{"id":443982,"date":"2025-01-02T21:01:30","date_gmt":"2025-01-02T21:01:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/savepearlharbor.com\/?p=443982"},"modified":"-0001-11-30T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2025-01-02T21:01:30","slug":"","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/savepearlharbor.com\/?p=443982","title":{"rendered":"<span>Best Wireless Earbuds of 2024\u200a\u2014\u200aEarly 2025 by sound quality: Sound Review, Tests and Comparison of Top TWS on the\u00a0Market<\/span>"},"content":{"rendered":"<div><!--[--><!--]--><\/div>\n<div id=\"post-content-body\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"article-formatted-body article-formatted-body article-formatted-body_version-2\">\n<div xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xhtml\">\n<figure class=\"full-width\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/habrastorage.org\/r\/w780q1\/getpro\/habr\/upload_files\/83f\/803\/539\/83f803539bb3c9a22f3671b27e89e2ed.jpeg\" alt=\"One of the TWS tests: Audio-Technica vs Hifiman vs Technics.\" title=\"One of the TWS tests: Audio-Technica vs Hifiman vs Technics.\" width=\"1000\" height=\"721\" data-src=\"https:\/\/habrastorage.org\/getpro\/habr\/upload_files\/83f\/803\/539\/83f803539bb3c9a22f3671b27e89e2ed.jpeg\" data-blurred=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<div><figcaption>One of the TWS tests: Audio-Technica vs Hifiman vs Technics.<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<h2>Related links<\/h2>\n<p>Russian version: <a href=\"https:\/\/habr.com\/ru\/articles\/871160\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">\u041b\u0443\u0447\u0448\u0438\u0435 \u0431\u0435\u0441\u043f\u0440\u043e\u0432\u043e\u0434\u043d\u044b\u0435 \u043d\u0430\u0443\u0448\u043d\u0438\u043a\u0438 (TWS) 2024 \u2014 \u043d\u0430\u0447\u0430\u043b\u0430 2025. \u0421\u0440\u0430\u0432\u043d\u0435\u043d\u0438\u0435 \u0437\u0432\u0443\u043a\u0430 \u0442\u043e\u043f\u043e\u0432\u044b\u0445 HIFI \u0442\u0440\u0443\u0432\u0430\u0440\u043e\u0432 \/ \u0425\u0430\u0431\u0440<\/a>  <\/p>\n<h2>What This Article Is\u00a0About<\/h2>\n<p>Hello, friends <\/p>\n<p>I decided to start this year with an article in the field of Hi-Fi sound \/ audiophilia and it&#8217;s about sharing the results of my tests of wireless in-ear headphones (commonly referred to as \u201cearbuds\u201d), which I\u2019ve conducted for several years after TWS emerged on the market.  <\/p>\n<p>Sound testing is my hobby that can be useful to others, because vivid and pleasant emotions are important in everyone\u2019s life, as ell as , relaxation and mental comfort, which is sometimes scarce in the turbulent flow of life. Music is just the thing to bring it all in, if only for moments, or even for hours, therefore, choosing the right headphones is crucial to getting the right effect. <\/p>\n<p>By the end of 2024, I completed testing of the best items. \u201cBest\u201d doesn\u2019t necessarily mean the most expensive here. It refers to the top performers in terms of sound quality. We\u2019ve all encountered situations where lower-priced items turned out to be just as good, if not better than their costly counterparts. That\u2019s why my sound quality ranking includes headphones from various price categories \u200a\u2014 \u200afrom ultra-premium TWS models to more frugal options. <\/p>\n<p>The aforementioned TWS tests have spanned over several years, from 2017 to this day (early 2025). Now, with the journey coming to its end, I would llike to share my insights with those who appreciate true Hi-Fi \u200a\u2014 \u200anot the one built on marketing hype, but the one that genuinely delivers exceptional sound. This article is for anyone seeking High-End quality, the elusive \u201cEnd-Game\u201d, or simply the best portable audio experience available today. <\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>So let\u2019s get started now. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<hr\/>\n<h2>The Person Behind the\u00a0Tests<\/h2>\n<blockquote>\n<p>I\u2019ve always loved music for its ability to evoke emotions and tell stories even without words.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>A Few Words About Myself and Why I Do This. My name is Alexey, and I sometimes use the nickname PolarMan in remembrance of my participation in scientific Polar expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctica. My career has since remained in the IT field, where I currently lead QA processes (software quality assurance and testing). <\/p>\n<p>Interestingly, this professional experience also translates well into testing audio equipment \u200a\u2014 \u200aso let\u2019s dive into that. <\/p>\n<h3>A Passion for\u00a0Music<\/h3>\n<blockquote>\n<p>One of the hobbies that truly lights a fire in my soul is my love for music which has always been a source of inspiration to me.  <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>For me, music is more than just sound. It is an art form that touches and nourishes the soul, changes moods, and inspires. However, its ability to do so heavily depends on the quality of the sound. Perhaps that\u2019s why testing different types of headphones, including in-ear monitors (IEMs), has become one of my favorite hobbies. <\/p>\n<p>On one hand, headphones are a utilitarian tool for me. Time is our most valuable resource, and if you dedicate it to listening to music, it makes sense to ensure the sound is a truly high-quality one. This allows you to catch every nuance the creators intended to embed in their works. <\/p>\n<p>For me, experiencing music is like looking at a picture. By paying attention to subtle details, you can grasp the technique, feel the mood, and sometimes even decode the meanings the artist intended to convey. <\/p>\n<p>Now, imagine looking at a beautiful painting through scratched, dirty glasses that distort focus and sharpness. Would you be able to see and feel all the details, everything the artwork aims to communicate? And what if your vision were clear and unobstructed? The same applies to sound: if the recording, source, or headphones fail to deliver exceptionally high-quality audio and introduce distortions, much of the musical piece will remain hidden or misinterpreted. And on the contrary, a high-quality audio chain paired with your favorite tracks offers crystal-clear perception and an unforgettable experience. <\/p>\n<h3>Musical Genres<\/h3>\n<p>I listen to a variety of genres: from rock and alternative to jazz and classical music. I listen to electronic music and rap less often, but in every genre, there are compositions that I want to hear and that trigger emotions when presented correctly. Regardless of the genre, certain sound requirements remain universal: naturalness and detail, including clear instrument separation in complex soundscapes, are essential.<\/p>\n<h3>Curiosity<\/h3>\n<p>On the other hand , as a tester at heart, I find it incredibly fascinating to test headphones, explore their sound nuances, including the tiniest details they can convey \u200a\u2014 the \u200adetails that might not be immediately apparent but become genuinely beautiful if you pay close attention. Of course, this is also a highly engaging process: searching for the best sound across different categories, including IEMs, is a journey in itself. <\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>For me, a love of music extends beyond just listening. It\u2019s a journey full of exploration and discovery.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<h3>Shifting Focus to\u00a0TWS<\/h3>\n<p>Recently, with the growing popularity and convenience of TWS earbuds \u200a\u2014 \u200aand since I now spend a lot of time traveling \u200a\u2014 \u200aI began searching for a way to enjoy high-quality sound in the most compact form possible. This shift moved my focus from wired setups to wireless headphones. Given my testing experience, I decided to apply it to the true wireless segment, aiming to find the best sound possible, even accounting for the limitations of wireless transmission.<\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<h2>Evaluation Criteria<\/h2>\n<blockquote>\n<p>&#171;The ideal sound is the one that disappears, leaving only the music.&#187; \u2014 Nelson Pass<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>To make it clear: the comparison was based on sound quality. My main criterion for assessing quality is the naturalness of reproducing real instruments, whether it&#8217;s a guitar, violin, drums, wind instruments, or something else. <\/p>\n<p>Additionally, it&#8217;s preferable for compositions to sound melodically rather than dry; the sound should not just be detailed and technical, but also engaging, without being overly colored, so that naturalness is preserved. <\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>&#171;Harmony between detail and warmth of sound is the key to true musical enjoyment.&#187;\u2014 George Cardas <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Now that the comparison is complete and the winners are defined, I have a lot to share. I want to do this through a detailed review of one of the leaders in my ranking, which will later serve as a benchmark. Currently, my reference is the Technics AZ80. You can treat this article both as a review of these headphones and as an overview of other top TWS models, as competitors are frequently mentioned throughout the text. At the end of the article, there will be an almost comprehensive list of the headphones I&#8217;ve listened to (I tried not to forget the ones worth mentioning), along with my comments on how their sound differs from the benchmark. <\/p>\n<p>Looking ahead, there are several leaders, and they will be at the top of the list in Part 2 of the article. Each has its own characteristics, and choosing among them depends largely on personal sound preferences. <\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>&#171;Put on your headphones\u200a\u2014\u200aand let the show take you over.&#187;\u2014 Dan Clark<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Press Play\u00a0\ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<h2>Disclaimer<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>This article reflects my personal opinions and impressions based on my experience testing various TWS earbuds. The evaluations provided are subjective and may not align with the preferences of all users. Any comparisons and statements are intended solely for informative purposes and should not be interpreted as definitive judgments on any brand or product.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>The quotes included in this article were found in various places on the internet and are attributed to the respective individuals. However, I cannot guarantee their accuracy or authenticity.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>The presented frequency response measurements were made by others and may not fully align with the actual listening experience.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Some of the images used in this article are sourced from various online platforms and are included for illustrative and educational purposes only. All rights are reserved to their respective copyright holders. If any copyright owner has concerns about unauthorized use of their images, please contact me, and I will address the matter promptly. I also plan to replace these images with original or properly licensed content as soon as reasonably possible.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr\/>\n<h2>Part 1: Technics EAH-AZ80 Review in comparison with TWS\u00a0leaders<\/h2>\n<blockquote>\n<p>&#171;Headphones are not just devices; they are personal portals to the world of music.&#187;\u2014 Dan Clark<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<h3>Wireless Setup<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>Sources: Vivo X100 Ultra \/ Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro \/ Samsung S 24. <\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Codec: for Technics &#8212; LDAC. For the rest of the headphones, the comparison always took place on the highest supported codec. <\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Audio format: FLAC (mostly). <\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Genres: Rock, Jazz, Rap, Classical music, Pop, Electronic, some other genres and test samples. <\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure class=\"full-width\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/habrastorage.org\/r\/w780q1\/getpro\/habr\/upload_files\/075\/3b2\/8e3\/0753b28e30b05a908c52d47d7756379a.jpeg\" alt=\"The HIFIMAN Svanar Wireless, featuring a built-in R2R DAC, is a strong competitor.\" title=\"The HIFIMAN Svanar Wireless, featuring a built-in R2R DAC, is a strong competitor.\" width=\"964\" height=\"1280\" data-src=\"https:\/\/habrastorage.org\/getpro\/habr\/upload_files\/075\/3b2\/8e3\/0753b28e30b05a908c52d47d7756379a.jpeg\" data-blurred=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<div><figcaption>The HIFIMAN Svanar Wireless, featuring a built-in R2R DAC, is a strong competitor.<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p>As of now, the AZ80 are my favorite headphones, as they were chosen after a long and thorough selection process. While they may not have completely outclassed all competitors in terms of sound quality (and the list of contenders was extensive), they confidently stand on the podium, sharing the top spot with several other worthy models. Moreover, the AZ80 (same as AZ60, btw) remain practical and convenient across many important parameters beyond sound, making them not only the ultimate TWS for music but also an excellent &#8216;workhorse&#8217; for everyday use \u200a\u2014 \u200aa combination that, in practice, is quite difficult to achieve. <\/p>\n<p>As I mentioned, in terms of sound, there are other headphones that can be put on par with the AZ80, but none manage to pull ahead. They may excel in one frequency range but inevitably fall short in another. <\/p>\n<p>As a backup, I also have the Technics AZ60, which will be mentioned below. I\u2019ve had the AZ60 for a long time, and aside from sound quality, their only drawbacks compared to the AZ80 are the lack of wireless charging and an auto-pause feature when removing them from your ear. Otherwise, almost everything said about the AZ80 applies to the AZ60. <\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<h3>General Functionality<\/h3>\n<blockquote>\n<p>Sound is great, but having everything together is even better.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<h4>Microphones:<\/h4>\n<p>The microphones provide decent call quality on both Android and Windows at least. <\/p>\n<p>I use the headphones for phone calls (Android) and work calls via messengers (Windows 10\/11 on my laptops) and most often, I use just one earbud, no matter left or right, while the other rests in the case. There are problems only in very windy conditions or in extremely noisy environments. In other respects, the noise-cancellation algorithms applied to mic sound do perform well. <\/p>\n<h4>Noise Cancellation (ANC):<\/h4>\n<p>It\u2019s good, I assume that it\u2019s one of the leader here, but not the best \u200a\u2014 \u200aBose still leads in this area. However, the ANC is effective enough for daily use. It won\u2019t provide complete silence during pauses (as with most ANC systems), but it\u2019s sufficient in the subway, bus, or airplane to listen comfortably without needing to crank up the volume. Importantly, it has no impact on sound quality.<\/p>\n<h4>Transparency Mode:<\/h4>\n<p>Useless: ambient sounds interfere and speech is hearable just the way when the mode is switched off. Thankfully, I don\u2019t rely on this feature and rarely use it.<\/p>\n<h4>Auto-Pause:<\/h4>\n<p>This feature automatically stops playback when you remove an earbud and resumes it when you put it back. It\u2019s convenient and missing in the AZ60.<\/p>\n<h4>Application:<\/h4>\n<p>The Technics Audio Connect app is excellent. <\/p>\n<p>If the worst App in the TWS world belongs to the B&amp;W Pi7 (at least, that was the case during the time of their first revisions), then this App is among the best. It allows you to adjust everything you need, from sensor behavior to ANC and transparency mode intensity. It also supports codec switching and connection modes, including multipoint. <\/p>\n<p>Drawbacks: The EQ could be better \u2014 it\u2019s only five-band. For fine-tuning, I recommend a third-party app like the PowerAmp EquilizerEqualizer which may be applied to all Apps in your device. <\/p>\n<h4>Multipoint:<\/h4>\n<p>Yes, it supports connecting to multiple devices simultaneously (2 devices in LDAC mode and 3 in AAC mode). Btw, AAC codec is compatible with Apple devices.<\/p>\n<h3>Wireless Charging:<\/h3>\n<p>Available. That\u2019s all I can say since it\u2019s not a crucial feature for me. I tried this few times and it works.<\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<h3>Overall Ease of\u00a0Use<\/h3>\n<blockquote>\n<p>The best design is the one that disappears, leaving only comfort and pleasure.&#187;\u2014 Frank Chimero<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<h4>Touch Controls:<\/h4>\n<p>The touch panels work flawlessly: they\u2019re convenient, don\u2019t misfire, sensors do not have false alarms (from temperature \/ wind \/ hair like some other TWS) and you can always hold the earbud without accidentally activating the sensor.<\/p>\n<h4>Connectivity:<\/h4>\n<p>Stability is rock-solid. <\/p>\n<p>Unlike the frequent connectivity issues I read about in chats and forums regarding other TWS models, both the AZ60 and AZ880 are free of these problems. They never stutter, even in challenging conditions like winter, when the phone is in a jeans pocket under layers of clothing and a winter jacket. <\/p>\n<p>The AZ80 performs so well here that I\u2019ve completely forgotten about hissing or micro-stutters. Their connection stability is comparable to wired headphones but without the hassle of cables. <\/p>\n<p>You can walk around a room, talk on the phone, or even move to the next room without losing the connection. This stability is consistent even with the LDAC codec, which many other headphones, based on my experience and user reviews, implement poorly. Whether it\u2019s due to software or hardware, Technics nails LDAC implementation across its models, including the AZ40, AZ60, and AZ80. <\/p>\n<p>The same cannot be said for models like the HIFIMAN Svanar Wireless and certain other TWS headphones with LDAC, regardless of their price. <\/p>\n<h4>Fit of AZ80 vs\u00a0AZ60:<\/h4>\n<p>The earbuds aren\u2019t too heavy (about 7 grams) and fit well in my ears. They generally have a comfortable fit, though they might not be suitable for people with smaller ears. That said, the AZ60 fits even better. Both models come with plenty of ear tip sizes, and the &#8216;M&#8217; tips fit me perfectly. In fact, I\u2019ve even used them for testing other earbuds, as the sound quality is often better with these tips than with those supplied with the earbuds.<\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<h2>Design\/Appearance:<\/h2>\n<blockquote>\n<p>&#171;Good design is like good music: it speaks for itself, even if you don\u2019t notice it.&#187;\u2014 Dieter Rams<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<figure class=\"full-width\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/habrastorage.org\/r\/w780q1\/getpro\/habr\/upload_files\/c7f\/36d\/ac4\/c7f36dac4c710a2451eeda6ece659467.jpeg\" alt=\"Case and\u00a0earbud.\" title=\"Case and\u00a0earbud.\" width=\"1000\" height=\"753\" data-src=\"https:\/\/habrastorage.org\/getpro\/habr\/upload_files\/c7f\/36d\/ac4\/c7f36dac4c710a2451eeda6ece659467.jpeg\" data-blurred=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<div><figcaption>Case and\u00a0earbud.<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p>The headphones, in my opinion, look good \u200a\u2014 \u200amature and refined. <\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ve also heard them described as having a &#171;premium&#187; design. While I\u2019m not sure what exactly that means, I can confidently say their case doesn\u2019t resemble a 90s plastic soapbox like many TWS cases do now. <\/p>\n<p>The metal finish on the top surface gives the case a distinctive style, making it look solid and elegant. <\/p>\n<figure class=\"full-width\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/habrastorage.org\/r\/w780q1\/getpro\/habr\/upload_files\/0c5\/0c8\/592\/0c50c85925eb2a65b3403954570c4a4d.jpeg\" alt=\"The metal finish of the lid resembles the design of stationary systems.\" title=\"The metal finish of the lid resembles the design of stationary systems.\" width=\"1000\" height=\"730\" data-src=\"https:\/\/habrastorage.org\/getpro\/habr\/upload_files\/0c5\/0c8\/592\/0c50c85925eb2a65b3403954570c4a4d.jpeg\" data-blurred=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<div><figcaption>The metal finish of the lid resembles the design of stationary systems.<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p>What\u2019s equally important is that the case is practical: it\u2019s not too large, the earbuds are easy to remove, snap back into place with a pleasant magnetic click, and always charge reliably. There\u2019s no creaking or looseness unless you press hard on the case, and the lid makes a satisfying sound when closed. The AZ60 lid, however, clicks more sharply, which sounds less pleasant \u200a\u2014 \u200aespecially at night when everyone is sleeping at home, and I am working. <\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>&#171;Great design unites form and function in perfect harmony.&#187;\u2014 Frank Lloyd Wright <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<figure class=\"full-width\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/habrastorage.org\/r\/w780q1\/getpro\/habr\/upload_files\/361\/fd1\/ed4\/361fd1ed407fb0c4ae4c0769847a017e.jpeg\" alt=\"\u201cVinyl-like&quot; Earbuds\" title=\"\u201cVinyl-like&quot; Earbuds\" width=\"1000\" height=\"685\" data-src=\"https:\/\/habrastorage.org\/getpro\/habr\/upload_files\/361\/fd1\/ed4\/361fd1ed407fb0c4ae4c0769847a017e.jpeg\" data-blurred=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<div><figcaption>\u201cVinyl-like&#187; Earbuds<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p>As for the earbuds themselves, I like the design choice to texture the outer surface with concentric circles that create a dynamic band of light reflection, resembling a vinyl record. <\/p>\n<p>This effect is not only visually engaging but also underscores the musicality of the design through an association with vinyl and audiophilia. It might sound whimsical, but it looks impressive. You can see this effect in one of my photos. <\/p>\n<p>Cons: the LED indicators could be more intuitive, it\u2019s not always clear what each signal means and I have seen a more conveniently implemented indicator, although it was less minimalistic, it used not one light bulb, but three. <\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<h3>Sound<\/h3>\n<blockquote>\n<p>&#171;The perfect sound is the one that disappears, leaving only the music.&#187;\u2014 Nelson Pass<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Describing sound is always a challenging task, as it involves both objective factors \u200a\u2014 \u200anon-linear distortion coefficient, maximum volume, tonality, and balance, what the frequency response (FR) can show, and subjective perception. Some people prefer a \u201cbright\u201d sound, others prefer a \u201cdark\u201d one, while some only care about a thumping bass, with everything else being irrelevant. <\/p>\n<p>Phrases like \u201cThis is the best sound\u201d are impossible to evaluate unless the criteria and comparisons are clearly defined. <\/p>\n<p>For this reason, I\u2019ll try to substantiate my opinion by adding comparisons and sensory-obvious information, including references to tracks where certain characteristics can be heard (I\u2019ll include a couple of examples to avoid overflowing the text). My goal is to describe the sound in detail using generally accepted terminology, leaving it up to you to decide whether you prefer \u201ctight and fast\u201d bass or \u201csoft and enveloping\u201d tones \u200a\u2014 \u200aand what suits you best. <\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s divide the description into four obvious categories at least: <\/p>\n<p>\u2022High Frequencies (Treble) <\/p>\n<p>\u2022Mid Frequencies (Mids) <\/p>\n<p>\u2022Low Frequencies (Bass) <\/p>\n<p>\u2022Soundstage <\/p>\n<p>\u2022Max volume <\/p>\n<h4>High Frequencies (Treble)<\/h4>\n<blockquote>\n<p>High Frequencies (Treble) <\/p>\n<p>&#171;High frequencies are the air that brings music to life.&#187;\u2014 Bob Ludwig <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>High frequencies are the strongest aspect of the AZ80, with the AZ60 not far behind. For those unwilling to dive into nuances: the treble is excellent. Period. But for those seeking detail, I was impressed by the treble quality in the AZ60 and didn\u2019t think it could be improved further \u200a\u2014 \u200abut it turns out perfection has no limits. I was genuinely surprised by this improvement. <\/p>\n<p>My second revelation came when I started comparing top TWS models with the AZ80 and discovered that their treble had no competitors. None. Even the best of the best couldn\u2019t match the natural presentation of high frequencies. <\/p>\n<p>While this might not be as noticeable when listening to electronic music, the sound of cymbals in rock tracks makes everything clear \u200a\u2014 \u200ait\u2019s as if the real instrument is just a couple of meters away from you. <\/p>\n<p>Recently, I stayed at a music-themed hotel that had a drum kit with drums and cymbals. I had a great opportunity to further compare the sound of headphones with the sound of a real instrument, and I was amazed to learn how closely the cymbals in the AZ80 resemble the real thing.  <\/p>\n<p>For instance, cymbals in the AZ80 don\u2019t just go \u201cTss-Tss\u201d like in the Sony XM4, where treble quite often sounds electronic or synthetic. Instead, they\u2019re natural and textured \u200a\u2014 \u200ayou can almost hear the vibration spreading across the cymbal\u2019s surface after the strike. Jazz tracks paired with these headphones offer a particular joy, bringing out the delicacy of the cymbals. <\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s very important that in AZ80 and even in AZ60, the cymbal\u2019s treble doesn\u2019t have the slightest hint of graininess (which is still present, for example, in the flagship Svanar model and the B&amp;W Pi8, despite their novelty and price). In the AZ80, as I said the cymbals sound as if they\u2019re right in front of you, with someone either striking them hard or gently tapping them, depending on the composition. Even quiet treble sounds, like the brushes in Sam McClain\u2019s \u201cGot to Have Your Love,\u201d are clear, articulate, and delicate \u200a\u2014 \u200asome of these details often lost in many premium TWS models. <\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>&#171;Listening to great treble lets you hear even the singer\u2019s breath.&#187; <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>And that\u2019s exactly what happens with the AZ80. <\/p>\n<p>Female vocals also sound phenomenal, regardless of the track or volume level. As for the upper range of high frequencies, sounds that are meant to be bright and crisp \u200a\u2014 \u200asuch as the chime at the beginning of Sean Paul\u2019s \u201cGive It Up to Me\u201d \u200a\u2014 \u200aare indeed bright, crystal clear, and perfectly transparent. In complex soundscapes, the treble retains its detail and clarity.  <\/p>\n<p>For example, in the guitar intro of Rammstein\u2019s \u201cDu Hast,\u201d amidst the heavy guitar riffs, you can distinctly pick out the sound of a second instrument. Similarly, in Andrea Banica\u2019s \u201cSamba,\u201d the maracas are clearly audible, whereas in many other headphones \u200a\u2014 \u200aespecially TWS models \u200a\u2014 \u200athey tend to blend into the mix. Tambourines in ethnic tracks and other high-frequency instruments also sound precise, natural, and well-separated. <\/p>\n<p>In the Svanar Wireless, even in their flagship model, some sounds tend to blend together, being &#171;overwhelmed&#187; by a more prominent foreground (e.g. mentioned &#171;Du Hast&#187; from the 17th second, or in &#171;Samba,&#187; where the maracas play in the background). They\u2019re still audible, but in the Svanars, they seem somewhat masked by the instruments in the foreground, which makes them almost disappear when they should be accentuating the main sound). <\/p>\n<p>This leads to the conclusion that despite the R2R DAC and the genuinely high overall sound quality, the treble in the Svanars is less transparent compared to the AZ80, which is very noticeable across a range of tracks. Violins, female vocals, drums, and brushes sound not only natural in AZ80, but also incredibly detailed! And this is true detail \u200a\u2014 \u200athe treble here isn\u2019t artificially boosted like in the Bowers &amp; Wilkins Pi7 for instance. Unlike those, the treble doesn\u2019t \u201ccut\u201d but simply sounds pleasing, making for an enjoyable listening experience. <\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>&#171;Poor treble tires the ear, while good treble fills music with lightness.&#187;\u2014 Thomas Lund <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>In summary, the treble invites close listening, revealing details you hadn\u2019t noticed before, even in well known recordings. It never fatigues, even after hours of listening. <\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>&#171;Balanced treble doesn\u2019t pierce the ear but highlights the beauty of the melody.&#187;\u2014 Paul Barton <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>And it\u2019s more than true.<\/p>\n<h4>Mid Frequencies (Mids)<\/h4>\n<blockquote>\n<p>\u201cMid frequencies are the heart of music, where emotions and melody are born.&#187;\u2014 Paul Barton<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote>\n<p>&#171;Mid frequencies create the body of sound, without which it loses its foundation.&#187;\u2014 Nelson Pass<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>I\u2019ve noticed that in many TWS models, the mids are recessed or pushed back. As a result, vocals sound dull, leaving you wanting to increase the volume \u200a\u2014 \u200awhich doesn\u2019t help, as it only increases treble fatigue and bass overload (hello, B&amp;W Pi7 again). I dislike such a pronounced \u201cV-shape\u201d tuning, and the AZ80 avoids this entirely<\/p>\n<p>The mids sound expressive and clean. They are perfectly positioned \u200a\u2014 \u200anot recessed, not overemphasized, but right where they should be, balanced in quantity and quality.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>&#171;Sound balance is an art, not just a science.&#187;\u2014 Andrew Jones<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Listening to the AZ80 makes me want to shake the hand of the Japanese engineer who tuned them. The achieved balance not only enhances details and texture but also preserves the timbral characteristics of vocals and instruments, making them sound natural and expressive.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>&#171;The soul of the voice and instruments lies in the mid frequencies.&#187;\u2014 Bob Ludwig<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Acoustic guitars, pianos, and wind instruments are rendered with natural timbre and volume. However, I must admit the Svanar Wireless surpasses the AZ80 slightly here. I\u2019ve never heard a more expressive piano or saxophone in TWS headphones than in the Svanar\u200a\u2014\u200ait feels as if John Coltrane is playing right there in the room with you.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>&#171;When mids are balanced, music sounds as if it\u2019s being performed in front of you.&#187;\u2014 Andrew Jones<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>To be objective, I agree to this, but I must also state that the difference in mids is not dramatic. At the same time, the treble in the Svanar is noticeably inferior to the AZ80. After listening to the Technics (even the AZ60), returning to the Svanar feels less pleasant and definitely less detailed.<\/p>\n<h4>Low Frequencies (Bass)<\/h4>\n<blockquote>\n<p>&#171;Well-crafted bass adds volume and space to music.&#187;\u2014 Andrew Jones<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote>\n<p>&#171;Bass is not just loudness; it\u2019s the texture and depth that brings music to life.&#187;\u2014 Thomas Lund<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>!!! Tip: it is very important, to to choose the right ear pads to hear good bass (and not only bass).<\/p>\n<p>In the AZ80, the bass is moderate, and let me now clarify: bassheads will find it lacking.<\/p>\n<p>Initially, coming from the AZ60, I also felt the bass was slightly lacking and even adjusted it using EQ. However, over time, I decided to listen without EQ, as everything else felt perfectly tuned. Surprisingly, I quickly adapted to the bass presentation and now realize it\u2019s exactly what I need.<\/p>\n<p>Yes, headphones like the B&amp;W Pi7 have more bass, but it often overwhelms other frequencies. In the AZ80, the bass is faster, more energetic, and well-controlled. While it doesn\u2019t delve too deeply, it\u2019s perfectly balanced with the rest of the sound spectrum.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>&#171;True bass doesn\u2019t rumble but touches the soul.&#187;\u2014 Nelson Pass<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>In the AZ80, the bass is fast, energetic, and features a well-defined attack. While it doesn\u2019t go particularly deep, the low frequencies are excellently balanced in relation to the overall sound profile. This made me reflect on whether I\u2019ve ever heard more bass in live instruments, and I realized that I haven\u2019t. Everything sounds exactly as it should\u2014not less, but not more either.<\/p>\n<p>For those still feeling the bass is insufficient, I recommend listening to the AZ80 for a week or two without additional adjustments \u200a\u2014 \u200ayou might find your musical taste evolving for the better probably. But if not, you always welcome to make your own EQ preset. But if not, you\u2019re always welcome to create your own EQ preset either in \u2018PowerAmp Equilizer&#8217; App or another one.<\/p>\n<h4>Frequency Response\u00a0(FR)<\/h4>\n<figure class=\"full-width\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/habrastorage.org\/r\/w780q1\/getpro\/habr\/upload_files\/c3e\/57a\/4c7\/c3e57a4c73d99618ff08fd5f414b77eb.jpeg\" alt=\"AZ80 \/ Fiio FW5 \/ Target\u00a0sound\" title=\"AZ80 \/ Fiio FW5 \/ Target\u00a0sound\" width=\"1000\" height=\"431\" data-src=\"https:\/\/habrastorage.org\/getpro\/habr\/upload_files\/c3e\/57a\/4c7\/c3e57a4c73d99618ff08fd5f414b77eb.jpeg\" data-blurred=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<div><figcaption>AZ80 \/ Fiio FW5 \/ Target\u00a0sound<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<h4>Soundstage<\/h4>\n<blockquote>\n<p>&#171;The perfect soundstage gives a sense of three-dimensional space, where every instrument has its place.&#187;\u2014 Andrew Jones<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote>\n<p>&#171;The soundstage is magic that transforms listening into a journey.&#187;\u2014 Paul Barton<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Let me keep it brief: the soundstage in the AZ80 is wide and immersive.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>Why is the soundstage considered \u201cimaginary\u201d? Read more here:<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/medium.com\/@1itmanager1\/explanation-of-audio-terms-audio-glossary-84d1fb8dcc0d\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Explanation of Audio Terms (Glossary) | by Alexey Spirin | Dec, 2024 | Medium<\/a><\/p>\n<p>The soundstage seemed wider only in the Svanar Wireless, likely due to its even more expressive mids. However, the difference is subtle and noticeable only in direct comparisons.<\/p>\n<p>In the AZ80, there is a strong sense of space and volume, with distinct distance between instruments. It even feels as though you can pinpoint the direction of each instrument by sound. This is likely due to the detailed sound reproduction in the mids and especially the highs, as well as excellent instrument separation.<\/p>\n<p>&#171;The purity of high frequencies is like a gentle breeze that unveils the soundstage.&#187;\u2014 Andrew Jones<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>&#171;The purity of high frequencies is like a gentle breeze that unveils the soundstage.&#187;\u2014 Andrew Jones<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<h4>Volume<\/h4>\n<p>In terms of maximum volume, both the AZ60 and AZ80 are not exceptionally loud but are sufficient for comfortable listening without wanting to increase the volume, even in public transport (with ANC enabled, of course). However, for those who enjoy listening at ear-splitting volumes, these might not be enough.<\/p>\n<p>Both the Devialet Gemini 2 and B&amp;W Pi8 (I\u2019ll say couple of words about them down the line), and especially the Svanar Wireless, are louder than the Technics. If volume is crucial for you, consider these alternatives.<\/p>\n<p>Tip here will be same: you can use the PowerAmp Equalizer which applies adjustments across all apps. It includes a preamp function that can significantly increase the Technics volume without crossing the threshold where sound quality begins to noticeably degrade.<\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<h4>Conclusion<\/h4>\n<p>The Technics AZ80 delivers a highly balanced sound. When I think about their tuning, I imagine a tightrope walker confidently striding along the rope, without a single muscle twitching, but how beautifully and mesmerizingly it draws your attention&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>Clean, highly detailed highs and mids, combined with punchy bass, make the sound not just pleasant but also highly natural \u200a\u2014 \u200aalmost \u201calive.\u201d With well-recorded tracks, it creates an effect as if the musicians are right there in the room with you.<\/p>\n<p>The bass is just as natural as the rest of the frequency spectrum. It\u2019s well-controlled, never intruding on the overall sound palette, but rather complementing it perfectly.<\/p>\n<p>The soundstage is also quite wide, thanks to the detailed sound and excellent instrument separation, allowing you to hear the smallest nuances. This makes it enjoyable to revisit even old tracks, discovering something new each time. After using the AZ80, many people will likely uncover entire new worlds of sounds and tones in their favorite compositions.<\/p>\n<p>This technical excellence is often referred to as \u201ctechnicality,\u201d which is amusing considering the brand name itself. The AZ80 exemplifies this technicality perfectly (though let\u2019s not forget about the AZ40, which is much simpler than the 60\/80 models).<\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<p>In Summary, the AZ80 is currently among the best \u200a\u2014 \u200aor perhaps the best of all the TWS I\u2019ve tested (see the brief list below). With a grain of salt: bassheads might find the low frequencies insufficient. In such cases, I\u2019d recommend alternatives like the B&amp;W Pi8 or Devialet Gemini 2. Both models still deliver detailed sound, despite some flaws in the highs. Their bass maybe not so natural, but is \u201cjuicier\u201d than that of the AZ80.<\/p>\n<p>However, for those looking for perfectly balanced overall sound and exceptional detail in the highs, which are both enjoyable and engaging to explore, the AZ80 might be the best option available right now.<\/p>\n<p>That said, I intend to continue testing new headphones and may share updates on my experiences in the comments section or via updating this post.<\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<h2>Part 2. Brief (but not complete) List of Tested TWS by late 2024 &#8212; early\u00a02025<\/h2>\n<p>This section briefly outlines the main sound characteristics of other TWS headphones compared to the AZ80.<\/p>\n<p>The higher on the list, the more decent the sound.<\/p>\n<h3>RANKING:<\/h3>\n<blockquote>\n<p>&#171;When comparing headphones, listen not only to the details but also to how they convey emotions.&#187;\u2014 Bob Ludwig<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote>\n<p>&#171;Headphones are a personal choice, and the best option is the one that sounds right to you.&#187;\u2014 Thomas Lund<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<h3>Technics EAH-AZ80:<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"full-width\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/habrastorage.org\/r\/w780q1\/getpro\/habr\/upload_files\/907\/41d\/441\/90741d441152a931ee10c389504c9746.jpeg\" alt=\"Another Az80 AFC graph (although they are compared here with four others, these headphones didn\u2019t make it into my\u00a0top).\" title=\"Another Az80 AFC graph (although they are compared here with four others, these headphones didn\u2019t make it into my\u00a0top).\" width=\"1000\" height=\"571\" data-src=\"https:\/\/habrastorage.org\/getpro\/habr\/upload_files\/907\/41d\/441\/90741d441152a931ee10c389504c9746.jpeg\" data-blurred=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<div><figcaption>Another Az80 AFC graph (although they are compared here with four others, these headphones didn\u2019t make it into my\u00a0top).<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p>The item reviewed here shares the podium with the following three wireless headphones, with all key details pictured above.<\/p>\n<h4>HIFIMAN Svanar Wireless:<\/h4>\n<p>Excellent bass and just phenomenal mids. The mids are exceptional, making these headphones some of the best in terms of sound. Classical and jazz music sound truly fantastic on them. However, the highs are far from ideal \u200a\u2014 \u200adrums lack naturalness, and even the R2R DAC didn\u2019t save them. It\u2019s a pity because otherwise, this could have been the best TWS sound ever, but now the treble in the Technics AZ80 is on a level that remains unattainable for the Svanar.<\/p>\n<p>Returning to the Svanar, they have one more advantage and a couple of drawbacks.<\/p>\n<p>Pros: They have the best volume reserve among the competition. They genuinely feel like they have &#171;wired&#187; power.<\/p>\n<p>Cons: There are some questionable aspects of convenience: their connection with LDAC isn\u2019t always stable, and the case is enormous. Putting it in your pocket makes it look like you\u2019re carrying a large potato, so carrying them in your bag is the only option. That said, for the sound they provide, these compromises might be worth it.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"full-width\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/habrastorage.org\/r\/w780q1\/getpro\/habr\/upload_files\/a73\/a7d\/331\/a73a7d331da1ec512761b055f465ebdb.jpeg\" alt=\"The size of the case is impressive\u2026\" title=\"The size of the case is impressive\u2026\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" data-src=\"https:\/\/habrastorage.org\/getpro\/habr\/upload_files\/a73\/a7d\/331\/a73a7d331da1ec512761b055f465ebdb.jpeg\" data-blurred=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<div><figcaption>The size of the case is impressive\u2026<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<figure class=\"full-width\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/habrastorage.org\/r\/w780q1\/getpro\/habr\/upload_files\/3c9\/6e5\/3cf\/3c96e53cf07ec4df9ab789d0900ede6e.jpeg\" alt=\"Frequency Response of Svanar\u00a0Wireless\" title=\"Frequency Response of Svanar\u00a0Wireless\" width=\"1000\" height=\"435\" data-src=\"https:\/\/habrastorage.org\/getpro\/habr\/upload_files\/3c9\/6e5\/3cf\/3c96e53cf07ec4df9ab789d0900ede6e.jpeg\" data-blurred=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<div><figcaption>Frequency Response of Svanar\u00a0Wireless<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<h4>Bowers &amp; Wilkins Pi5, Pi7, and\u00a0Pi8:<\/h4>\n<p>Skip immediately the first two. For example, in the Pi7 (I actually listened the first version), the treble is overly emphasized, leading to sibilance in many tracks. The bass is also overdone, while the mids are recessed, making listening wearisome, and vocals unimpressive.<\/p>\n<p>The Pi8, however, is much better than its predecessors. The mids are quite good, and the bass provides more volume than in the AZ80, resulting in a pleasantly warm sound that doesn\u2019t significantly affect detail or instrument separation. However, the highs remain a weak point \u200a\u2014 \u200abetter than the earlier models but still lacking. Despite this flaw, the sound is lively, engaging, fairly detailed, albeit somewhat colored, and I believe it will find its fans.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"full-width\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/habrastorage.org\/r\/w780q1\/getpro\/habr\/upload_files\/7a6\/549\/865\/7a654986534b2b75cd659d8e492c3ed5.jpeg\" alt=\"Design of B&amp;W Pi8.\" title=\"Design of B&amp;W Pi8.\" width=\"1000\" height=\"658\" data-src=\"https:\/\/habrastorage.org\/getpro\/habr\/upload_files\/7a6\/549\/865\/7a654986534b2b75cd659d8e492c3ed5.jpeg\" data-blurred=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<div><figcaption>Design of B&amp;W Pi8.<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<figure class=\"full-width\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/habrastorage.org\/r\/w780q1\/getpro\/habr\/upload_files\/d09\/692\/cec\/d09692cec3d2586e1bb280c69191a147.jpeg\" alt=\"Frequency Response of B&amp;W Pi7\u00a0S2.\" title=\"Frequency Response of B&amp;W Pi7\u00a0S2.\" width=\"1000\" height=\"431\" data-src=\"https:\/\/habrastorage.org\/getpro\/habr\/upload_files\/d09\/692\/cec\/d09692cec3d2586e1bb280c69191a147.jpeg\" data-blurred=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<div><figcaption>Frequency Response of B&amp;W Pi7\u00a0S2.<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<figure class=\"full-width\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/habrastorage.org\/r\/w780q1\/getpro\/habr\/upload_files\/ba5\/1c0\/cb2\/ba51c0cb228a39c05250137d6daed4c7.jpeg\" alt=\"Frequency Response of B&amp;W\u00a0Pi8\" title=\"Frequency Response of B&amp;W\u00a0Pi8\" width=\"1000\" height=\"470\" data-src=\"https:\/\/habrastorage.org\/getpro\/habr\/upload_files\/ba5\/1c0\/cb2\/ba51c0cb228a39c05250137d6daed4c7.jpeg\" data-blurred=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<div><figcaption>Frequency Response of B&amp;W\u00a0Pi8<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<h4>Devialet Gemini\u00a02:<\/h4>\n<p>The bass is arguably more interesting here, than in Technics and the mids are good. However, once again, the highs lack naturalness. It would be interesting to directly compare the Devialet with the Pi8 to determine which delivers better highs.<\/p>\n<p>In other ways, I really liked these headphones. The bass, mids, and vocals all sound good and fairly detailed.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"full-width\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/habrastorage.org\/r\/w780q1\/getpro\/habr\/upload_files\/343\/460\/644\/3434606449b31a093c6e6705e5a6123a.jpeg\" alt=\"Design of Devialet Gemini\u00a0II.\" title=\"Design of Devialet Gemini\u00a0II.\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" data-src=\"https:\/\/habrastorage.org\/getpro\/habr\/upload_files\/343\/460\/644\/3434606449b31a093c6e6705e5a6123a.jpeg\" data-blurred=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<div><figcaption>Design of Devialet Gemini\u00a0II.<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<figure class=\"full-width\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/habrastorage.org\/r\/w780q1\/getpro\/habr\/upload_files\/382\/165\/4ff\/3821654ffa8ec3510b59a7ce8476afb2.jpeg\" alt=\"Frequency Response of Devialet Gemini\u00a0II.\" title=\"Frequency Response of Devialet Gemini\u00a0II.\" width=\"1000\" height=\"439\" data-src=\"https:\/\/habrastorage.org\/getpro\/habr\/upload_files\/382\/165\/4ff\/3821654ffa8ec3510b59a7ce8476afb2.jpeg\" data-blurred=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<div><figcaption>Frequency Response of Devialet Gemini\u00a0II.<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<h4>Astell &amp; Kern UW 100\u00a0MKII:<\/h4>\n<p>Good performance overall, but no ANC. For me, that\u2019s an instant dealbreaker since, like many others, I primarily listen to music on TWS on the go or while traveling.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"full-width\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/habrastorage.org\/r\/w780q1\/getpro\/habr\/upload_files\/834\/add\/e07\/834adde07a3e136ce8cd30aea4c25921.jpeg\" alt=\"Design of Astel &amp; Kern UW 100\u00a0MKII.\" title=\"Design of Astel &amp; Kern UW 100\u00a0MKII.\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" data-src=\"https:\/\/habrastorage.org\/getpro\/habr\/upload_files\/834\/add\/e07\/834adde07a3e136ce8cd30aea4c25921.jpeg\" data-blurred=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<div><figcaption>Design of Astel &amp; Kern UW 100\u00a0MKII.<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<h4>Technics AZ60:<\/h4>\n<p>Slightly less detailed highs compared to the AZ80, but still better than the competitors mentioned above.<\/p>\n<p>The mids are adequate, but the bass has slightly less control than in the AZ80. Overall, it\u2019s still a great sound, and some might even prefer the more enveloping bass \u200a\u2014 \u200ait\u2019s something I used to enjoy myself before I developed a preference for the AZ80\u2019s bass.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"full-width\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/habrastorage.org\/r\/w780q1\/getpro\/habr\/upload_files\/fd7\/d73\/4e0\/fd7d734e0aa324030fd91feb19f3cea8.jpeg\" alt=\"Design of Technics EAH-AZ60.\" title=\"Design of Technics EAH-AZ60.\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1266\" data-src=\"https:\/\/habrastorage.org\/getpro\/habr\/upload_files\/fd7\/d73\/4e0\/fd7d734e0aa324030fd91feb19f3cea8.jpeg\" data-blurred=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<div><figcaption>Design of Technics EAH-AZ60.<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<figure class=\"full-width\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/habrastorage.org\/r\/w780q1\/getpro\/habr\/upload_files\/199\/571\/1a2\/1995711a2471450171f2bcb453e6366c.jpeg\" alt=\"Frequency Response of\u00a0AZ60\" title=\"Frequency Response of\u00a0AZ60\" width=\"1000\" height=\"433\" data-src=\"https:\/\/habrastorage.org\/getpro\/habr\/upload_files\/199\/571\/1a2\/1995711a2471450171f2bcb453e6366c.jpeg\" data-blurred=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<div><figcaption>Frequency Response of\u00a0AZ60<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<h4>Onkyo D 800\u00a0BT:<\/h4>\n<p>Fantastic bass \u200a\u2014 \u200ait throbs in your ears, with tangible sound pressure. No other TWS has achieved this effect. The mids and highs are still decent, despite outdated codecs, but the outdated implementation of everything else, coupled with the lack of ANC, makes them more suitable for collectors. That said, they sound great and will appeal to many despite their shortcomings.<\/p>\n<h4>Bang &amp; Olufsen EX and Beoplay\u00a0EQ:<\/h4>\n<p>The EX less interesting, but EQ has decent bass but significantly worse highs. The mids are slightly above average.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"full-width\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/habrastorage.org\/r\/w780q1\/getpro\/habr\/upload_files\/c55\/819\/49d\/c5581949d1226534720ee815b43a3f32.jpeg\" alt=\"Frequency Response of Beoplay\u00a0EQ\" title=\"Frequency Response of Beoplay\u00a0EQ\" width=\"1000\" height=\"465\" data-src=\"https:\/\/habrastorage.org\/getpro\/habr\/upload_files\/c55\/819\/49d\/c5581949d1226534720ee815b43a3f32.jpeg\" data-blurred=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<div><figcaption>Frequency Response of Beoplay\u00a0EQ<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<h4>Noble (Falcon 2, Falcon Pro, and Focus\u00a0Pro):<\/h4>\n<p>Overall, less natural sound. The Focus Pro is the best among the three.<\/p>\n<h4>Aviot 21\u00a0J:<\/h4>\n<p>Everything is good, but the bass is severely lacking.<\/p>\n<h4>Denon Perl\u00a0Pro:<\/h4>\n<p>The bass is over-pumped \u200a\u2014 \u200ait &#171;creeps&#187; into other frequencies and interferes with the sound. If toned down, they can sound decent but only after auto-calibration to your hearing via the App which is fine. Without this calibration, they sounded awful, especially in the high frequency range, and I can\u2019t guarantee they\u2019ll calibrate as well for you as they did for me.    <\/p>\n<h4>Creative Aurvana Ace\u00a02:<\/h4>\n<p>Pleasant sound but leans towards a more &#171;mainstream&#187; tuning, closer to the AirPods Pro 2. Another downside is the controls \u200a\u2014 \u200athe touch sensor is so frustrating you might feel like smashing them with a hammer.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"full-width\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/habrastorage.org\/r\/w780q1\/getpro\/habr\/upload_files\/5e5\/798\/e3b\/5e5798e3b809b0385457beb05dd61eae.jpeg\" alt=\"Frequency Response of Creative Aurvana Ace\u00a02\" title=\"Frequency Response of Creative Aurvana Ace\u00a02\" width=\"1000\" height=\"434\" data-src=\"https:\/\/habrastorage.org\/getpro\/habr\/upload_files\/5e5\/798\/e3b\/5e5798e3b809b0385457beb05dd61eae.jpeg\" data-blurred=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<div><figcaption>Frequency Response of Creative Aurvana Ace\u00a02<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<h4>AirPods Pro\u00a02:<\/h4>\n<p>Similarly mainstream sound \u200a\u2014 \u200anothing particularly bad, but something always feels lacking. However, they offer great functionality with iPhones and decent ANC.<\/p>\n<h4>All TWS BOSE (as of late\u00a02024):<\/h4>\n<p>I appreciate the ANC in these, but unfortunately, not the sound quality. At least for me, it\u2019s not at a HiFi level yet. I\u2019ve had some decent wired Bose headphones in the past, but with the high competition in the TWS segment, I can\u2019t particularly single them out at the moment.<\/p>\n<h4>Audio-Technica ATH-TWX9:<\/h4>\n<p>Uninspiring sound. They didn\u2019t trigger any strong emotions.<\/p>\n<p>They may be interesting if you\u2019re a fan of battling microbes with ultraviolet light \u200a\u2014 \u200aa quirky feature that undoubtedly terrifies the microbes, but unfortunately, the sound might leave the survivors bored.<\/p>\n<h4>All TWS Sony (except XM5, which I haven\u2019t tried\u00a0yet):<\/h4>\n<p>The sound is not very natural, with synthetic elements noticeable in models like the XM4. I used to have the highly expressive wired IEMs from Sony (XBA-N1 AP), which stood out significantly in sound quality compared to many other IEMs from the brand and gave me countless hours of enjoyable listening. However, their TWS offerings are still not on that level.<\/p>\n<h4>All TWS Sennheiser:<\/h4>\n<p>In the Momentum 4, the bass is fine, the mids are okay, but the highs, for me, are a disaster \u200a\u2014 \u200ajust like in the previous models. This seems to be a signature of Sennheiser TWS \u200a\u2014 \u200athey don\u2019t sound natural to me, which outweighs all their pros.<\/p>\n<h4>Philips Fidelio\u00a0T1:<\/h4>\n<p>Too bright and lacking depth including low frequency.<\/p>\n<h4>Technics AZ40:<\/h4>\n<p>The entry-level model from Technics, with very little bass and no ANC. On the bright side, they are more compact, which might be appealing to some users, especially ladies.<\/p>\n<h4>Soundcore Liberty 3\u00a0Pro:<\/h4>\n<p>I can\u2019t recall exactly why, but they left no impression on me \u200a\u2014 \u200aso much so that I didn\u2019t even bother taking notes. That said, I\u2019m curious to revisit them, as they\u2019ve been praised by many, but as far as I remember they had terrible treble.<\/p>\n<h4>Klipsch T5 II True Wireless\u00a0ANC:<\/h4>\n<p>Lacking in bass, too bright, and not too detailed treble.<\/p>\n<h4>Epos GTW\u00a0270:<\/h4>\n<p>Dry sound with too few details.<\/p>\n<h4>Various KEF\u00a0models:<\/h4>\n<p>I remember them being quite bright but lacking exceptional detail. The sound delivery didn\u2019t make me emotional at all.<\/p>\n<h4>Various Over-Ear Headphones:<\/h4>\n<p>For example, the expensive B&amp;O Beoplay HX, which I recently tried on and \u00a0didn\u2019t like at all compared to the AZ80 <\/p>\n<p>While there are over-ears that sound better than the AZ80, it takes some effort to find them. Additionally, I\u2019m not currently interested in this segment or wired IEMs for street and traveling, as my focus is on portability and convenience combined with high sound quality. I don\u2019t want to deal with wires or carry around bulky headphones anymore. The sound would have to be out of this world to make me return to such setups I am considering them for home use only.<\/p>\n<h4>Mifo O7 Gen2 and O5\u00a0Pro:<\/h4>\n<p>I had the chance to listen to these, but the sound didn\u2019t impress me, especially in the O5 Pro. They\u2019ve been praised a lot, so perhaps the units I tested were flawed \u200a\u2014 \u200athey were used models, as finding new ones to try wasn\u2019t possible.<\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<h2>Part 3:\u00a0Plans<\/h2>\n<p>The following headphones haven\u2019t been tested yet, but I hope to try them in 2025:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>Technics AZ100. Considering the sound of the previous models and the apparent trend of improving sound quality and adding new features in the AZ40 -&gt; AZ60 -&gt; AZ80 series, we can expect that the next model will surprise us again.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Aviot TE-ZX1 PNK. Highly promising based on reviews of many users, although opinions are split, some have the best sound ever heard of TWS, others lack power, you have to listen to it.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>FiiO FW5. Purely out of curiosity, as the sound is praised, though there\u2019s no ANC.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Noble Fokus Rex 5. Fresh model, reportedly well-balanced.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Noble Fokus Prestige. Said to have strong lows and mids with relaxed highs.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Noble Fokus Triumph. Reported to have emphasized highs, clear mids, but lacking bass.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>JVC FX550T. Awaiting reviews from owners and plan to listen them by myself.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Geekfly 5 and 6. Said to be good.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>OnePlus 3 Pro. Highly lauded, though I\u2019m skeptical they\u2019re on the same level as the best TWS options.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Edifier S10. Limited information so far.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Moondrop Robin. Interesting, though I\u2019m not a fan of such design.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Vivo, Samsung, and similar earbuds. I don\u2019t have high expectations for sound quality but will try them if given the chance.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure class=\"full-width\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/habrastorage.org\/r\/w780q1\/getpro\/habr\/upload_files\/fcb\/6b0\/96c\/fcb6b096cd23224b41281911e7335579.jpeg\" alt=\"Frequency Response of Vivo TWS\u00a04\" title=\"Frequency Response of Vivo TWS\u00a04\" width=\"1000\" height=\"427\" data-src=\"https:\/\/habrastorage.org\/getpro\/habr\/upload_files\/fcb\/6b0\/96c\/fcb6b096cd23224b41281911e7335579.jpeg\" data-blurred=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<div><figcaption>Frequency Response of Vivo TWS\u00a04<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<hr\/>\n<h2>Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n<p>This is my conclusion on TWS as of late 2024, and with just few days until 2025, it\u2019s unlikely anything will change at the beginning of the new year.<\/p>\n<p>One tip: when choosing headphones, try to also consider the codecs supported by the device you plan to use with them, because if the best codec in the headphones is LDAC \/ LHDC \/ AptX, but your smartphone does not have it, then the sound will be transmitted using a less advanced codec, for example AAC (which is not so critical), or even SBC (which is worse). On the other hand, this is a rare case, the bottleneck is most often not the codec or file format, but the design of the headphone drivers, their settings and even the configuration of the acoustic chamber and other nuances, all this has a much greater effect on the final sound quality.<\/p>\n<p>Thank you for reading. Those who made it to the end without skimming \u200a\u2014 \u200ayou\u2019re my heroes! Please subscribe, rate, commen.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019m eager to hear feedback, especially from those who\u2019ve thoroughly listened to the Technics or thoughtfully compared them with other TWS models \u200a\u2014 \u200aor have tried something from the list mentioned here. It\u2019s fascinating to see how many people hear the same as I do \u200a\u2014 \u200aor perhaps disagree.<\/p>\n<p>Feel free to subscribe, leave comments and suggest promising options for future testing. This is always an interesting pursuit.<\/p>\n<p>Wishing everyone peace, kindness, and excellent sound in 2025!<\/p>\n<p>Best regards,<\/p>\n<p>PolarMan<\/p>\n<figure class=\"full-width\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/habrastorage.org\/r\/w780q1\/getpro\/habr\/upload_files\/a3a\/30f\/34b\/a3a30f34bfa73bfb26fd35bfd50cc563.jpeg\" alt=\"Happy 2025 audiophiles\u00a0;)\" title=\"Happy 2025 audiophiles\u00a0;)\" width=\"1000\" height=\"994\" data-src=\"https:\/\/habrastorage.org\/getpro\/habr\/upload_files\/a3a\/30f\/34b\/a3a30f34bfa73bfb26fd35bfd50cc563.jpeg\" data-blurred=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<div><figcaption>Happy 2025 audiophiles\u00a0\ud83d\ude09<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><!----><!----><\/div>\n<p><!----><\/p>\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll-container\"><!--[--><\/p>\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll tm-article-poll_variant-bordered\">\n<div class=\"tm-notice tm-notice_positive tm-article-poll__notice\"><!----><\/p>\n<div class=\"tm-notice__inner\"><!----><\/p>\n<div class=\"tm-notice__content\" data-test-id=\"notice-content\"><!--[--><span>\u0422\u043e\u043b\u044c\u043a\u043e \u0437\u0430\u0440\u0435\u0433\u0438\u0441\u0442\u0440\u0438\u0440\u043e\u0432\u0430\u043d\u043d\u044b\u0435 \u043f\u043e\u043b\u044c\u0437\u043e\u0432\u0430\u0442\u0435\u043b\u0438 \u043c\u043e\u0433\u0443\u0442 \u0443\u0447\u0430\u0441\u0442\u0432\u043e\u0432\u0430\u0442\u044c \u0432 \u043e\u043f\u0440\u043e\u0441\u0435. <a rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"\/kek\/v1\/auth\/habrahabr\/?back=\/ru\/articles\/871222\/&#038;hl=ru\">\u0412\u043e\u0439\u0434\u0438\u0442\u0435<\/a>, \u043f\u043e\u0436\u0430\u043b\u0443\u0439\u0441\u0442\u0430.<\/span><!--]--><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><!--[--><\/p>\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__header\">What TWSs have you been able to listen to and you liked them?<\/div>\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__answers\"><!--[--><\/p>\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__answer\">\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-data\"><span class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-percent\">50% <\/span><span class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-label\">Technics AZ80<\/span><span class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-votes\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-bar\">\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-progress\" style=\"width: 50%\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__answer\">\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-data\"><span class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-percent\">50% <\/span><span class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-label\">Technics AZ60<\/span><span class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-votes\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-bar\">\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-progress\" style=\"width: 50%\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__answer\">\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-data\"><span class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-percent\">50% <\/span><span class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-label\">Bowers &#038; Wilkins Pi5, Pi7 \u0438 Pi8<\/span><span class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-votes\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-bar\">\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-progress\" style=\"width: 50%\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__answer\">\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-data\"><span class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-percent\">50% <\/span><span class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-label\">Devialet Gemini 2<\/span><span class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-votes\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-bar\">\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-progress\" style=\"width: 50%\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__answer\">\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-data\"><span class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-percent\">50% <\/span><span class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-label\">Hifiman Svanar Wireless<\/span><span class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-votes\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-bar\">\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-progress\" style=\"width: 50%\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__answer\">\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-data\"><span class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-percent\">0% <\/span><span class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-label\">Bang &#038; Olufsen EX \u0438 Beoplay EQ<\/span><span class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-votes\">0<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-bar\">\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-progress\" style=\"width: 0%\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__answer\">\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-data\"><span class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-percent\">0% <\/span><span class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-label\">Creative Aurvana Ace 2<\/span><span class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-votes\">0<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-bar\">\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-progress\" style=\"width: 0%\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__answer\">\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-data\"><span class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-percent\">50% <\/span><span class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-label\">AirPods 2 Pro<\/span><span class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-votes\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-bar\">\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-progress\" style=\"width: 50%\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__answer\">\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-data\"><span class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-percent\">0% <\/span><span class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-label\">Mifo O 7 Gen2<\/span><span class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-votes\">0<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-bar\">\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-progress\" style=\"width: 0%\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__answer\">\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-data\"><span class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-percent\">0% <\/span><span class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-label\">Mifo O 5 Pro<\/span><span class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-votes\">0<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-bar\">\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-progress\" style=\"width: 0%\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__answer\">\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-data\"><span class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-percent\">0% <\/span><span class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-label\">Fiio FW5<\/span><span class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-votes\">0<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-bar\">\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-progress\" style=\"width: 0%\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__answer\">\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-data\"><span class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-percent\">0% <\/span><span class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-label\">OnePlus Buds 3 Pro<\/span><span class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-votes\">0<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-bar\">\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-progress\" style=\"width: 0%\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__answer\">\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-data\"><span class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-percent tm-article-poll__answer-percent_winning\">50% <\/span><span class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-label\">Other<\/span><span class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-votes\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-bar\">\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__answer-progress tm-article-poll__answer-progress_winning\" style=\"width: 50%\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><!--]--><\/div>\n<div class=\"tm-article-poll__stats\"> \u041f\u0440\u043e\u0433\u043e\u043b\u043e\u0441\u043e\u0432\u0430\u043b\u0438 2 \u043f\u043e\u043b\u044c\u0437\u043e\u0432\u0430\u0442\u0435\u043b\u044f.    \u0412\u043e\u0437\u0434\u0435\u0440\u0436\u0430\u043b\u0438\u0441\u044c 2 \u043f\u043e\u043b\u044c\u0437\u043e\u0432\u0430\u0442\u0435\u043b\u044f. <\/div>\n<p><!--]--><\/div>\n<p><!--]--><\/div>\n<p> \u0441\u0441\u044b\u043b\u043a\u0430 \u043d\u0430 \u043e\u0440\u0438\u0433\u0438\u043d\u0430\u043b \u0441\u0442\u0430\u0442\u044c\u0438 <a href=\"https:\/\/habr.com\/ru\/articles\/871222\/\"> https:\/\/habr.com\/ru\/articles\/871222\/<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<div><!--[--><!--]--><\/div>\n<div id=\"post-content-body\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"article-formatted-body article-formatted-body article-formatted-body_version-2\">\n<div xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xhtml\">\n<figure class=\"full-width\">\n<div><figcaption>One of the TWS tests: Audio-Technica vs Hifiman vs Technics.<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<h2>Related links<\/h2>\n<p>Russian version: <a href=\"https:\/\/habr.com\/ru\/articles\/871160\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">\u041b\u0443\u0447\u0448\u0438\u0435 \u0431\u0435\u0441\u043f\u0440\u043e\u0432\u043e\u0434\u043d\u044b\u0435 \u043d\u0430\u0443\u0448\u043d\u0438\u043a\u0438 (TWS) 2024 \u2014 \u043d\u0430\u0447\u0430\u043b\u0430 2025. \u0421\u0440\u0430\u0432\u043d\u0435\u043d\u0438\u0435 \u0437\u0432\u0443\u043a\u0430 \u0442\u043e\u043f\u043e\u0432\u044b\u0445 HIFI \u0442\u0440\u0443\u0432\u0430\u0440\u043e\u0432 \/ \u0425\u0430\u0431\u0440<\/a>  <\/p>\n<h2>What This Article Is\u00a0About<\/h2>\n<p>Hello, friends <\/p>\n<p>I decided to start this year with an article in the field of Hi-Fi sound \/ audiophilia and it&#8217;s about sharing the results of my tests of wireless in-ear headphones (commonly referred to as \u201cearbuds\u201d), which I\u2019ve conducted for several years after TWS emerged on the market.  <\/p>\n<p>Sound testing is my hobby that can be useful to others, because vivid and pleasant emotions are important in everyone\u2019s life, as ell as , relaxation and mental comfort, which is sometimes scarce in the turbulent flow of life. Music is just the thing to bring it all in, if only for moments, or even for hours, therefore, choosing the right headphones is crucial to getting the right effect. <\/p>\n<p>By the end of 2024, I completed testing of the best items. \u201cBest\u201d doesn\u2019t necessarily mean the most expensive here. It refers to the top performers in terms of sound quality. We\u2019ve all encountered situations where lower-priced items turned out to be just as good, if not better than their costly counterparts. That\u2019s why my sound quality ranking includes headphones from various price categories \u200a\u2014 \u200afrom ultra-premium TWS models to more frugal options. <\/p>\n<p>The aforementioned TWS tests have spanned over several years, from 2017 to this day (early 2025). Now, with the journey coming to its end, I would llike to share my insights with those who appreciate true Hi-Fi \u200a\u2014 \u200anot the one built on marketing hype, but the one that genuinely delivers exceptional sound. This article is for anyone seeking High-End quality, the elusive \u201cEnd-Game\u201d, or simply the best portable audio experience available today. <\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>So let\u2019s get started now. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<hr\/>\n<h2>The Person Behind the\u00a0Tests<\/h2>\n<blockquote>\n<p>I\u2019ve always loved music for its ability to evoke emotions and tell stories even without words.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>A Few Words About Myself and Why I Do This. My name is Alexey, and I sometimes use the nickname PolarMan in remembrance of my participation in scientific Polar expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctica. My career has since remained in the IT field, where I currently lead QA processes (software quality assurance and testing). <\/p>\n<p>Interestingly, this professional experience also translates well into testing audio equipment \u200a\u2014 \u200aso let\u2019s dive into that. <\/p>\n<h3>A Passion for\u00a0Music<\/h3>\n<blockquote>\n<p>One of the hobbies that truly lights a fire in my soul is my love for music which has always been a source of inspiration to me.  <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>For me, music is more than just sound. It is an art form that touches and nourishes the soul, changes moods, and inspires. However, its ability to do so heavily depends on the quality of the sound. Perhaps that\u2019s why testing different types of headphones, including in-ear monitors (IEMs), has become one of my favorite hobbies. <\/p>\n<p>On one hand, headphones are a utilitarian tool for me. Time is our most valuable resource, and if you dedicate it to listening to music, it makes sense to ensure the sound is a truly high-quality one. This allows you to catch every nuance the creators intended to embed in their works. <\/p>\n<p>For me, experiencing music is like looking at a picture. By paying attention to subtle details, you can grasp the technique, feel the mood, and sometimes even decode the meanings the artist intended to convey. <\/p>\n<p>Now, imagine looking at a beautiful painting through scratched, dirty glasses that distort focus and sharpness. Would you be able to see and feel all the details, everything the artwork aims to communicate? And what if your vision were clear and unobstructed? The same applies to sound: if the recording, source, or headphones fail to deliver exceptionally high-quality audio and introduce distortions, much of the musical piece will remain hidden or misinterpreted. And on the contrary, a high-quality audio chain paired with your favorite tracks offers crystal-clear perception and an unforgettable experience. <\/p>\n<h3>Musical Genres<\/h3>\n<p>I listen to a variety of genres: from rock and alternative to jazz and classical music. I listen to electronic music and rap less often, but in every genre, there are compositions that I want to hear and that trigger emotions when presented correctly. Regardless of the genre, certain sound requirements remain universal: naturalness and detail, including clear instrument separation in complex soundscapes, are essential.<\/p>\n<h3>Curiosity<\/h3>\n<p>On the other hand , as a tester at heart, I find it incredibly fascinating to test headphones, explore their sound nuances, including the tiniest details they can convey \u200a\u2014 the \u200adetails that might not be immediately apparent but become genuinely beautiful if you pay close attention. Of course, this is also a highly engaging process: searching for the best sound across different categories, including IEMs, is a journey in itself. <\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>For me, a love of music extends beyond just listening. It\u2019s a journey full of exploration and discovery.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<h3>Shifting Focus to\u00a0TWS<\/h3>\n<p>Recently, with the growing popularity and convenience of TWS earbuds \u200a\u2014 \u200aand since I now spend a lot of time traveling \u200a\u2014 \u200aI began searching for a way to enjoy high-quality sound in the most compact form possible. This shift moved my focus from wired setups to wireless headphones. Given my testing experience, I decided to apply it to the true wireless segment, aiming to find the best sound possible, even accounting for the limitations of wireless transmission.<\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<h2>Evaluation Criteria<\/h2>\n<blockquote>\n<p>&#171;The ideal sound is the one that disappears, leaving only the music.&#187; \u2014 Nelson Pass<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>To make it clear: the comparison was based on sound quality. My main criterion for assessing quality is the naturalness of reproducing real instruments, whether it&#8217;s a guitar, violin, drums, wind instruments, or something else. <\/p>\n<p>Additionally, it&#8217;s preferable for compositions to sound melodically rather than dry; the sound should not just be detailed and technical, but also engaging, without being overly colored, so that naturalness is preserved. <\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>&#171;Harmony between detail and warmth of sound is the key to true musical enjoyment.&#187;\u2014 George Cardas <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Now that the comparison is complete and the winners are defined, I have a lot to share. I want to do this through a detailed review of one of the leaders in my ranking, which will later serve as a benchmark. Currently, my reference is the Technics AZ80. You can treat this article both as a review of these headphones and as an overview of other top TWS models, as competitors are frequently mentioned throughout the text. At the end of the article, there will be an almost comprehensive list of the headphones I&#8217;ve listened to (I tried not to forget the ones worth mentioning), along with my comments on how their sound differs from the benchmark. <\/p>\n<p>Looking ahead, there are several leaders, and they will be at the top of the list in Part 2 of the article. Each has its own characteristics, and choosing among them depends largely on personal sound preferences. <\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>&#171;Put on your headphones\u200a\u2014\u200aand let the show take you over.&#187;\u2014 Dan Clark<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Press Play\u00a0\ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<h2>Disclaimer<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>This article reflects my personal opinions and impressions based on my experience testing various TWS earbuds. The evaluations provided are subjective and may not align with the preferences of all users. Any comparisons and statements are intended solely for informative purposes and should not be interpreted as definitive judgments on any brand or product.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>The quotes included in this article were found in various places on the internet and are attributed to the respective individuals. However, I cannot guarantee their accuracy or authenticity.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>The presented frequency response measurements were made by others and may not fully align with the actual listening experience.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Some of the images used in this article are sourced from various online platforms and are included for illustrative and educational purposes only. All rights are reserved to their respective copyright holders. If any copyright owner has concerns about unauthorized use of their images, please contact me, and I will address the matter promptly. I also plan to replace these images with original or properly licensed content as soon as reasonably possible.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr\/>\n<h2>Part 1: Technics EAH-AZ80 Review in comparison with TWS\u00a0leaders<\/h2>\n<blockquote>\n<p>&#171;Headphones are not just devices; they are personal portals to the world of music.&#187;\u2014 Dan Clark<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<h3>Wireless Setup<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>Sources: Vivo X100 Ultra \/ Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro \/ Samsung S 24. <\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Codec: for Technics &#8212; LDAC. For the rest of the headphones, the comparison always took place on the highest supported codec. <\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Audio format: FLAC (mostly). <\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Genres: Rock, Jazz, Rap, Classical music, Pop, Electronic, some other genres and test samples. <\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure class=\"full-width\">\n<div><figcaption>The HIFIMAN Svanar Wireless, featuring a built-in R2R DAC, is a strong competitor.<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p>As of now, the AZ80 are my favorite headphones, as they were chosen after a long and thorough selection process. While they may not have completely outclassed all competitors in terms of sound quality (and the list of contenders was extensive), they confidently stand on the podium, sharing the top spot with several other worthy models. Moreover, the AZ80 (same as AZ60, btw) remain practical and convenient across many important parameters beyond sound, making them not only the ultimate TWS for music but also an excellent &#8216;workhorse&#8217; for everyday use \u200a\u2014 \u200aa combination that, in practice, is quite difficult to achieve. <\/p>\n<p>As I mentioned, in terms of sound, there are other headphones that can be put on par with the AZ80, but none manage to pull ahead. They may excel in one frequency range but inevitably fall short in another. <\/p>\n<p>As a backup, I also have the Technics AZ60, which will be mentioned below. I\u2019ve had the AZ60 for a long time, and aside from sound quality, their only drawbacks compared to the AZ80 are the lack of wireless charging and an auto-pause feature when removing them from your ear. Otherwise, almost everything said about the AZ80 applies to the AZ60. <\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<h3>General Functionality<\/h3>\n<blockquote>\n<p>Sound is great, but having everything<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-443982","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/savepearlharbor.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/443982","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/savepearlharbor.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/savepearlharbor.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/savepearlharbor.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/savepearlharbor.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=443982"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/savepearlharbor.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/443982\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/savepearlharbor.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=443982"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/savepearlharbor.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=443982"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/savepearlharbor.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=443982"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}