Technics AZ100 Earbuds Review: Audiophile Sound, Mixed ANC
Digging into the data across Reddit, Best Buy, Walmart, and other retail platforms, the Technics Reference Class Wireless Earbuds (EAH‑AZ100‑K, Black) emerge as a product that consistently wows audiophiles with its sound quality while also drawing attention for its dense feature set. The aggregated score from multiple platforms hovers around 8.6 to 9/10, with users repeatedly calling them “probably the best earbuds you can buy today” and “legitimately the actual best” — but only if you’re willing to navigate a complex companion app and pay a premium price.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — a top pick for audio purists who value customization and high‑res playback, but casual listeners may find the app overwhelming and the price steep.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptional soundstage and clarity across genres | Premium price point |
| Deep, controlled bass without muddying mids/highs | App can feel overly complex at first |
| Adaptive noise cancellation praised for effectiveness | Case feels less premium than buds |
| Fully customizable controls via feature‑rich app | Fit protrudes slightly, not ideal for sleeping |
| Multipoint with up to 3 devices | Occasional LDAC stutter/pops reported |
| Long battery life (≈10h ANC on) | Some find bass too boosted out‑of‑box |
Claims vs Reality
Technics markets the EAH‑AZ100 as “reference‑quality high‑resolution audio” with “industry‑leading noise cancellation” and “improved Just My Voice™ technology.” On paper, this promises a blend of audiophile‑grade sound and cutting‑edge ANC.
In practice, users broadly back the sound quality claim. A verified Best Buy buyer wrote: “Pristine sound quality… rumbly sub bass and sparkling highs. Exceptional comfort and top‑of‑the‑line battery life.” Reddit reports align, with one user noting they “heard things in songs I’d never heard before… astonishing deep bass and crystal‑clear treble.” However, not all agree on voicing; a Walmart reviewer compared them to the AZ80 and felt “the AZ100 seems to have a bit too much bass… highs a bit washed out.”
For noise cancellation, Technics’ “industry‑leading” claim draws praise but also a reality check. While many call the ANC “excellent” and “adaptive in a way that works well day‑to‑day,” one Best Buy reviewer admits, “Bose have the best noise reduction… but they lose musically to all the others.” This positions the AZ100’s ANC as competitive but not unmatched.
Finally, the promise of clearer calls via Voice Focus AI is generally fulfilled. A long‑form Best Buy review described calling from an airplane where “the person… could not tell I was calling from a plane,” calling it “the best earbud I’ve tested for phone calls.” Still, a few users caution that mic quality is “about 5/10 compared to AirPods Pro” for voice calls.
Cross‑Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Reddit, Best Buy, and Walmart, sound quality is the clear hero. Audiophiles and casual listeners alike praise the magnetic fluid drivers for delivering a rich, balanced signature. A Reddit post enthused: “Bass, mid‑range and highs are exceptionally full and effortless.” Another user, who owns multiple premium earbuds, ranked them above Sennheiser, Sony, and Bose for musicality.
The customization potential via the Technics Audio Connect app is another standout. Users love being able to re‑map touch controls, tweak an 8‑band EQ, and fine‑tune ANC/ambient passthrough. One Best Buy reviewer called it “the most powerful app I have seen from any manufacturer,” despite initial overwhelm.
Battery life also earns consistent praise. Real‑world use often matches or comes close to the claimed 10 hours with ANC on. For travelers, that means transcontinental flights without recharging. As one reviewer put it: “I’ve been listening for several hours a day for almost a week without recharging.”
Multipoint connectivity for up to three devices is a rare and welcome feature. A Walmart buyer highlighted: “This solves a key feature issue… I can have LDAC enabled on Android and stay connected to my Mac laptop without switching.”
Common Complaints
The price is a recurring sticking point. At $299.99 MSRP, multiple buyers say they wish it were more affordable, though many still call it worth it. Fit is another polarizing element; while the smaller, lighter design improves comfort over the AZ80, some find the buds protrude too much for side sleeping.
A handful of users report LDAC‑specific issues — “stuttering/pops… randomly while using the Bluetooth LDAC codec” — affecting certain devices. The case also draws criticism for feeling “a bit cheap compared to the earbuds and sound quality,” even if it’s pocket‑friendly.
While the app is powerful, its depth can overwhelm. One Best Buy reviewer described “7 sections and 27 different categories of settings… a bit confusing at first,” though most agree the payoff is worth the effort.
Divisive Features
Dolby Atmos with head tracking impresses some, especially for movies, but others prefer traditional stereo for music. A Best Buy customer noted that Atmos audio sounded “a little too ‘airy’” unless playing true Atmos content.
ANC performance is another split point: adaptive cancellation works well for many, but some hardcore ANC seekers still prefer Bose. Transparency mode is generally deemed “natural enough,” but a few say it sounds processed compared to AirPods Pro 2.
Trust & Reliability
No widespread scam concerns surfaced. On durability, there are fewer long‑term reports given the model’s recent release, but early adopters note solid build quality. One Redditor who upgraded from the AZ80 remarked that the AZ100 “feels more compact, with better fit and battery life,” hinting at thoughtful iteration.
The only reliability blemish is the LDAC stutter issue mentioned by multiple owners. This appears codec‑specific and may hinge on device compatibility rather than hardware failure.
Alternatives
The Denon Perl Pro is the most frequently mentioned alternative, praised for its personalized sound tech. Some buyers cross‑shopped with Bose QuietComfort Ultra (better ANC, weaker musicality) and Sony WF‑1000XM5 (feature‑rich, slightly different tuning). One long‑form Reddit reviewer explicitly ranked Denon and Bowers & Wilkins PI8S above the AZ100 for certain tastes, but still placed the Technics ahead of Sony and Bose for audio fidelity.
Price & Value
At launch, the AZ100 lists for $299.99, with occasional discounts to the $260–$285 range. Used units appear around $239.95, suggesting decent resale value. Buyers on Walmart and Best Buy note that while the price is high, the combination of sound quality, features, and build justifies it for serious listeners. For budget‑sensitive shoppers, waiting for a sale is a common community tip.
FAQ
Q: Can the AZ100 connect to three devices at once?
A: Yes. Multipoint supports up to three simultaneous connections, though LDAC playback is limited to two devices.
Q: How is the AZ100 for phone calls?
A: Strong overall, especially with Voice Focus AI enabled. In noisy environments, callers often can’t tell you’re in public, though mic quality isn’t as natural as AirPods Pro for some.
Q: Does Dolby Atmos work with all content?
A: No. True Atmos benefits are most noticeable with Atmos‑encoded media. Otherwise, it acts more like a spatial audio filter, which some users find less appealing for music.
Q: Is the app necessary?
A: While the earbuds work out of the box, the app unlocks full customization for EQ, ANC levels, controls, and more — most owners consider it essential.
Q: How comfortable are they for long use?
A: Many report all‑day comfort thanks to the lighter, smaller design and multiple ear tip sizes, but side sleepers may find them too protruding.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re an audio enthusiast who values high‑resolution sound, deep customization, and solid ANC. Avoid if you want the absolute strongest noise cancellation or prefer a simpler, plug‑and‑play experience. Pro tip from the community: invest time in the app’s EQ and ANC settings — the payoff in sound quality is worth the learning curve.
