Technics EAH-AZ80

Verdict

Reassuringly refined, with a useful function set, these flagship wi-fi earbuds from Technics supply a compelling various to best-sellers from Bose and Sony. Noise cancelling is superb, however some might discover them just a bit too reserved…

Introduction

Technics has pulled out all of the stops for its new flagship wi-fi earbuds. These dot-style earphones make use of a wholly new driver, and boast modern usability options that might nicely seal the deal for those who need extra than simply in-ear leisure.

For the primary time, there’s three gadget multipoint connectivity, so you’ll be able to seamlessly hop between a trio of gadgets, and there’s an all-new background filter to fight wind noise when taking calls out and about.

However do they ship in terms of sonic constancy? As at all times, the reply is sophisticated…

Design

• Chonca-fit type
• Silver or black color selection
• Qi wi-fi charging appropriate

Adopting a chonca-friendly form to raised sit within the ear, the Technics EAH-AZ80 is on the market in two finishes: basic black and silver/gray. My pattern was the latter, which I believe appears a category above the standard true wi-fi buds and mirror Technics high-end Hello-Fi heritage. Construct high quality is gentle, however ok for the value level.

They’re compact and lightweight at 7g apiece. Out and about, I felt moderately assured they weren’t going to come out, however I wouldn’t be inclined to put on them for health club work or jogging (as if I jog), even when they’re IPX4 (equal) rated for water resistance.

They journey inside an identical neat charging case, which measures a pocketable 69 x 36 x 29mm. Slightly generously, Technics provides a selection of seven sizes of silicon ideas, all the higher to make sure a comfortable match and maximise noise isolation. 

The field additionally features a USB-C charging cable. The charging case will work with a Qi charger, if you wish to keep wi-fi.

Options

• JustMyVoice know-how
• Bluetooth 5.3
• Three gadget multi-point pairing

Technics has clearly thought lengthy and laborious about how we use our earbuds and have concluded that improved Bluetooth connectivity is a must have function. Clearly envisaging street warriors juggling an array of workplace tools, the EAH-AZ80 are the primary buds I’ve seen to supply three gadgets at a time connectivity. You possibly can Bluetooth pair them with a smartphone, laptop computer and pill, and change between as required.

The AZ80 additionally incorporate novel JustMyVoice know-how, which improves intelligibility by muting background noise. MEMS mics, together with a Voice Exercise Detector, Acoustic Echo Canceler and a Voice Name Publish Filter, mute undesirable hubbub. This system proves to be notably efficient combating visitors noise and wind roar however doesn’t truly enhance the standard of your spoken voice.

Technics has taken a Twin Hybrid method to noise cancellation, utilizing a mix suggestions and feedforward noise cancelling and each analogue (through a devoted chip, for sooner processing) and digital (software program) filtering. This belts and braces method pays dividends.

Technics charges noise cancelling effectivity at 80 per cent, and it’s actually spectacular in actual world environments. It throws a blanket over intrusive conversations, and the earbuds even do a good job combatting the extra aggressive sounds of London underground practice carriages.

The earbuds run Bluetooth 5.3, which works a protracted option to protect battery life. For those who’re utilizing Bluetooth AAC, you’ll be able to count on to get roughly seven hours of playback on a full cost. 

Nonetheless, in case your codec of selection is LDAC, this drops to simply over 4 hours with Noise Cancelling on (you’ll be able to seize an additional half-hour when you change NC off). The diminutive charging case has a reserve of round 17 hours. 

The AZ80 employs 4 microphones per bud – a feedforward mic to cancel exterior sounds, a suggestions mic to cancel inside noise, a voice detection mic, and a speaking mic.

The AZ80 is voice assistant appropriate, working with Siri, Google Assistant and Alexa. This may be arrange with the accompanying Technics Audio Join app.

Sound High quality

• Spatially correct
• Glorious vocal readability
• Bass a tad sluggish

The important thing to the AZ80’s efficiency is a newly developed 10mm free-edge aluminium diaphragm which proves to be supremely good at creating spatial placement and sonic nuance. Recordings with a dwell ambiance actually pop. 

The seductive sax of Benny Golson (Artwork Blakey, Moanin’ Remastered, Tidal), is delivered with genuine insistence, and is clearly positioned in entrance of Artwork Blakey’s languid backbeat. The soundstage is vast and plausible. It’s a shut-your-eyes-and-you’re-there stage of supply. 

The AZ80 get a little bit slowed down with bass although – David Guetta’s dance anthem I’m Good (Blue) sounds sluggish somewhat than euphoric and Metallica’s Shadows Observe (72 Seasons, Tidal) hits with closely padded gloves somewhat than a muscular fist.

However there’s additionally measured musicality that serves jazz, nation, and extra melodious fare brilliantly nicely – vocal articulation is faultless, and that toppy presence zone, which may so usually sound over sharp, is peerlessly managed. 

Mozart’s sprightly Violin Concerto No.1 confirms a deft skill to deal with strings, which sound wealthy and candy, but by no means edgy. 

This attribute, by the way, makes the Technics EAH-AZ80 an ideal selection for podcast listening and spoken books. There’s nothing fatiguing about them in any respect! 

The AZ80’s mid-range can also be reassuringly percussive. Cozy Powell’s Dance with the Satan (Tidal) blends a propulsive pop march with a choral chorus, and the AZ80’s sound wonderful. These aluminium drivers are tighter than glam rock loons, and I approve.

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