The Technics EAH-AZ80: A New Contender in the True Wireless Earbuds Market

The Technics EAH-AZ80 is a new entrant in the competitive world of true wireless earbuds. Priced at $300, these earbuds aim to be the best of the best, offering a range of features and impeccable sound quality. In this article, we will explore the design, functionality, and performance of the AZ80, and evaluate whether it has what it takes to become the new king of the true wireless earbud market.

Design and Features

The AZ80 comes in a simple and straightforward matte finish case, with a brushed metal lid for a touch of elegance. One notable difference from its predecessor, the AZ-60, is the addition of wireless charging support. The earbuds themselves feature the Techniques branding on the touch surface, with a design that resembles a vinyl record, emphasizing the audio-centric nature of the product. Despite being slightly larger than average, the AZ80 offers a surprisingly secure fit and even includes an auto play/pause feature, which pauses the music when one of the earbuds is removed from the ear. The touch controls are highly customizable, allowing users to personalize their playback and phone call controls according to their preferences.

Connectivity and Battery Life

The AZ80 earbuds run on Bluetooth 5.3 and support SBC, AAC, and LDAC for high-resolution audio. One standout feature is the multi-point connection, which allows simultaneous pairing with up to three devices. This can be particularly useful for business professionals or individuals who frequently switch between devices. However, it is important to note that when using the multi-point connection with three devices, the LDAC codec cannot be used. Nevertheless, the option to switch to a two-device connection with LDAC support is quite impressive, as most other earbuds with multi-point connectivity do not offer this capability. While using both LDAC and multi-point connection may impact battery life, the availability of such options is commendable.

Performance

Techniques has always been known for its sound quality, and the AZ80 lives up to the brand’s reputation. The earbuds deliver an open and spacious sound, with a well-balanced audio profile and clean treble. Compared to its predecessor, the AZ-60, the AZ80 offers slightly more prominent bass, especially with the new Super Bass preset. However, the dynamic preset is often favored due to its ability to deliver a well-rounded audio experience, with punchy bass and clear treble. The earbuds excel in creating an immersive sound stage, particularly when listening to complex songs with multiple layers. Overall, the sound quality of the AZ80 places it among the top-tier earbuds available in the market.

Noise Cancellation and Ambient Mode

The AZ80 earbuds offer effective noise cancellation, although it falls slightly behind the AirPods Pro 2 and the Bose Quiet Comfort 2 in this regard. However, it is still quite impressive and can be adjusted within the app according to personal preferences. The ambient mode provides a natural sound experience and can also be customized through the app. A notable feature of the earbuds is the ability to use active noise cancellation or ambient mode even when only one earbud is in use, allowing for greater flexibility in various listening situations.

Phone Calls and Microphone

The AZ80 earbuds utilize a feature called “just my voice,” which aims to pick up the user’s voice while eliminating background noise during phone calls. It even includes a unique function in the app that allows users to record and playback their voice to assess microphone performance. The microphones of the AZ80 perform exceptionally well, delivering clear and crisp voice quality, even in relatively noisy environments.

Conclusion

The Technics EAH-AZ80 true wireless earbuds undoubtedly make a strong statement in the audio market. With their impressive sound quality, secure fit, top-tier noise cancellation, multi-point connectivity, and outstanding microphone performance, they have positioned themselves as some of the best earbuds of 2023. While there are minor limitations, such as the slightly inferior noise cancellation compared to the AirPods Pro 2 and the Bose Quiet Comfort 2, the AZ80 offers a comprehensive and high-quality audio experience. Whether you are an audiophile or a professional seeking impeccable sound and functionality, the Technics EAH-AZ80 is a worthy contender to consider.