13 Nov
Blog

Technics EAH-AZ60 Review: Shockingly Good Sound And Silence

Technology EAH-AZ60.

Technics EAH-AZ60 in the test: Terrifyingly good sound and silence

RRP $ 230.00

"With fantastic sound and noise canceling, the AZ60 are among the best headphones you can buy."

advantages

  • Excellent sound quality

  • Excellent noise cancellation

  • Hi-Res audio support

  • Hands-free Alexa

  • Bluetooth multipoint

disadvantage

  • No wireless charging

  • No in-ear sensors

We were pretty impressed with the Technics EAH-AZ70 noise canceling True Wireless earbuds. They sounded great and had great noise cancellation. But at $ 250 they were expensive. And a bit bulky. So if Technics could address this problem and maybe even add some extra functionality, that would make the AZ70 even more attractive. Apparently, Technics said "challenge accepted" because its latest project, the $ 230 EAH-AZ60, does just that. How much better are the new earbuds? Let's check them out.

Still challenging, but now slimmer

Technology EAH-AZ60.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The first thing that strikes you about the AZ60 is how much smaller it is than the AZ70. I'm not sure how this is possible as they still weigh the same (7 grams per earbud) but have better battery life and one more microphone per earbud (eight total). Definitely well done Technics. They no longer stick out of your ears, and when you sit them side by side with other earbuds in the $ 200-300 range like Sony's WF-1000XM4 or Jabra's Elite 85t, the AZ60s are actually a bit smaller.

The charging case is also much smaller. No AirPods Pro small, but very slim and very practical. What hasn't changed is the styling. Whether you get the black or silver version, the AZ60 has a sleek design with polished and brushed accents that look very high quality – the perfect antidote to Apple's ubiquitous white plastic buds. With IPX4 protection, they even turn your daily training into an upscale event.

Smaller buds = comfortable fit

Man wears Technics EAH-AZ60.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

It might seem obvious, but smaller earbuds generally offer a more comfortable fit. But not always. Sometimes a strange shape can cause pressure, and sometimes the box doesn't contain enough eartip sizes for your particular ear shape. Fortunately, the AZ60 doesn't suffer from either of these problems.

Their rounded contours completely fill the conchas of my ears, but do so without any discomfort. And with seven sizes of silicone earbuds to choose from, most people should be able to find something that works for them. After several hours of use, my ears definitely needed a break, but I was never bothered by these buds.

It can be that quiet

Technology EAH-AZ60.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

We found that the AZ70 has excellent Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and the AZ60 is just as impressive. The current gold standard is the Bose QuietComfort earbuds, but the AZ60 are so good that I can hardly tell the difference between the two products. This applies to both consistent, booming noises like the bathroom fan standing two and a half meters from my desk at home, as well as inconsistent noises like traffic or conversations. They say silence is golden. Well, if silence is what you're looking for, the AZ60s are gold and more.

These earbuds also have a transparency mode and you can easily switch between it and ANC with a long press on the right earbud. It's not quite as magically clear as the AirPods Pro, but it lets in a lot of sound – more than enough for heightened situational awareness. There's also a setting in the Technics Audio Connect app that can set the transparency mode to only enhance voices to make it easier to chat with others.

Sweet sound

Technology EAH-AZ60.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The AZ60 retains Technics' energetic sound signature with incredible clarity in the mids and highs. It's the kind of precision with which you can hear details in your favorite tracks that smaller earbuds or headphones usually obscure. In the opening bars of Sia's Saved My Life, which include notes played on a piano, you can actually hear the sound of the damper pads rising and falling on the piano strings. If you hear Sweet Jane the Cowboy Junkies from their Trinity Session album, you can hear the faint echo of the drums from the recording room. This precision creates excellent stereo imaging and a soundstage that invites you to reach out and touch the instruments.

The bass response is tightly controlled – always there when you need it, but never overwhelming. It's a bit too controlled for my taste, but purists looking for a balanced or neutral sound would likely disagree. The Audio Connect app gives you several options for changing the EQ with four presets and one that you can adjust via a five-band slider. For me, the unadulterated factory tuning was the most satisfying. The Dynamic preset adds a generous amount of emphasis to the entire spectrum, but it boils over the high frequencies, making cymbals and other sibilants too sharp.

It's also worth noting that the AZ60 is one of the few wireless earbuds you can buy that support Sony's LDAC bluetooth codec, which in theory should enable Hi-Res wireless audio if you can with an LDAC enabled Pair your phone (currently Android models only). as Apple does not support LDAC). As a test, I swapped back and forth between an iPhone 11 (AAC codec) and a Pixel 5 (LDAC) with various lossless audio tracks from Tidal HiFi. There is indeed a difference, but it is incredibly subtle. LDAC creates a smoother sound signature that attenuates some of the higher frequencies. There's a little more detail too, but you have to be very careful to hear it.

But whether you use LDAC or not, the AZ60 delivers incredible sound quality. In head-to-head comparisons with Sony's $ 280 WF-1000XM4, Master & Dynamic's $ 299 MW08, KEF's $ 230 Mu3, and Grado's $ 259 GT220 – all top notch audio performers – the AZ60 can hold its own, which makes it an exceptional value considering its price and other features.

Double dip devices

The AZ60 lacks Google Fast Pair or Apple's one-tap pairing, but that's no big deal. The first time you pull the buds out of their case, they'll go into pairing mode and from there you just select them from your device's bluetooth menu. Once paired, the connection is reliably strong and consistent. I found myself up to 15 meters from my phone outdoors, but sometimes only 6 meters when walking between floors.

But what I really like about the AZ60 is its ability to make multi-point Bluetooth connections – a rarity among true wireless earbuds. In this way you can connect the headphones to your phone and, for example, your PC at the same time. You can stream music from your computer and when your phone rings just stop the music and take the call – the AZ60 switch seamlessly, with just a split second in the audio. If you're multitasking between devices (and who doesn't these days?) This is a super handy feature.

Delete calls

Speaking of taking calls, the AZ60 is very suitable for making calls. However, note the settings in the Audio Connect app. It offers an option to increase background noise reduction, and I have found that doing so can significantly reduce the clarity of your voice under certain circumstances – which is the opposite of the intended effect. Using the regular settings is probably all you need.

The earbuds are equipped with what Technics calls "JustMyVoice" – a fourth microphone used to detect speech – which the company claims can isolate and amplify words and minimize ambient noise. It seems to work, but I'd argue that Jabra's Elite 7 Pro is still better for calling in noisy environments.

A little help, Alexa?

Screenshot of the Technics Audio Connect app.The AZ60 lets you activate your phone's built-in voice assistant, but if you're an Amazon Alexa fan, you can use Amazon's AI. instead of this. The advantage of this is hands-free access to the wake-up word – just say "Alexa, …" followed by any of the usual commands you might need, including phone functions like volume ("Alexa, volume, 50%") or playback (" Alexa, (Play / Pause) "). While this is slowly becoming a more common feature, we've only seen it on a handful of earbuds like the Sony WF-1000XM4, JBL Tour Pro +, and of course Amazon's Echo Buds.

Total control

While I'm not a huge fan of touch controls, Technics did a really good job with the AZ60's touch sensors. They are responsive, easy to type precisely, and offer a small tone for every successful tap. The Audio Connect app allows you to tweak any gesture to perform any of the available activities (play / pause, skip tracks, volume up / down, ANC / transparency, voice assistant, answer / end call and microphone mute). I've only seen this level of customization on the Jabra Elite series and it's a fantastic integration from Technics. Technics also offers a Find My Earbuds option that tracks the last known whereabouts of your buds and lets you turn on a chime so you can find them.

The only thing missing are in-ear sensors that automatically pause / resume music playback when you remove or reinsert the earbuds.

Sufficient power

Technics EAH-AZ60 charging case.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The only thing that is average about the AZ60 is the battery life. You get roughly seven hours per charge (give or take 30 minutes if you use ANC or not) and the charging case can extend that to 24-25 hours of total playtime. This is neither extraordinary nor unacceptable – most people will find it perfectly adequate for a full day.

There's a quick charge option, but it's not particularly noteworthy: 15 minutes will give you 70 or 80 minutes of extra usage.

As with any earbuds or headphones that enable the LDAC codec, using this feature will drain the battery much faster, so a single charge of the earbuds will reduce the life of the earbuds to 4.5 hours of use if you also turn on ANC.

This brings us to the only other feature that Technics has omitted: wireless charging for the case.

Our opinion

Great sound, impressive ANC, comfortable and secure fit, high-resolution LDAC support and tons of features – all at a price that beats most of the competition. Yes, we are big fans of the Technology EAH-AZ60 and we think you will be too.

Is there a better alternative?

There are only two other products to consider before purchasing the Technics EAH-AZ60:

$ 280 Sony WF-1000XM4: This is the upgrade selection. It has everything the AZ60 can do, plus wireless charging, Alexa or Google Assistant of your choice, and in-ear sensors that automatically pause music when you speak or when you remove an earbud. But the earbuds are bigger and less comfortable, especially for people with smaller ears.

$ 200 Jabra Elite 7 Pro: These earbuds don't have the exceptional sound quality of the AZ60 (although, in fairness, they still sound really good) or the Alexa speakerphone, but they cost less, are smaller, and more convenient, plus they're completely waterproof, and have on-ear sensors and wireless charging.

How long will they last?

This question is always difficult to answer, but with an IPX4 rating and what appears to be a very good build quality, they should last for many years. Panasonic backs Technics' true wireless earbuds with a one-year warranty.

Should you buy it?

Absolutely. They're one of the best sets of true wireless earbuds we've ever tested.

Editor's recommendations



01 Jul
Blog

The Technics TWS Earbuds Sound Good, but Isolate Even Better

technics tws az70 review panasonic tsw earphones 2

"Expect crisp, bright audio and incredible high-end design noise cancellation."

  • Bright, clear audio emphasizes the vocals

  • Excellent noise cancellation

  • Light and pluggable

  • Sensitive touch controls

  • Comfortable fit

  • Audio is not balanced in the lower registers

  • A bit bulky when worn

Panasonic was slow and steady with its first entry into the noise canceling earphone market in June, but it was just beginning. Technics' high-end TWS EAH-AZ70W active noise canceling earphones from Technics are trying to make a statement with impressive specifications on paper and a luxurious price of $ 249.99.

Will the specs and high price become earphones you want to own? Let's go into that.

Small and shiny

The Technics TWS earphones share a design philosophy with the Panasonic RZ-S500Ws. They are compact buds that fit perfectly in a small charging case. This case is not the smallest we have ever seen since the Jabra Elite 75t case is smaller, the RZ-S500W case is about an inch shorter, and the Apple AirPods Pro case is also small. Nevertheless, it is about two thirds the size of the housing of the Sony WF-1000XM3 and can easily be put in your pocket.

Each earphone is connected to a blunt, bar-like cylinder, which is covered with a touch-sensitive pad made of brushed aluminum. They are a bit bulky and even when they are fully pressed into my ear canal, the buds stick out noticeably from the sides of my head. This is a complaint that was shared in our Panasonic RZ-S500W review.

Some companies, like Apple, choose to move components down towards the earlobe, or in the case of Sony, inward toward the jaw, but Panasonic / Technics has chosen to go outside of your head.

Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

Overall, the design meets my expectations for premium earphones. The case is a plastic interior surrounded by brushed aluminum, and the top of the case is nicely embossed with the Technics logo. The combination is easy without feeling cheap. The buds themselves feel solid despite the low weight of only 6.5 grams per bud, which is 8.3 grams less than the Sony WF-1000XM3. Yes, I weighed them.

Fit, finish and function

I have a narrow ear canal, so I used the extra small silicone tips, one of five sizes that are included in the technique. These buds are not designed for use during activity, so they do not have a high IPX rating (IPX4) and do not contain "wings" to stabilize them in your ear. You feel safe when you are sitting in a cafe, on a plane, or at your desk. To run? Not as much.

As previously mentioned, Technics designed the buds to hang their weight outward from your head, which affects balance. I found that I often adjusted their fit during listening sessions because either the right or left bud fell out of my ear canal.

Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

Several repeated tests were required to find out. However, if you don't carry the buds exactly right, they can feel uncomfortable. The key is to make sure the Technics logo is flat at the end of the touchpad. Once I did that, they fit well and comfortably in my ear and were comfortable for long listening sessions. If they fit properly, the earplug is at the bottom of the cylinder, with most of the bud over it and resting well in the outer wall of the ear cup.

The Technics TWS have a touchpad on the brushed silver cap at the end of each earphone. It is sensitive. I accidentally touched the pad and paused a song while trying to adjust the fit in my ear. It works with a gloved hand. This is good news if you wear mittens and want to skip a song while listening to music.

The buds are compatible with Amazon Alexa and can be set up quickly and easily using the Technics Audio Connect app. There is also support for Google Assistant or Siri.

Unlike other earphones on the market, the Technics TWS does not recognize whether they have been removed from your ear and pauses automatically. This is not a standard feature in the industry, but it is present in competing products.

Connection and battery life

Getting started with Technics TWS was easy. When you take them out of the packaging, put them in the charging case and then remove them, the pairing mode is activated. My phone was able to connect to them immediately from there. When you put it in your ear, you'll be greeted with a pleasant welcome tone, followed by any bud that tells you that Bluetooth has been connected to a female robot voice.

I found the strength of the Bluetooth connection good, but not the best I have ever experienced. I left my cell phone in my kitchen and went to my back yard, and the buds stayed in touch about 90% of the room. The 10% farthest from my back door resulted in an inconsistent connection, but I was admittedly far away. I'll almost never be that far from my phone.

The Technics TWS are designed for a playback time of six and a half hours, whereby the active noise cancellation is activated with two additional charges from the housing for a total of 19.5 hours of listening time. There is a quick charge function that allows 70 minutes of playing time from 15 minutes of charging time. In a fairly competitive area, the technics in this category are in the middle.

Sound quality

The technology has gone to great lengths to make these earphones sound fantastic, and the company has taken care to mention the 10mm driver (which is larger than the standard 6mm driver in many earphones), and that Emphasis is placed on ensuring that the bass is properly balanced with great mids and highs.

After listening to rock and pop music for several hours, I can say that they mostly did it right.

The bass is very clear and resonates beautifully through my head when it is an important aspect of a song. If the music production team wanted me to feel this bass beat, the technology did an excellent job and translated it for me. At the same time, the singing was incredibly clear and full of life. Sia's Save My Life was highlighted by emphasizing technology on crisp, bright, and energetic audio. I heard an acoustic guitar solo, the melody of Lady GaGa's Stupid Love, and felt like the guitar was right next to me.

In the Technics Audio Connect app you can set the EQ to either bass-heavy, vocal-oriented, neutral or your own EQ. In Custom EQ, you can move five sliders up and down to suit your personal taste.

If you love bright and clear audio that emphasizes a strong beat and clarity of the upper registers, the technics are a solid win for you. However, if you value wealth and general balance, they are not sufficient here. Although the bass beat is strong, the lower audio registers feel underrepresented.

Here is an example. If you play the note “C” on a piano, you can simply play a “C”. Playing this note alone is the purest expression of this note. However, you can play a C major chord to achieve greater depth of sound, although the representation of the C note is not as accurate. The technology seems to me to be more geared towards giving you the singular, accurate C note, while the Sony WF-1000XM3 want to give you that deeper, fuller C major chord.

Of course, that's subjective. For example, in our test of the Panasonic RZ-S800W, Andy Boxall appreciated the emphasis on these higher registers, and the larger drivers in technology provide an even better listening experience than what we found in them.

Amazing ANC

One of the most outstanding and perhaps most surprising aspects of these earphones is their active noise cancellation: The Technics TWS offer really excellent noise cancellation performance, some of the best we have ever experienced.

Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

I have a pretty noisy mobile air conditioner in my office, and when I was sitting at my desk, the technology turned its booming fan sound into a low hum. Compared to the Sonys, the Technics were about twice as good at reducing the level of consistent sounds. At the side of the road, I found that the technology was on a par with the Sonys, since neither was able to reduce inconsistent noises such as cars or clinking metal pipes.

The Technics use two sets of data inputs to suppress noise. This technology is known as dual hybrid noise canceling. It works with two sets of microphones: one set on the outside of the buds, as is the norm, and one set on the inside to determine how much sound is still getting through. The result is a system that seals noise and can actively adapt to what might come through. Without music, the ANC is so good that I can feel completely isolated in my cozy silence ball.

You can set how much noise suppression or ambient noise should be active on a sliding bar from the app. No noise cancellation, no ambient noise mode, and no complete noise cancellation can be performed via one of the touchpads on the buds themselves by holding the touchpad for about two seconds.

Call quality

Technology has done some considerations to ensure that calls sound clear and clean, and I can say they were successful there. I had no problem hearing voices clearly in one of my calls.

Unfortunately, as is the case with many noise canceling earphones and headphones, the person on the other end of the line was not blessed with the same pleasant experience. When I was in a room where noise cancellation had to be particularly active, e.g. For example, by a fan or near traffic, my voice has been described as echo-like and far away, like a digital phone call over bad internet.

However, when I was in a quiet room, the call quality on the other end of the line improved dramatically.

Our opinion

The $ 249.99 Technics TWS are expensive, but not the most expensive in their segment. They cost roughly the same price as Apple's AirPods Pro. The good news is that they deserve this price largely with incredible noise cancellation, lightweight construction, and a clean (but bulky) design. With an emphasis on strong vocals and higher registers, they are best suited for those who want to hear music with clearer, clearer clarity.

Is there a better alternative?

For a cheaper price (we saw that they only cost $ 170), the Sony WF-1000XM3 are a great option if you want to get the best possible audio quality.

The AirPods Pro from Apple have very strong noise cancellation functions. Because they're in the Apple ecosystem, they're a better choice for iPhone users for connectivity and synergy between devices.

For $ 180, the Panasonic RZ-S500W is another fantastic alternative with almost identical technical data to the TSWs. The main disadvantage is a smaller driver, which results in slightly lower (but only marginal) audio performance and less impressive material quality.

How long will they last?

The Technics TWS earphones are guaranteed for one year. Technics is also one of Panasonic's high-end brands. As a result, their products usually last a long time.

Should you buy them

Yes. They are comfortable, have excellent noise cancellation technology and sound great in a variety of situations.

Editor's recommendations