Technics EAH-AZ70W
Technics EAH-AZ70W

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. 

Technics EAH-AZ70W
Technics EAH-AZ70W

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
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. 

Technics EAH-AZ70W
Technics EAH-AZ70W

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.  

Andy Baryer
Andy Baryer
http://handyandymedia.com
Andy Baryer aka “Handy Andy” is a technology journalist, gadget reviewer, and DIY/how-to content creator. Known as the handyman of tech, Andy enjoys fixing poor wireless networks, building smart homes, and cooking with the latest kitchen gadgets. He’s a competitive whistler, a budding woodworker, and loves gardening in his home-built smart garden.
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406 COMMENTS

  13. I like the Dual Hybrid Noise-Cancelling Technology. That would be great if i want to zone out whether during studying or getting lost when listening to audiobooks

  16. I love the high quality noise cancellation feature since I listen to music while everyone is noisy in the house.

  21. I would like to try the Panasonic RZ-S500W for the Dual Hybrid Noise Cancelling for listening to music without background noise.

  22. I currently use wired headphones while going for runs, and it is very painful at times when the wires get caught and rip out of my ears. The de-suctioning is very loud and probably even damaging to my hearing. Wireless headphones make so much more sense, and– with models like technics– have better sound quality, too.

  23. The best thing about truly wireless headphones is that I don’t have to worry about untangling them before heading out, or getting tangled around things!

  30. I would love to get the Panasonic noise cancelling headphones. My dad has been suffering with ringing in his ears for the past few months and was told that noise cancelling headphones could help but the cost is a barrier. Being able to give him this gift would be so incredible. So in short I love the noise cancelling feature.

  33. The noise cancelling feature sounds great for when I’m on the train, and of course since they’re wireless, there’s no hassle in taking them on and off.

  44. I love the built-in MEMS microphones because they suppress wind noise. Random wind noises has been quite the problem I’ve been having with my current wireless earbuds.

  45. With five different silicone earbud sizes and an IPX4 water resistance rating, they are safe to use in the rain or during sweaty workouts – and they would fit my ears.

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