My first actual stereo was a Technics system which I liked. So after I noticed Technics lately launching the EAH-AZ60 Wi-fi Headphones with ANC, I used to be excited to strive them. Fortuitously, the corporate agreed to ship them for a overview.
Design
The Technics EAH-AZ60 true wi-fi headphones are available a compact plastic case in black or silver. I’ve the black unit right here, however as you may see within the pictures it seems to be extra darkish blue than black.
There is a USB Sort-C port on the again for charging, sorry no wi-fi charging right here, and the lid is held shut with a magnetic clasp. The case additionally makes use of magnets to carry the buds in place and it does an awesome job of holding them in place.
Consolation
After years of reviewing the headphones, one factor that at all times surprises me is the dearth of ear suggestions included within the field, particularly the smaller ear suggestions. Nonetheless, Technics stunned me right here by offering some of the complete ear tip collections I’ve ever seen. There are seven completely different sizes to select from, together with some particularly for individuals with smaller ear canals, that may be me.
Not solely is that this necessary for consolation, nevertheless it additionally performs an enormous function in noise cancellation. And not using a good seal, you may’t count on the headphones to do a great job of canceling the noise round you.
Anyway, I could not fairly get a snug match even with the smallest suggestions and had to make use of a pair of this set I purchased on Amazon.
Person expertise
Whereas I applaud Technics for together with all kinds of ear suggestions with the EAH-60AZ, I nonetheless wanted to regulate or match earbuds in my ears now and again. The issue with that is that I’d additionally find yourself inadvertently enabling the contact controls on the buds.
I’ve had points like this with a number of different pairs of headphones prior to now. The contact controls sound nice in concept, however in observe they could be a actual nuisance except applied completely. A number of manufacturers had success, however I ultimately needed to disable the EAH-60AZ’s contact controls to keep away from continually pausing or skipping tracks.
Whereas we’re speaking about pausing tracks, the Technics EAH-60AZ do not embody a sensor on the buds to mechanically pause while you take away them out of your ears. It is not that unhealthy for me, nevertheless it’s one thing you’d count on to see at this worth.
So far as cellphone calls go, the mics work nice. I’ve by no means had any complaints about any calls I’ve made, and you may even use one earbud whereas leaving the opposite within the case.
Software
I really like the app for the EAH-60AZ. Some producers embody a barebones app that does little greater than toggle ANC and replace firmware. Whereas different manufacturers exit of their approach, and I am pleased to report that the Technics app does the latter.
Technics Audio Join app enables you to view battery stage of every particular person earbud, allow ANC, management noise cancellation stage, alter EQ, replace firmware , and so on.
The app does just about every part you can need besides to point out the battery stage of the case. It is this obtrusive omission that makes it simply excellent.
Sound high quality
Having by no means used Technics headphones earlier than, I wasn’t certain what to anticipate. Fortuitously, I used to be stunned, as a result of the sound of the EAH-60AZ was unbelievable. Out of the field the sound is heat and balanced with loads of depth. Nonetheless, I personally desire a bit extra bass, so slightly twist on the EQ, and obtained the EAH-60AZ tuned precisely how I wished it.
For me, meaning crisp highs with deep bass and a large soundstage. The Technics EAH-60AZ greater than delivered on all of those fronts, particularly with deep, clear bass with out distortion.
Evaluating them to one in all my favourite pairs of headphones, the Sony WF-1000XM4, confirmed that there was hardly any distinction in sound high quality. The EAH-60AZ sounds very related and affords LDAC similar to the Sony buds for the very best high quality wi-fi connection you can ask for.
ANC
Noise cancellation on the Technics EAH-60AZ is high notch. With a great seal, it blocks out all of the distracting background noise of on a regular basis life and leaves you with nothing however the music. Moreover, you may alter the ANC stage within the app, activate transparency mode to permit exterior noise in, or disable noise cancellation altogether.
Battery
Technics charges the EAH-60AZ for seven hours of fixed listening and 24 whole hours with the charging case. Throughout my time with the headphones, I had no downside listening for just a few hours at a time, however I utterly wore them out inside per week.
This was after listening to about two hours a day throughout my observe classes. This places the battery life at almost 14 hours, however in my case I used to be utilizing LDAC which is thought to cut back battery life. It is nonetheless greater than first rate contemplating I additionally left ANC on the entire time.
One factor I’ve observed is that the left earbud at all times appears to empty sooner to the purpose that it died earlier than the precise earbud.
Last Ideas
The Technics EAH-60AZ are a incredible set of headphones with audiophile stage sound and wonderful noise cancellation. I used to be very impressed with the ANC efficiency in addition to the sound high quality when utilizing the LDAC setting.
Nonetheless, Technics might make some enhancements, reminiscent of including wi-fi charging and a design with an space you should utilize to poke buds with out activating contact controls. In any other case, the EAH-60AZ are a few of the finest headphones I’ve reviewed and are available at a lower cost than Sony, making them an awesome discount.
The Technics EAH-60AZ at the moment are accessible in black or silver on Amazon or B&H for $200 or much less if yow will discover them on sale.
