Technics EAH-AZ100 Review: Magnetic Attraction in Wireless Earbuds

Experience the magnetic attraction of Technics EAH-AZ100 with enhanced sound, adaptive noise cancellation, and sleek design for wireless earbuds lovers.

Technics set the bar high with the Technics EAH-AZ80 wireless earbuds released in 2023. Their aim? To be the ultimate all-round wireless earbuds: outclassing Bose wireless earbuds on noise cancellation and comfort, besting Sennheiser wireless earbuds and Sony WF-1000XM5 wireless earbuds in sound quality, and being tough enough for workouts. As a devoted fan of the AZ80, I admired their ambition, even though they didn’t quite eclipse the Sony WF-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra wireless earbuds in certain areas.

Enter the Technics EAH-AZ100 wireless earbuds. This new model is designed to reclaim the crown, with an upgraded magnetic fluid driver technology borrowed from the Technics EAH-TZ700 in-ear monitors—the wired in-ear monitors that once wowed audiophiles with their advanced single-driver system. On top of that, spatial audio support, longer battery life, and future-ready connectivity features make these earbuds, priced at around $299, a compelling choice.

Design and Build: Small but Mighty

The AZ100 shares a lot with the AZ80, including a restrained black look and a bolder silver option. Yet, it feels more refined. Technics switched from the earlier teardrop shape to a fully round design, ditching the contrasting metal accents. This subtle tweak makes each earbud look smaller and more elegant.

Actually, they’re just 10% smaller and lighter—5.9 grams versus 7 grams for the AZ80. Despite the similar driver housing shape, these earbuds fit more snugly in the ear. I could even sleep wearing them, something I couldn’t do comfortably with the AZ80.

The ergonomic design ensures these bad boys stay firmly in place while moving. I even ran without worrying about them popping out—a rare feat in my experience with wireless earbuds. Comfort during extended listening is impressive too, helped by five included silicone tip sizes. These tips feature a clever triple-layer construction: soft and elastic where they touch your ears, but firm near the nozzle to reduce sound leakage. The result? My wife couldn’t hear a thing even when I was right beside her on the couch.

The charging case is more pocket-friendly compared to the AZ80’s bulkier one. Made from metal and plastic, it sports a small battery indicator on the lid, keeping you informed at a glance.

Features and Battery Life: Power That Lasts

Technics packed the AZ100 with the same high-quality LDAC Bluetooth module found in the AZ80. However, there’s no aptX codec here, so devices that don't support LDAC will default to SBC or AAC. The earbuds are future-proof with Bluetooth LE and LC3 support, including the promising Auracast feature for public broadcast streaming as it rolls out.

Multipoint connection returns, allowing pairing with up to three devices—but only on SBC or AAC. LDAC limits you to two connected devices, and the app suggests sticking to one for seamless playback. I had no trouble juggling two devices at home, but in crowded places like train stations or airports, the high-bandwidth LDAC codec occasionally hiccupped.

Call quality remains strong despite Technics trimming one mic from each earbud. Thanks to machine learning algorithms using three mics, background and wind noise get effectively suppressed. None of my call partners had complaints, and inbound audio processing even made my voice sound clearer.

Although the earbuds got smaller, the battery sustains longer playback. With LDAC and ANC on, I clocked nearly seven hours—significantly more than the AZ80’s four and a half hours. It’s just shy of the top tier by under an hour. Switch to AAC, and playtime stretches close to ten hours—almost three hours more.

Combined with the charging case, total listening time reaches 18 hours (LDAC) or 28 hours (AAC), all while keeping noise cancellation active. USB-C charging takes a couple of hours, with wireless Qi charging requiring a similar amount of time.

Intuitive Interface with Thoughtful Tweaks

Launching the companion app, it’s clear Technics tuned in to user feedback. Active noise cancellation now defaults to adaptive mode—no more fiddling with manual levels. Plus, LDAC usage no longer disables many key features.

The app’s clean layout remains, with customizable shortcuts on the main screen for quick access to your favorite tools. I swapped out the user guide and mic test for spatial audio toggles and a “find my earbuds” button, though plenty of other functions sit just a tap away, avoiding deep settings menus.

Sadly, there’s still no ear tip fit test or hearing-based EQ tuning, but sound customization is easier than before. You get an 8-band EQ, up from 5 bands on the AZ80, plus three user presets for different listening moods or content types. This is perfect if you like flipping between music genres or dialing down bass for podcasts.

Full custom touch controls are a win too, rather than limiting you to preset options. Some of the advanced setting descriptions could be clearer, and it’s a minor bummer that spatial audio and LDAC don’t work simultaneously. Still, the AZ100's feature set feels expansive and well thought out.

Sound Quality and Noise Cancellation: A Precision Instrument

Adaptive noise cancellation kicks in by default, quickly ramping up suppression when moving from quiet zones to noisy environments. It’s subtle and unobtrusive, with only a faint hiss audible in complete silence—gone when listening to spoken-word podcasts. An ambient sound mode is available if you want to stay aware of surroundings, with manual ANC strength adjustment if desired. I preferred to let the AZ100 work its magic on its own.

Technics already did a solid job with ANC algorithms, but the AZ100 now matches or surpasses many rivals. They handled public transport noise, traffic sounds, and office clatter with aplomb. Where the AZ80 lagged slightly behind competitors, the AZ100 closes the gap—though Bose still impresses with flagship models.

Sound quality also receives a notable uplift. Technics employs a single 10mm dynamic driver enhanced with their latest magnetic fluid technology, first seen in the wired TZ700 in-ear monitors (which launched at a staggering $1400). Filling the gap between the magnet and voice coil with a magnetic fluid reduces distortion significantly. Coupled with other mechanical tweaks, the bass response improves over the AZ80.

The result? A more refined, clearer frequency range with detailed but smooth highs that avoid harshness. Take the sharp rave crescendos in Burial’s "Dreamfear"—on lesser earbuds, these might grate, but here they sparkle without being aggressive.

While the soundstage isn’t the widest I’ve encountered in earbuds, instruments stay distinct without clashing, and the bass is punchy without overwhelming the mids and highs. I stuck with the default EQ and appreciated the natural balance. Upbeat electronic tracks like Dougal & Gammer’s "Your Love Gets Me High" pack low-end power, yet the bass never drowns Lana Del Rey’s delicate piano cover of "Take Me Home, Country Roads."

You don’t have to be an audiophile to hear the difference between the AZ80 and AZ100—the latter clearly outshines many rivals in clarity and detail.

Verdict: Technics EAH-AZ100 – A Magnetic Upgrade

The AZ80 laid a fantastic foundation, but the Technics EAH-AZ100 earbuds elevates the experience impressively. Magnetic fluid driver tech delivers remarkably balanced sound for a single-driver system, allowing the AZ100 to compete confidently within its price bracket.

Not every quibble from the AZ80 days vanished, but key issues like battery life and EQ limitations are resolved. Adaptive ANC makes tuning out the world easier and nearly as effective as the best in class. Spatial audio support is a welcome bonus for those who enjoy immersive soundscapes, and wireless connectivity feels ready for tomorrow’s standards.

Their smaller, lighter frame and reworked ear tips boost comfort further, making these earbuds an even more attractive companion for daily use.

Technics EAH-AZ100 Specifications

“The magnetic fluid filling between the magnet and coil reduces distortion and enhances bass response, resulting in a clearer, more balanced sound.”
— Technics EAH-AZ100 Review

FAQ

• How long does the Technics EAH-AZ100 last on a single charge?
  You get about 7 hours with LDAC and ANC active, and close to 10 hours if using AAC codec. With the charging case, total listening time extends up to 28 hours.
• Can the AZ100 earbuds connect to multiple devices at once?
  Yes, multipoint connectivity supports up to three devices on SBC or AAC codecs, but LDAC mode limits you to two devices.
• Do the earbuds offer adaptive noise cancellation?
  Absolutely, ANC now defaults to an adaptive mode that adjusts suppression levels based on your environment.
• Is there support for spatial audio?
  Yes, the AZ100 includes spatial sound functionality, enhancing immersion for compatible content.
• Are the earbuds comfortable for extended use and workouts?
  Yes, with a smaller, lighter design and five sizes of triple-layer silicone ear tips, they stay secure and comfortable during activities like running or even sleeping.

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