When it comes to headphones, speakers, and audio, some brands are legendary. Technics, an audio brand from Panasonic, is a fitting example. It was discontinued in 2010 but revived in 2015. In today’s mobile world of wireless headphones, it’s nice to see Technics represented in this space.
Today I’m reviewing the Technics EAH-AZ70W. These are a premium set of in-ear noise-canceling wireless headphones. I also reviewed the Panasonic RZ-S300W and RZ-S500W wireless headphones. These are similar earbuds but come at a lower price point and incorporate similar features. By reading these Panasonic earbuds reviews, you’ll know which pair is right for you.
Design of the Technics EAH-AZ70W
What ultimately separates premium headphones from more budget-friendly options is the materials used in their construction. The Technics EAH-AZ70W outer shell and charging cradle is made from brushed aluminum. The Technics logo is engraved into the top of the charging case. This gives it a premium look with elegant and stylish design elements. The EAH-AZ70W comes in both Black and Silver.
Compared to budget-friendly options, the charging cradle is rather large measuring approximately 3”x3″x1.5” (LHW). This is fine for purses and backpacks, but it would be awkward to carry in the front pocket of tight jeans.
The earbuds feature a compact circular design and are slightly larger than most wireless earbuds. Up close you’ll notice a spin treatment to the brushed aluminum around the Technics logo. It gives the EAH-AZ70W a luxurious and stylish look. Audiophiles looking for wireless earbuds will appreciate these subtle design characteristics.
Using the Technics EAH-AZ70W wireless headphones
Getting a secure fit is essential for any wireless headphones. Included in the box of the EAH-AZ70W are five different silicone earbud sizes. I went through the different earbuds and selected the size that provided me with the most secure fit. With an IPX4 water resistance rating, they are safe to use in the rain or during sweaty workouts.
One of the consistent issues I’ve had with wireless headphones is stable Bluetooth connectivity. Often one earbud will connect and the other will not. This is a frustrating reality of most wireless earbuds.
The Technics EAH-AZ70W uses a left-right independent signaling system to maintain a stable Bluetooth connection. Each earbud is independently connected to the device. When I put them on, I hear separate chimes on each earbud. From there, a voice prompt in each earbud verifies that Bluetooth is connected.
The EAH-AZ70W fits nicely in the ear and can be worn for an extensive amount of time without ear fatigue. I wore them while at my desk, at the gym, and while jumping rope. At no time did I lose Bluetooth connection in either earbud.
Taking and receiving calls worked well both indoor and outdoor. It uses six MEMS microphones built inside a cabinet structure that suppresses wind noise. This is important to me because I typically make calls when I’m walking to and from the gym.
EAH-AZ70W battery life
The battery life of any earbud varies depending on usage. Technics says the battery life is up to 7.5 hours of playback. From my experience, I think it is more like 6.5 hours. The charging case adds another 19.5 hours of playback.
There is no wireless charging. The charging case is charged with a USB-C connection and features three LED indicators to display the battery life. Users in a pinch can also opt for Quick Charge. A quick 15-minute charge will provide 70-90 minutes of playback.
Touch controls on EAH-AZ70W
I review many wireless earbuds and the touch control can vary by brand. At the end of the day, the touch controls need to be intuitive or people will not use them.
Like most earbuds, a single tap on either earbud will start and stop playback. Volume controls are on the left earbud. Most other brands have it on the right. A triple tap on the left earbud increases the volume while a double-tap decreases it. A long hold on the left earbud activates the voice assistant, either Google Assistant or Alexa. A long press on the right earbud toggles through the sound modes, active noise cancellation (ANC), ambient sound, and off.
To be honest, I’m not sure I want the volume controls on the left earbud. Thankfully, the Technics Audio connect app or iOS and Android allows you to adjust the touch controls for each earbud. This is great if you’re moving from a different brand to the Technics EAH-AZ70W.
Technics EAH-AZ70W noise-canceling
To set itself apart from a crowded wireless market, Technics created its own noise-canceling technology. Known as Dual Hybrid Noise-Cancelling Technology, it uses two microphone systems: feedback forward noise cancellation and feedback noise cancellation. Combined with analog and digital processing, the EAH-AZ70W can identify and eliminate different noises.
To test the active noise cancellation, I had background music playing on a Bluetooth speaker in my home office and toggled through the different sound modes. Even at low volumes, the EAH-AZ70W did a fantastic job with the noise cancellation. In fact, it’s probably one of the best displays of active noise cancellation (ANC) I’ve heard on wireless earbuds. If you need to tune out the background, you will not be disappointed in these earbuds.
Technics EAH-AZ70W sound quality
I have a pretty good ear to assess wireless earbuds. The secret is to listen to the same song on different earbuds. This allows me to better understand the sound signature. I characterize the sound profile to be well balanced with a slight attenuation in the high-frequency ranges. This gives it a spacious pallet without sounding confined or congested.
The low end is powered by a single 10mm dynamic driver. While the bass has punch and separation from the mids, it’s not deep and overemphasized. This is either a good thing or bad, depending on your musical preference.
The midrange impressed me the most. It has good separation from the lows and feels open and natural without added color. It reminds me a lot of the sound difference between home speakers and studio monitors. I always prefer to listen to music the way it was mixed. Technics has certainly leveraged their legacy in audio equipment with the tuning on the EAH-AZ70W.
Without question, the highs get the most emphasis. The sound comes out bright without sounding sharp. Instead. It sounds smooth and spacious with a clear separation from the mids and low end. It’s a subtle but effective sonic attenuation.
Final thoughts
When it comes to truly wireless earbuds, there are no shortages of choice out there. Panasonic with its legendary Technics brand is entering the space with the release of the EAH-AZ70W. From the charging cradle to Dual Hybrid Noise Cancelling Technology, these are a pair of premium wireless earbuds. The Bluetooth connection is stable, and the sound profile will appeal to any audiophile looking for a balanced sound.
Personally, I didn’t like having the volume controls on the left earbud. In the companion Technics Audio Connect app, I was able to adjust the touch controls to fit my personal preference. It’s the kind of customization we should now expect from a premium pair of wireless earbuds.
If you have historically been a fan of Technics, or you’re looking for elegant and stylish wireless earbuds with exceptional audio quality, the EAH-AZ70W is definitely worth considering.
Noise cancelling is very important to me. These would be perfect for commuting and for walks/runs.
Noise Cancelling
I think the ‘ Dual Hybrid Noise Cancelling Technology’ is an important feature.
It’s a tie between the ling battery life and the noise-cancelling feature. Being on transit and the noise that’s everywhere makes this an amazing feature to have.
The noise cancelling feature makes them most useful.
I love that they’re wireless!
Being able to exercise with headphones in without getting tangled up and without sound cutting in and out!
I love the battery life
I especially like the Panasonic RZ-S300W because of the longer battery life and ambient sound benefits.
the easy touch controls
A long battery life.
the long battery life.
Technics EAH-AZ70W for noise cancelling.
my fave feature of these ear buds is NO wires to get hooked up and snagged
I love the long battery life.
Great battery life
I love the easy touch controls! So helpful
The one key feature I love about wireless ear phones is the complete freedom – to walk round, to just turn around – and never get tripped up or have the set ripped off my head.
Technics EAH-AZ70W for noise cancelling.
Touch controls is the feature I love about true wireless headphones
I like the noise cancelling the most.
I’m most excited about the noise cancelling feature and the long battery life. Game changer!
Sound and function stability and quality.
I like the noise cancelling function!
I love the noise cancelling aspect!
two microphone systems: feedback forward noise cancellation and feedback noise cancellation.
I love that there are no wires that will get tugged with wireless earphones
The long battery life and the fact that they’re wireless!
I love that they operate separate to stay connected!! Game changer from what I’m used to!!
No wires to rip/tear/wear out!
I love the idea of the long battery life and the noise canceling!
No need to untangle wires.
I love the battery life of true wireless headphones.
The battery life of 6.5 hours is great as I don’t have to charge it during my daily exercise workout.
I like how wireless headphones allow me to freely move about my day while still enjoying my content without any audible distractions! Should I need to take a call, they have a microphone available on them already!
The wireless features and ability to connect to Alexa or Google are added advantages
I like the design, it seems easy to fit in the ear and just looks nice!
I love the size and design, i’d use these for my daily walks and workouts!!
Touch controls.
I would say the battery life so I can listen to a full audiobook at one time without charging.
I love how wireless earbuds save me time from having to untangle wires!
I would love to hear the noise-cancelling for myself. I bet the sound quality is great.
I dont have these exact ones but I have a pair that are very similar and I love them. Initially I was nervous of the idea of true wireless, the regular apple wired headphones buds were always falling out of my ear and but with the correct silicon buds they fit well and with no wires pulling on them they are pretty secure. I’ve gone running, walking and general usage without issue. Anyone looking for new headphones should give these or similar a try.
I love the design
I love the size of the buds!
I don’t know how many times I have had ear buds or headphones ripped off my head because of the wire catching something. I also like touch controls on headphones so you can pause music quickly.
I love how the case they come with also charges them so you dont have to mess around with charging them separately. I always forget to charge my current wireless headphones which is very annoying
I love true wireeless headphones because you can go about your day without snagging a wire on something and ripping your headphones out of your ears.
noise-canceling. period lol
I love the touch controls!
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