Technics EAH-AZ70W Review
An incredibly accomplished set of true-wireless earbuds with stellar audio
Verdict
The EAH-AZ70W are an incredibly accomplished set of true-wireless earbuds with stellar audio quality and powerful ANC. But their large size will make getting a solid fit difficult for some buyers.
Pros
- Decent audio quality
- Solid battery life
- Effective noise cancellation
Cons
- Very chunky
Availability
- UKRRP: £239
- USARRP: $249
- EuropeRRP: €279
- CanadaRRP: CA$329
- AustraliaRRP: AU$449
Key Features
- Dual Hybrid Noise CancellingFeatures Panasonic/Technics advanced noise cancelling technology
Introduction
The Technics EAH-AZ70W are the latest set of wireless earbuds taking aim at dethroning Sony as the top-dog in the market.
Built by the iconic Japanese audio brand, they offer all the bells and whistles expected from a modern day set of true wireless earbuds, plus some tech you may never have come across before.
They are a wonderfully capable set of true wireless earbuds that will easily satisfy any serious music fan on the market for a decent set of in-ear wireless buds for the morning commute, or general use out and about.
Their large size and lack of wing tips mean gym goers and runners will be better off looking elsewhere however.
Design
The Technics EAH-AZ70W have a classy unassuming design that hits the sweet spot when it comes to looks and build quality.
Aesthetically they sit somewhere between the Beoplay E8 3rd Gen and Sony WF-1000XM3, with a sleek and minimalist metallic finish charge case. The only distinct aspects of the charging case is the Technics logo and the rear-facing USB-C charge port.
Out of the box the earbuds have a similarly unassuming finish that’ll meet most buyers taste. The only factor separating them from competing sets design is their rather large size. The charge case is a good centimetre taller than the Sony’s, which is itself quite tall, and the buds have a slightly chunky, spherical chassis similar to the E8’s. They’re also heavier than you’d expect.
This is because Technic’s has loaded the buds with more tech and features than you can shake a stick at. These include advanced dual hybrid noise cancellation technology plus a new, larger 10mm graphene coated driver setup that includes a “patent pending airflow optimised acoustic control chamber”.
For everyday use the size isn’t an issue, as Technics has loaded them with enough eartip options for most users to get a decent fit and seal. It will be an issue for people looking to use these in the gym or while running.
This is because they don’t feature any wing tip options, and the increased dimensions and weight make them more prone to popping out with even moderately animated movement than the Sony. This is a shame as they carry IPX4 certification, which means they’re splash and sweat resistant enough for gym use.
Outside of this the buds are functionally excellent. They feature intuitive capacitive touch controls that are noticeably more responsive and accurate than the ones on cheaper sets, like the Galaxy Buds Plus and Amps Air Plus. They make it quick and easy to change tracks or switch noise cancellation on or off with a couple of taps.
The onboard beam-forming tech, coupled with its dual-microphone set-up, makes them great for taking calls on the move. Using the buds to take calls while walking on a busy London street, full of traffic, the person on the other end of the line could hear what I was saying and didn’t report significant background noise – an achievement the BeoPlay E8’s couldn’t muster.
Battery life is solid, with Technics quoting 6.5 hours with noise cancelling on and the case offering an extra 19.5 more hours worth. This puts them in line with most modern ANC true wireless sets, like the Cleer Audio Ally Plus. With real world use I found the claim generally rang true and I easily got at least a week’s use out of them before needing to charge them.
Sound quality
Sound quality is an area the EAH-AZ70W shine. As is to be expected given the company’s heritage, the buds produce a wonderfully balanced and precise audio experience.
The custom driver and set up offers one of the most detailed and dynamic sounds you’ll find, even among more expensive sets.
Highs are wonderfully detailed and defined. Jazz piano parts have a beautiful clarity, with each key sparking and being holding a distinct separation from the low rhythm parts. Attacking rock guitar parts also manage to maintain a pleasing punch and power without any hint of sibilance.
Mids manage to hold a distinct place in the sound, and can be easily heard in even the most complex classical and post-rock arrangements.
The low end is suitably precise. Synthwave bass parts bounce along without ever overshadowing the subtler mid-and-high heavy sections, and blues walking basslines have a snappy tight feeling that’ll get even the most stoic of listener’s feet tapping.
All in all this adds up to ensure tonal balance is uniformly excellent and every bit as good as I’d expect from a £200-plus set of true-wireless earbuds. The last set I tested to offer such a good sound are the B&O E8 3rd Gen, and they cost well over £100 more.
The only slight quibble I have with the sound is that on occasion, dynamism could be stronger. Swooping crescendos have significantly more impact than competing sets, like the Apple Airpods Pro, but the E8’s have a slight edge here. Though this is a very small nitpick considering the price disparity.
Noise cancellation is a new venture for Technics in this form factor. Which is why the company’s clearly put a lot of thought into its implementation. The buds have dual hybrid noise cancelling technology, which combines feedforward and feedback noise cancelling mics to detect and subsequently drown out noise both inside and out the headphones.
Despite not being as experienced in the area as competing brands, such as Sony and Bose, the noise cancelling is fairly good for a wireless in-ear. They’re certainly on a par with most other mid-to-top-tier true wireless sets I’ve tested recently.
I’d specifically put the noise cancellation as being on a par with what you get from Cleer Audio’s Ally Plus, which is no bad thing. ANC headphones of any sort won’t completely cancel out the bustle of a packed commuter train or engine noise on a flight; but the Technics are good enough to block out background office noise.
The included ambient mode is also a useful addition for people that plan to wear them on busy city streets. Though be warned, they don’t match the Sony WF-1000XM3, which still remain the best in class for true-wireless noise cancellation.
Should you buy it?
If you’re serious about music: The Technics offer solid, controlled audio that produces a fidelious performance
If you’re looking for a gym pair: The Technics aren’t for those who need a gym/fitness-ready pair.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a serious music fan looking for solidly built, great sounding, reliable pair of true-wireless earbuds, the Technics EAH-AZ70W are an excellent option. They offer solid, controlled audio: lengthy battery life and reliable noise cancelling.
The only minor downsides is that their large drivers which make them fairly chunky. This along with a lack of wing tip options mean they aren’t appropriate for light jogging, let alone gym use. People with small ears may also struggle to get solid fit and seal, thanks to the large dimensions and increased weight. Buyers looking for a dedicated workout set will be better off looking at a more focused set, like the Jaybird Vista.
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We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
