- Bryan Tan
Style And Quality In These Earbuds From Technics!
Updated: Dec 18, 2023
In the dynamic world of audio technology, where sound quality and convenience converge, Technics stands tall as a brand synonymous with professional-grade audio. Having established its reputation over decades, Technics recently made its mark in the wireless earbuds arena with the EAH-AZ60M2 and EAH-AZ80 models, epitomising the blend of innovation, style and audio prowess for which the brand is celebrated.
Technics AZ60M2
The EAH-AZ60M2, the latest offering from Technics, is positioned as the perfect balance between affordability and premium audio quality. In a market filled with formidable contenders, such as the Sony WF-1000XM5 and Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Gen, the AZ60M2 aims to carve a distinct niche within the wireless market.
The AZ60M2's design is sleek and comfortable, although less luxurious than its higher-tier counterparts. Its plastic construction is tempered by a metallic touch surface, offering a utilitarian yet contemporary aesthetic. A range of ear tip sizes ensures a comfortable fit.
The earbuds pack a punch with their three-channel multipoint connectivity, enabling seamless switching between three sources via Bluetooth. With support for the LDAC Bluetooth codec, the AZ60M2 ensures an at least a passable audio streaming experience for most ears. Its customisable touch controls, configurable through the Technics Audio app, also provide decent user control.
The AZ60M2 offers a battery life that resonates with daily commuters, providing up to seven hours with active noise cancellation (ANC) enabled and extending to 25 hours with the charging case; these earbuds offer ample power for extended use. Notably, the JustMyVoice call feature and ambient noise reduction also enhance the call quality experience, making navigating conversations amid urban noise easier.
In the sound department, the AZ60M2 delivers an engaging and well-rounded performance. The bass response is robust and extends to the lower frequencies, adding depth to music tracks. The highs are crisp and detailed, although slightly restrained compared to the lows. Although you can tweak the sound signature to a certain extent, casual listeners might find the sound signature of competing earbuds much more appealing with a deeper base and a more V-shaped curvature.
Technics AZ80
As the wireless earbuds market thrives, Technics also introduced the EAH-AZ80 as its flagship contender. Priced at S$469, these earbuds confront industry titans like Bose, Sony and Apple, promising a premium experience that justifies their cost.
The AZ80 earbuds boast a refined and stylish design that is very much similar to the AZ60M2. Their milled aluminium charging case exudes elegance, while the seven ear tip options ensure a snug and tailored fit. The rounded earbud body embraces the ear comfortably; while the design might not be groundbreaking, its solid build quality compensates for it (I dropped it a few times by accident, and it still works OK, sorry, Panasonic).
Its Active noise cancellation (ANC) is a focal point among its features. The adjustable ANC and ambient sound modes adapt to diverse urban environments, enhancing the listening experience.
Sonically, the AZ80 offers a neutral sound profile that resonates well with listeners who prefer a flatter sound. With clarity as its focus, the earbuds prioritise detailed audio over heavy bass. The expansive soundscape is tailored for various genres, although it might lack the dynamic punch some listeners desire. Of course, you also get the same customizability options through the same app for ANC, equaliser settings and more.
Like its younger brother, battery life remains a pivotal aspect of the AZ80; with ANC activated, the EAH-AZ80 delivers up to seven hours of playback, expanding to 7.5 hours without ANC, with the charging case boosting it up to 25 hours without ANC and 24 hours with ANC. Notably, the earbuds support wireless Qi-charging, allowing them to fit right into your tech-savvy lifestyle.
Pricing & Availability
The AZ60M2 enters the scene at a price point of S$399, although you might find cheaper options hovering around S$350~. It offers a compelling blend of affordability and performance. On the other hand, the EAH-AZ80 holds a price tag of S$469, with some resellers selling them at around S$440~. This premium offering competes in a market segment dominated by industry giants, challenging audiophiles to consider whether its features and performance justify the higher cost.
Personally, I do like the flat-ish signature of Technics earbuds and if I have to choose one, I would say the AZ60M2 really grew on me with its design, pricepoint and the fact that the earbud kinda sits a little better on my ears than the AZ80.
Ultimately, these earbuds symbolise Technics' commitment to delivering high-quality audio experiences to the diverse "soundscape" of the wireless market. Whether it's the affordable sophistication of the AZ60M2 or the premium aspirations of the AZ80, Technics' offerings resonate with audiophiles seeking to harmonise their audio preferences with their lifestyles.