The Technics AZ40M2 earbuds are a beautiful set of earbuds designed for everyday listening but with the focus on clarity and thoughtful features. They arrive in a compact case with a smooth finish and the buds themselves are very light, which makes them easy to wear for long sessions without any pressure on the ears. The design is simple and neat, and the fit feels secure even when walking or bouncing around (I would say exercise, but this is the extent of my physical activity right now).
Sound quality is where these earbuds stand out. They use 6mm drivers supported by an acoustic control chamber which helps to deliver clear vocals and a balanced sound across the range. They are compatible with LDAC high-res wireless audio and the music feels open and detailed with a natural depth that works well for many styles. Bass is present but not overpowering so these are well suited to listeners who prefer accuracy over heavy low end.
The AZ40M2 includes active noise cancellation which reduces everyday background sounds on buses, trains or in a busy office. There are two ambient sound modes as well. Natural Ambient brings in the outside world in a gentle way while Attention Mode focuses on voices which is useful when you want to hear announcements or talk to someone without removing the buds.
A major convenience feature is the ability to connect to three devices at once. Switching between a phone, a laptop and a tablet is smooth and makes these earbuds very practical for work and travel. Call quality is also strong thanks to beamforming microphones that help your voice come through cleanly.
Battery life is respectable with about five and a half hours with noise cancellation on and around eighteen hours from the case. It could be stronger, but the noise cancellation is always going to run things down quicker. You get up to 18hours when used with the charging case. Each bud can be used independently from the other and they have an IPX4 rating which gives protection against rain or sweat. You are able to customise the touch sensor controls through the Technics app as well as the EQ sound modes and noise cancelling levels.
Overall the Technics AZ40M2 offers refined sound, excellent comfort and smart everyday features that make it a reliable and enjoyable choice for regular use. RRP £129.99
- Very comfortable lightweight fit for long listening
- Well balanced sound that suits a wide range of music
- Active noise cancellation with useful ambient modes
- Connects to three devices at the same time for easy switching
- Good call quality with clear voice pickup
- Water resistance for daily use and workouts
- Bass is on the lighter side
- Noise cancellation is not the strongest in busy environments
