When it comes to true wireless earbuds, Technics might not be the first brand that comes to mind. However, the Technics AZ80 might just change that perception. Let's dive into why these earbuds are making waves.
Design and Battery Life
If you want earbuds that last, strong battery life is essential. The Technics AZ80 excels in this area. Technics advertises 4.5 hours of battery life with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and LDAC enabled, but in our DHRME battery test, we achieved just under 6 hours. That’s impressive, especially since it’s rare for companies to outperform their claims.
Charging options are versatile, including USB Type-C wired charging and wireless charging. However, the case lacks a colorblind-friendly LED indicator to show battery levels.
Durability and Controls
The AZ80 earbuds are IPX4 certified, meaning they can handle a bit of liquid, but keep the case away from any moisture. The touch controls on these earbuds are a highlight. They are very responsive, providing nearly all the control permutations you could desire: play-pause, volume, track control, ANC toggle, voice assistant, mute on phone calls, and noise reduction. Although the array of options can be confusing at first, you can customize them via the app.
Pairing and Initial Setup
Pairing the AZ80 is user-friendly. Instead of a small pairing button on the case, you can put the buds into pairing mode by holding down on both earbuds while they’re in your ears. The Technics Teacher, a voice prompt, will greet you upon first use, providing instructions, albeit in a somewhat annoying tone.
Build Quality and Comfort
The AZ80’s build quality is solid, with no flex or creaks. The case and earbuds are well-built, featuring an aluminum trim and an engraved Technics logo, giving it a premium feel. The earbuds come with seven sizes of silicone tips, ensuring a high likelihood of finding a perfect fit. Despite the round shape of the tips, the comfort is commendable, making them suitable for light to medium workouts.
Active Noise Cancelling and Transparency Mode
The AZ80’s ANC is decent, ranking in Tier B in our tests. It effectively cancels out noise across all frequencies but isn’t the best in its price range. For those new to noise canceling, it will feel adequate. However, its transparency mode is top-notch, rivaling Apple’s AirPods Pro. The clarity of ambient noise is exceptional, making it a great choice for those who need to be aware of their surroundings.
Phone Call Quality
The Technics AZ80 excels in call quality, featuring a ‘JustMyVoice’ technology that isolates your voice and reduces background noise. This feature, surprisingly turned off by default, works effectively to enhance voice clarity during calls, even in noisy environments.
Companion App and Extra Features
The Technics AZ80 is packed with features accessible through its companion app. The app offers EQ adjustments, touch control configurations, ANC and transparency settings, voice prompt customizations, smart pause, and more. Additionally, it supports wireless charging, Google Fast Pair, and multipoint connectivity with up to three devices simultaneously.
Sound Quality
Technic products are known for their sound quality, and the AZ80 is no exception. These earbuds support LDAC, providing high-resolution audio. While the default sound profile might not suit everyone, the app’s EQ allows for extensive customization. However, we found that the AZ80 struggles with electric guitar distortion or overdrive, making it less ideal for rock and metal genres.
Conclusion: To Buy or Not to Buy?
The Technics AZ80 is a premium set of earbuds, priced at $300. For those willing to invest, these earbuds offer solid build quality, extensive features, and impressive sound customization. However, noise canceling is not top-tier, and the specific handling of certain sounds might not suit everyone.
Reasons to Buy the Technics AZ80:
- Solid build quality and portability
- Exceptional battery life
- Extensive control options and app features
- Top-tier transparency mode
- Multipoint connectivity for up to three devices
While the AZ80 has its quirks, it remains a strong contender in the premium earbud market. If you’re well-funded and looking for feature-rich earbuds, the Technics AZ80 is worth considering.