AZ100 Magazine

#5 Design

Authentic, lifelike sound quality. This is the new dimension of high‑fidelity audio that Technics strives to achieve - conveying, in its purest form, the emotions of the creators embedded in the music and the dedication poured into every single note.
The developers share the passion and technology behind EAH‑AZ100.

Building on the iconic Concha Fit design, we’ve achieved a more compact form factor.
Featuring a luxuriously polished finish and meticulous miniaturization—it retains the same exceptional fit and comfort, with a more sleek and agile feel for everyday use.

Evolution and Inheritance

Miyata: What we’ve inherited in the design is the premium, high-quality finish befitting Technics’ premium audio legacy. What we’ve evolved is the miniaturization of the earphones. We refined the design with careful consideration for not only ease of wear, but also the aesthetic appeal when worn, and portability for on-the-go use.

Takeshige: What we’ve inherited is uncompromising high-fidelity sound quality—it’s a non-negotiable priority, and we designed every detail with this in mind. For me, too, the biggest evolution is the miniaturization. It was an essential step to enhance the fit for all users, whether with smaller or larger ear canals. We’ve reduced the volume by approximately 10% and the weight by about 16% compared to the previous model, making the earphones significantly lighter. This delivers two key benefits: effortless wear, and long-lasting comfort with minimal fatigue even during extended use.

Panasonic Entertainment & Communications Co., Ltd.
Design Lead: Kenji Miyata

Panasonic Entertainment & Communications Co., Ltd.
Mechanical & Technology Lead: Ryota Takeshige

From Droplet Shape to Perfect Circle Shape

Miyata: Visually, we reimagined the exterior from the droplet shape of the previous EAH-AZ80 model to a sleek perfect circle shape. This allowed us to craft a form that highlights the exquisite metal finish and intricate circular finishing of the casing.

Takeshige: The shift to a perfect circle shape was also a major change for the mechanical and technology team. Traditionally, the earphones featured a built-in talk microphone, which forced the droplet shape design. By removing this dedicated talk microphone, we were able to realize the perfect circle form—this was a great collaboration with the design team to align on a unified vision.

Miyata: Indeed, it all came together perfectly.

Takeshige: We made another key evolutionary change: a complete repositioning of the feedback microphone, which is critical for noise cancellation performance. Previously, it was mounted on the front of the driver unit, which created a slight bulge in the casing. For the EAH-AZ100, we integrated the feedback microphone into an internal tube, resulting in a streamlined driver compartment and a more compact, refined shape that fits seamlessly into the ear cavity. This redesign also contributes to the enhanced noise cancellation performance of the model.

Miyata: They’ve become so much smaller, haven’t they? And we managed to boost performance while shrinking the form factor—an incredible achievement.

Meticulous Craftsmanship in Coloring and Ear Tips

Miyata: We retained Black and Silver as the core colors of the Technics lineup. We also introduced Champagne Gold as a new premium option, striking the perfect balance between luxury and elegance. It’s a sophisticated, understated hue that elevates any look, perfect for both professional and everyday use.

Takeshige: How many color variations did you test during the development process?

Miyata: We experimented with approximately 50 to 60 different color iterations to land on the final palette.

Takeshige: At the tip of each earphone is a silicone rubber ear tip, which features a unique three-layer structure with varying levels of hardness across the layers. It’s engineered to be softer at the part that touches the ear for unbeatable comfort, and firmer at the base to maintain its shape and prevent deformation during wear.

Miyata: Looking back, the previous EAH-AZ80 model only had a two-layer ear tip structure—so I was amazed at how far we went with the three-layer design this time. It’s a detail we’re incredibly proud of, and we can’t wait for users to experience it.

Takeshige: This ear tip is engineered to achieve the perfect balance of fit and sound quality, ensuring the sound from the driver unit is delivered to the ear with minimal distortion. We tested countless structural iterations to get it just right—it’s a testament to our meticulous craftsmanship, and one of the most challenging parts of the development process.

Toward Authentic, Lifelike Sound Quality

  • Industry-first* integration of a Magnetic Fluid Driver. Realizes immersive high-fidelity sound spanning from low to high frequencies.
  • Comfortable fit even during extended wear, thanks to the newly miniaturized Concha Fit design.
  • Equipped with comprehensive fundamental performance for comfortable use in both leisure and business scenarios.

*The first use of a magnetic fluid-based driver in true wireless earphones. Based on in-house research. For the product launched January 23, 2025.