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.
I love the idea of the left-right independent signaling system to maintain a stable Bluetooth connection
The dual hybrid noise cancelling technology is important to reduce street noise while I am walking outdoors.
The noise cancelation and water resistance features are both impressive to me.
I think the Dual Hybrid Noise Cancelling Technology is great!
I like the long battery life
Technics EAH-AZ70W with the touch controls. sure makes it easier. thanks
I really like the noise cancelling feature they have
Love the noise cancellation feature.
Bluetooth 5.0 !!
The solid Bluetooth independent connection. It doesn’t matter how good the sound is if you keep loosing connection.
Definitely value noise cancellation!
I love the sound quality.
The feature I love about true wireless headphones is the Dual Hybrid Noise-Cancelling Technology,
The noise-cancelling feature is a must nowadays.
There are so many great features that it’s hard to choose -. but I like the noise cancelling feature
I like the noise cancelling feature the most.
Definitely value noise cancellation.
I love the noise cancellation feature.
I love the Dual Hybrid Noise-Cancelling Technology
Not to be too pedantic, but the best feature to me of wireless headphones is that there are no wires. Wires aren’t so bad most of the time on a commute, but can get pretty annoying doing things like yardwork.
The feature I like is the audio sound quality of the head phones.
I love the noise cancelling features and the sleek design
Noise cancelling on the Technics EAH-AZ70W!
Water resistance for working out and going for walks rain or shine
The water resistance and noise cancelation. 2 features are a must!
The Noise-Cancelling Technology is great!
I like its noise-cancelling feature.
It uses six MEMS microphones built inside a cabinet structure that suppresses wind noise.
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.
the Technics Audio connect app or iOS and Android allows you to adjust the touch controls for each earbud
IPX4 water resistance for rain, etc
I love the Technics EAH-AZ70W the feature that I love is that these earbuds use a left right independent signaling system to maintain a stable Bluetooth connection. Each earbud is independently connected to the device.
For me its the Technics EAH-AZ70W I liked the feature of the six MEMS microphones built inside a cabinet structure that suppresses wind noise, great for me when I am out walking
I love Dual Hybrid Noise-Cancelling Technology
Indepedant Bluetooth connection
The touch control is so convenient!
The feature I love for the Panasonic RZ-S500W is the noise canceling.
I like that they developed their own noise canceling technology.
I love the touch controls as well as the strong bluetooth connection!
The noise cancelling feature
The one feature I love about true wireless headphones is how a Bluetooth connection with each earbud helps provide a stable connection.
I love the touch controls on these headphones!
I love the noise cancelling feature
I love that these have a left-right independent signaling system to maintain a stable Bluetooth connection; this would definitely make it a better listening experience.
I like that each ear bud connects to Bluetooth independently so the Bluetooth connection is strong. Nothing more frustrated than losing connection to your music or podcast
I love 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.
I love that they are water resistant and have an excellent battery life. Those attributes are important to me.
I love the Quick Charge feature. 15 minutes for over an hour of use is great!
I am impressed by the Dual Hybrid Noise-Cancelling Technology!!
The touch controls sound super convenient!
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