disable and decide how sensitively the earbuds should react to changes in ambient noise
• Voice Focus AI
  • Reduces ambient noise for your conversation partner while boosting your own voice
• Auto Power Off
  • Conserve battery life by automatically turning off the earbuds after a period of inactivity

Additionally, the app handles firmware updates, a “Find My Earbuds” feature, and even voice prompt settings. There’s no eartip fit test, but nearly every other detail can be configured. While this level of control might initially overwhelm casual users, power users will appreciate the thorough approach.

Battery Life and Charging Options

Battery life is often a deal-breaker for TWS buyers, and Technics makes a big leap here compared to older models:

• Up to 12 hours without ANC and LDAC
• 7 hours with ANC + LDAC

In practice, these figures assume moderate volume. If you listen at high volume with constant LDAC streaming, expect closer to 5–6 hours. The charging case adds approximately 21–22 hours, for a total of 28–29 hours overall.

While wireless Qi charging is convenient, it extends total charging time to around 3.5–4 hours. There is also a fast-charging feature: just 15 minutes in the case gives you up to 90 minutes of playtime (with NC on).

How Do the Technics EAH-AZ100 Sound?

General Sound Characteristics

Technics is renowned among hi-fi enthusiasts for precise yet not overly analytical sound. The EAH-AZ100 continue this tradition with a mostly neutral tuning:

• Bass: Tight and well-balanced. For those wanting heavier bass, the app EQ can easily boost it.
• Mids: Ideal for voices, whether in podcasts or vocals, offering clarity without dominating the mix.
• Highs: Sparkle and separation are well-executed, avoiding harshness or overly cold tonality.

Thanks to their finely detailed rendering and solid dynamics, the Technics EAH-AZ100 are excellent all-rounders. If your phone supports LDAC, you’ll likely notice better detail and spaciousness. Users listening primarily to 320 kbps MP3s may not fully realize LDAC’s potential—nonetheless, the quality headroom is there. The AZ100 reproduced all the genres in our Spotify playlist, and high-resolution audio via LDAC, without a hitch.

The word ‘clean’ comes up again and again: these TWS are precise, which may be down to the magnetic fluid drivers. No matter how complex it gets, these in-ears illuminate the soundstage with pinpoint accuracy. They don’t miss the slightest detail, such as a soft rustling or the subtle strum of a guitar. It’s just a shame that in very quiet passages, background noise tends to mask a little. It is also noticeable that the highs (EQ off) seem to be slightly capped. This takes the edge off sharp hi-hats, which helps to prevent listener fatigue.

Dolby Atmos Music

For tracks mixed in Dolby Atmos, you may notice a sense of expanded space, which can help some genres—particularly orchestral or cinematic compositions—sound grander. Pop and rock tracks with Atmos mixes might feel bigger and wider but not always more “authentic.” Ultimately, it depends on the source material.

EQ Tweaks

Anyone wanting to personalize the sound will find a robust eight-band EQ in the app. You can shape a strong V-curve (heavy bass and bright treble) for EDM or hip-hop, or keep it neutral by disabling the EQ entirely. The flexibility ensures that both casual and discerning listeners can find something to suit their preferences.

Phone Calls and Multipoint

Voice Focus AI for Calls

In noisy environments (like city centers), “Voice Focus AI” reduces ambient sounds for the person you’re calling while boosting your own voice. The effect can make you sound slightly muffled but is generally well-received by the listener, who hears fewer distractions.

From the wearer’s perspective, the Technics EAH-AZ100 switch to a transparency mode to make the incoming voice clearer. If you make frequent calls, you’ll likely appreciate this feature.

Multipoint Connections

Technics supports multipoint pairing with up to three devices — a rare luxury. However, this only works when LDAC is disabled. In daily life, you can pair your phone, laptop, and maybe a tablet simultaneously, making it quick and easy to switch between a video call and music.

Once LDAC is turned on for maximum audio fidelity, only one active device can remain connected. For users who prioritize top-tier sound quality, this is acceptable; those who value convenience above all might stick to AAC for multipoint usage.

Conclusion: Are the Technics EAH-AZ100 a Clear Recommendation?

The Technics EAH-AZ100 are aimed at listeners who refuse to compromise on sound and comfort. With LDAC delivering high-definition audio reproduction and Dolby Atmos with headtracking offering an optional layer of spatial immersion, these earbuds stand out. Their Adaptive ANC matches the performance found in many other high-end models, and the multipoint feature (without LDAC) caters to a flexible, modern workflow.

Priced at around 299 euros, the Technics EAH-AZ100 are a top-tier TWS solution. Their battery life, sound quality, and build are all at the upper end of the market. The companion app is packed with customization options, though it may take some getting used to.

In short, music lovers who prize detail and versatility will be more than satisfied. Fans of Dolby Atmos might also enjoy an additional immersive layer—depending on the content. And with robust construction plus IPX4 protection, these earbuds are also well-suited for daily on-the-go use. Overall, the Technics EAH-AZ100 earn a firm recommendation for anyone seeking a high-quality TWS experience.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are the Technics EAH-AZ100 suitable for sports?
Yes. They have an IPX4 rating, protecting them from splashes and sweat. However, for very intense workouts or heavy rain, exercise caution—especially since the charging case itself isn’t water-resistant.

2. Can I use Dolby Atmos on the Technics EAH-AZ100 with any smartphone?
Generally, you’ll need a device (smartphone/tablet) and an app that supports Dolby Atmos streaming. Many Android devices have built-in Dolby Atmos support or specific streaming apps. Apple devices offer Spatial Audio, but it’s not a universal cross-brand solution. You should check if your device can output Dolby Atmos to these earbuds beforehand.

3. How stable is the Bluetooth connection on the Technics EAH-AZ100?
With Bluetooth 5.3, the range and stability are quite good. Within an apartment or office, you’ll likely experience minimal dropouts. In highly congested environments (numerous overlapping Wi-Fi networks), occasional interruptions can still happen—typical of any Bluetooth product.

4. Can I customize the touch controls on the Technics EAH-AZ100?
Yes, in the app you can assign specific gestures to preferred functions or disable unused gestures if you frequently trigger them by accident.

5. Are the Technics EAH-AZ100 worth their price?
For those who value neutral sound, high-resolution LDAC support, excellent ANC, and versatile app features, the cost is justified.