Panasonic launched its first three True Wireless wireless headphones and we have been able to test the most ambitious model of all. For a few days we have used the Technics EAH-AZ70W, in-ear type wireless headphones, completely independent of each other and with a noise cancellation system ready to stand up to Sony and Apple.
Video analysis
| Features | Technics EAH-AZ70W |
|---|---|
| Type | True Wireless In-Ear |
| Diaphragm | 10mm PEEK with graphene coating |
| Frequency range | 20Hz to 20kHz |
| Control | Touch on both earbuds |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 (A2DP profiles. AVRCP, HSP, HFP) |
| Supported Codecs | SBC and AAC |
| Resistance | IPX4 |
| Weight : | 7 gr per earphone and 65 gr the case |
| Price | $279 |
Elegant but somewhat bulky
The Panasonic Technics EAH-AZ70W are True Wireless button-type headphones, one of the first three that the brand launches on the market. With a quite elegant design thanks to those lines, cylindrical shape and color combination in black and gray, the only thing we can criticize is that, perhaps, they are somewhat bulky once put. But first let's talk about the details and then we see the possible implications that this has.
The cylindrical design of these headphones makes them somewhat different from what we are more or less used to seeing. For example, it is enough to compare them with the models from Sony or the AirPods Pro from Apple. It is not really a problem and it is not necessary for all manufacturers to copy the same design, but it is true that positions can be too flashy. Especially if they look at us head on. Not that that's a problem for anyone, though.
For the rest, in the most external part it is necessary to highlight that flat surface with logo where in turn includes a touch control panel. This responds to the use of a press by prolonging and according to this, one action or another will be carried out.
On the opposite side we find the bump where we place the different silicone pads and that we will insert into our ear. There is not much mystery and the only thing you have to keep in mind is that you must use the correct ear pad for the size of your ear. If this is not the case, it is very likely that the fixation is not correct and that causes them to fall on a regular basis.
However, how they are fixed in the ear of each user is something very personal. There are many users who are not able to use the in-ear headphones because they all fall off. And there are also those who are directly bothered by having something inserted into their ears for long periods of time. So for them it may be that no matter how much Panasonic or other brands work on their designs and ergonomics, they will never be a target audience.
Going back to what matters, there are a total of five sizes of pads, so it will be difficult for you not to find the ones that best fit your needs. Something that will also be important to take advantage of the passive cancellation that this type of headset offers.
From the rest of the set, the size of the case stands out, which we consider to be an adequate size. In it you can not only store the headphones, but also charge them thanks to an internal battery that offers an extra autonomy of twice the autonomy of the headphones. In addition, at the rear is the usb-c connector with which the case is loaded.
In terms of quality, the product is at a high level, both in the manufacture of the headphones and their charging case. Although the truth is that we expected no less considering the price of the product.
User experience
Design is important, as is comfort, but we cannot forget two details that are essential: user experience and sound quality. So let's start with the first one.
The pairing process for these headphones is as simple as any other, although if you use the app for iOS or Android it will be even easier. In any case, once you open the case and take them out, if you keep your finger on the touch surface for 7 seconds, the blue LEDs on each of them will begin to blink. This indicates that the pairing process has already started.
Once connected, through the app or the Bluetooth settings of your device, the next thing is to see how they are controlled. Here Technincs offers one of the most complete systems. By long pressing or touching one or the other earphone we can perform the different actions.
| Technics EAH-AZ70W | left earphone | right earphone |
|---|---|---|
| Long press | Activate voice assistant | Activate ambient mode and noise cancellation |
| One touch | Play / Pause | Play / Pause |
| Two touches | low volume | Next song |
| three touches | volume up | Previous song |
It is very complete, although so many touches to raise or lower the volume is slow because the jumps are small. It would still be interesting to add an option through the app to decide the percentage of increase or reduction with each action. Anyway, they are minor details like the one that cannot be custom reconfigured to exchange, for example, those performed on the right earphone for those on the left.
Within the application, what you can do is configure aspects such as which voice assistant do you want to use. It allows to integrate with Alexa or with the one that uses your mobile device. That is, invoke Google Assistant or Siri depending on whether you use iOS or Android.
And finally, the app also allows you to establish what noise cancellation level you want, what will also be the audio level that allows recording when you activate the ambient mode (so as not to isolate you completely from the outside) and the equalization which can be automatic to improve the voice (ideal for calls) or you can adjust the different frequency bands it offers.
Regarding autonomy:
- Playtime with noise cancellation on: 6 hours
- Playtime with extra case charge: up to 18 hours
- Quick charge: 60 minutes of playback with 15 minutes of charging
- Headphone charging time: approximately 2 hours
- Case charging time: 2,5 hours
- Full set charging time: 5 hours from 0% to 100%
In summary, at the experience level, they are quite complete and interesting headphones for those users who are looking for something advanced and high-end.
Sound quality
What do you really ask for in headphones for which you are going to pay a significant amount of money? Exactly, they sound really good. These Technics comply. The sound quality is very high. with a very correct response in each and every one of the frequencies that its dynamic range is capable of offering. It is true that where it stands out the most is in the middle and that a little extra in the highest and lowest would have helped, but unless you have a highly trained ear you will be happy with the quality.
In our experience these days, with all kinds of sound and audiovisual material, we have not had a problem. Playback has always been continuous, without cuts or strange noises caused by possible interference or interruption in signal transmission.
In addition, by independently sending the signal to each earphone, this makes the experience even better. Especially since there is no lag when watching a video, playing a game or even editing video.
Regarding the maximum volume level, taking into account that because they are in-ear type they already isolate and generate that greater sensation of volume, normally at 80% with active noise cancellation you have more than enough to stop hearing what is happening around you.
From ANC system (Active Noise Canceling or active noise cancellation) we have already told you: It works very well. Without having compared directly with the one offered by Sony or Apple in their respective WF-1000M3 and AirPods Pro (both referent practically in this sense) we dare to say that it will be very even.
In general, the sound quality that these Technics headphones are capable of offering convinces from the first listen.
An interesting proposal to rival Sony and Apple
The True Wireless headphones market is very active lately, there are proposals of all kinds and for all budgets. This Technics model is not for the general public, because not everyone is willing to pay the 279 euros they cost.
Surely, if you have to make an investment of this level, many opt for headband models. And if they are iPhone users, they will surely resort to those of the company itself. But if for some reason the Sony headphones did not convince you for any reason, if you were looking for another in-ear type alternative with guarantees of offering a good experience, these can be a great option.
Without a doubt, right now it is already a great rival for the AirPods Pro and Sony WF-1000M3. If you have been a Technics user, you are attracted to their way of treating sound and you do not mind paying what they are worth, go ahead. Although you can also wait for a possible offer that brings them closer to a somewhat more competitive price and close to two hundred euros instead of the current three hundred.