Latest news with #Technics
Forbes
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Record Roundup 31: Lamborghinis, Streamers And Wristwatches
Andover Audio's new SpinBase MAX2 speaker system for turntables Welcome to the 31st edition of Record Roundup, my ongoing coverage of the latest developments in the world of turntables and record players. This edition features several unique turntables, a new speaker system from Andover Audio, a TT-friendly streaming amp and the wristwatch for Technics SL-1200 fans. For those with deep pockets who are looking for a unique turntable, the Waiting For Ideas Turntable PP-1 should fit the bill. This Paris-based creative studio partnered with Miniot Technology to offer the ultimate in minimalist design: a monolithic block of anodized aluminum (offered in a space gray or black finish) that plays records. There's no visible tonearm, but place a record on the sunken platter and a hidden door opens beneath the record being played to reveal the cartridge and stylus. Pricing for this made to order statement turntable is around $6,000. Top view of the Turntable PP-1, showing the door that conceals the cartridge Somewhere, a marketing team produced a Venn diagram showing overlap between music lovers who prefer listening to records and car lovers who have a thing for Lamborghinis. If you are in this demographic, Technics has the turntable for you. A special edition of the Technics SL-1200 Series (a coreless direct drive turntable loved by DJs) offers Lamborghini-inspired paint jobs in a choice of three colors: Arancio Apodis, Verde Shock, and Giallo Athon (or orange, green and yellow for those not in the know). Each of these special edition turntables also includes a Lamborghini-crested slipmat and a record featuring 'the engine sounds of flagship Automobili Lamborghini cars.' The Technics Special Edition Lamborghini turntable carries a $1599.99 price tag, which is a premium over the base SL-1200, but it's a heck of a lot more affordable than a Lamborghini Revuelto. Technics Special Edition Lamborghini Turntable in Verde Shock Massachusetts-based Andover Audio never stops innovating. Two years ago I reviewed the company's SpinBase MAX, a turntable audio system that leveraged proprietary ISOgroove technology and audio engineering expertise to deliver an immersive record listening experience from a single, space-saving cabinet that sits beneath the turntable itself. Andover Audio has just released the followup SpinBase MAX 2. It's still a space-saver that sits beneath your turntable and includes an integrated PHONO pre-amp. In fact, it looks almost identical to the original. But the new version gets an upgrade to six drivers (four 3.5-inch woofers and two silk dome tweeters), making the 270 degree soundstage even more convincing. And with 100W of total amplification on tap, the SpinBase MAX 2 has the power to fill even the largest rooms. I have a SpinBase MAX 2 set up in my office, so watch for my take on the latest Andover Audio release in the coming weeks. The SpinBase MAX 2 uses IsoGroove technology so you can set your turntable on top of it without ... More distortion Eversolo has very smart-looking amplifier that's designed to deliver the best in modern streaming music capabilities. The Eversolo Play offers multi-room capability (with room correction), a multi-band professional EQ, a 32-bit DAC, extensive high resolution digital file format support and up to 110W per channel of power. The premium, CNC-machined aluminum enclosure features a 5.5-inch HD touch display–perfect for viewing album art from integrated streaming music platforms such as Tidal and Apple Music. You can also use your smartphone for control. Around back, you'll find a wide range of inputs and outputs, including an integrated PHONO stage–plug in your turntable for the best of modern digital and analog music playback. There's even a version with a built-in CD player, so you can have comprehensive physical media playback capability in a modern amplifier. Eversolo Play is a modern music streaming amplifier with turntable support Finally, for those who want to fly their vinyl flag publicly, AndoAndoAndo has the must-have wristwatch. The Vinyl Record Automatic Watch (available in a variety of color combinations) is designed to look like the iconic Technics SL-1200 turntable with a tonearm instead of an hour hand. Maybe not the most practical timepiece, but definitely among the coolest. The ultimate watch for record fans? Missed the last Record Roundup? You can read RR30 here.
Stuff.tv
12-05-2025
- Stuff.tv
I'm excited about Panasonic's Z95B OLED – could it be a contender for TV of the year?
Panasonic revealed its latest flagship 4K TVs back at CES 2025 in January, but I finally had the chance to check them out in the flesh during a European launch event last week in Wiesbaden, Germany. The Panasonic 2025 TV lineup includes a handful of OLED TVs as well as a large selection of LEDs and a mini-LED option, too. It's headlined by the terrific Z95B OLED, following up last year's Z95A. So what makes it special? For starters the 55, 65 and 77in Z95B uses the same Primary Tandem RGB OLED panel four-stack approach as the excellent LG G5. The 5.1.2 speaker system is similar to last year's model but has made the side and upfiring speakers bigger while the rear speakers have been repositioned (bass output has gone from 20W to 30W). Panasonic is now branding its premium TV audio as 'tuned by Technics'. There's also use of a new cooling system, called ThermalFlow. This essentially flows air upwards out of the top of the unit, reducing turbulent (and warm) air behind the panel itself and so improving efficiency. The design has also been changed quite a bit, too, with the speaker along the bottom of the screen getting a more premium fabric finish. This looks smart and is a definite improvement over the Z95A. Everything is powered by the HCX AI Processor II and it also boasts the Penta Tuner which basically makes it easy to connect to whatever sources you want during setup, whether that's terrestrial tuning or IP TV. Naturally there's also support for Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ while there's a load of premium gaming features including two HDMI 2.1 ports, a 144Hz refresh rate, VRR, Nvidia G-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium. Improvements have also been made to Panasonic's Game Mode Extreme, too. The Z90B OLED is available in a wider range of screen sizes – 42, 48, 55, 65 and 77in. It does't have the Primary Tandem RGB panel, instead Panasonic calls this panel Master OLED Pro. The sound system is labelled Dynamic Theater Sound Pro. It comes with a built-in 30W subwoofer and Dolby Atmos support. It supports 144Hz, AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync VRR. The Z80B has many of the same features including Dolby Vision and Atmos but is a 120Hz refresh rate instead. It's available in 48, 55 and 65-inch sizes and has the HCX processor instead. Further down the range is the mini-LED W95B, 144Hz W93B, 120Hz W85B and the W80A which is a QLED set. The W70A and W61A also complete the LED lineup. The other noteworthy set is the W95B mini-LED and it's available in 55, 65, and 75in plus there's a large 85in option, too. It supports many of the flagship features from the OLED sets including Dolby Vision and Atmos, HDR10+, 144Hz, VRR anbd AMD FreeSync Premium. Panasonic has put its eggs very much in the Amazon Fire TV basket and it's this OS that's available on most of these models, with TiVo also an option on the cheaper sets. Panasonic also confirmed that its TVs will support Alexa+ when it is available (initially in the US). Fire TV remains a very good option, but it is so Amazon-centric that it does always feel you have to be an Amazon devotee to get the most out of it. The new OLEDs as well as the W95B mini-LED will also support Prime Video Calibrated Mode which has also appeared on Sony's TVs. It's an additional picture quality setting for your TV designed to reproduce content as the creator intended. We're looking forward to testing this out ourselves on Panasonic's flagship TVs when we review them as I've not been convinced by it so far as giving a picture quality improvement that you'd want to switch to. TV manufacturers want to seem increasingly close to tech used in pro-level studios and Panasonic is no stranger to doing this with Filmmaker Mode. The Z95B and W95B TVs can be calibrated at home, using Calman technology called AutoCal. This is certainly an interesting development that I'm looking forward to checking out too.
WIRED
21-04-2025
- WIRED
Technics' AZ100 Are Instant Contenders for the Best Premium Wireless Buds
Technics is no slouch in the feature department, and the latest pair offers just about every modern feature you could want. You'll find all the basics like auto-pause sensors, a multiband EQ, Google Fast Pair, and an Earbuds Finder, with customization available in the Technics app. In fact, virtually everything is customizable for an almost dizzying array of options. If there's something you don't like, from how the buds relay video sync to how your voice sounds on calls, there's likely an adjustment available. Not everything feels as polished as Apple's AirPods Pro, the software leader in the space. The AZ100's call suppression feature, for instance, does a great job killing ambient noise around your voice (or even the voice on the other end), but it makes you sound a bit sterile and robotic in the process. The app itself sometimes refused to load, forcing me to refresh it, though it was otherwise stable. Photograph: Ryan Waniata Multitaskers will be pleased to see the return of three-device multipoint pairing, letting you easily swap between your computer, tablet, and phone over Bluetooth, with no brand loyalty required. Speaking of Bluetooth, you'll not only get support for regular codecs like AAC and LDAC over Bluetooth 5.3, but also Bluetooth LE Audio, which should futureproof the buds for next-gen wireless streaming. The AZ100's touch controls are responsive, customizable, and comprehensive, with default options for playback, calling, volume, and ambient audio at the ready. The layout is a tad confusing at first, but I appreciate the ability to accomplish just about any task without grabbing your phone. Velvet Sparkle I often save the sound performance for last, but the AZ100's sound is too good to hold off any longer. Like most hi-fi buds, they provide a slow and steady revelation of their skills. The further you drill down, the better they sound. When I first fired them up, I was surprised by the sound signature's warm and almost thick flavor, seeming more reliant on the bass and lower mids than expected. That said, I generally prefer a smoother touch in my hi-fi over sharp and zingy, and it didn't take long to find that the AZ100's warm entrance acts almost like a velvet backdrop on which instrumental textures and effects glitter like jewels in the light.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Yahoo
Technics AZ100 review: Supreme sound quality and a unique Bluetooth tool
I wasn't impressed by the last pair of Technics earbuds I reviewed. The AZ70W was the first set to carry the iconic turntable brand's logo after Panasonic relaunched it in 2014. The 2020 model did some things well for $250, but inconsistent audio performance kept them from being a serious contender. The company followed up in 2021 with two more wireless earbud options, and 2023's AZ80 was well-regarded by many reviewers for its sound quality. For its 2025 model, Technics dug into its bag of tricks to improve the already mighty AZ80, resulting in the AZ100 ($300). These flagship earbuds offer all-new drivers, adaptive active noise cancellation (ANC), AI-tinged voice tools, Dolby Atmos spatial sound and one neat tool none of the competition does. And thankfully, the AZ100 makes good on the promise of 'epic, reference-quality high-resolution audio.' Technics/Engadget 85 100 Expert Score Technics AZ100 Technics' magnetic fluid drivers deliver big upgrades to sonic performance and you won't find three-device multipoint connectivity anywhere else. Pros Excellent sound quality Tons of options in the app Small size means comfy fit Three-device multipoint Bluetooth Cons ANC lags behind the best None of today's 'smart' features Spatial audio doesn't improve default tuning $284 at Amazon Sound quality I'm well aware that I'm skipping a few generations of Technics earbuds since the AZ70W, but that also means I have a much clearer picture of how much the company has improved since the beginning. The AZ100 is a sonic marvel compared to that first model, offering some of the best sound quality in any of the hundreds of earbuds I've tested over the years. Advertisement The technology behind the audio boost is new magnetic fluid drivers. Technics says they offer 'low distortion, accurate bass and high resolution.' These parts were developed with the company's know-how from its $1,200 EAH-TZ700 in-ear monitors (IEMs), which also pack in 10mm magnetic fluid drivers. The fluid is integrated into the voice coil of the driver to ensure precise movement of the diaphragm, leading to minimal distortion and excellent clarity across the soundstage. Technics also took care to improve bass performance on the AZ100. Those drivers help with that, but the earbuds also have a new acoustic control chamber and harmonizer to expand the low-end capabilities. It also doesn't hurt that the AZ100 supports both Dolby Atmos for spatial audio and Sony's LDAC high-res wireless audio codec. While the former is common on flagship sets, the latter is rare outside of Sony's own earbuds and headphones. The AZ100 is at its best with high-res tunes like Apple Music's Dolby Atmos catalog. With L.S. Dunes' alt-rock/post-hardcore Violet, the earbuds deliver big, punchy bass that remains tight and detailed. The kick drum, for example, has a thunderous cadence and serves as a prime canvas for the refinements Technics made to the audio platform on the AZ100. Even older albums from the early aughts, like The Appleseed Cast's Mare Vitalis, envelop you with drums, dueling guitars and the atmosphere of a live performance rather than a recorded album. That's impressive when you consider this is streaming lossless on Apple Music, not Dolby Atmos. Speaking of spatial audio, that's the one area where the AZ100 stumbles in terms of sound quality. That immersive mode is available with or without Dolby dynamic head tracking, and when it's toggled on, the sound gets too thin for my liking. The energy that the improved bass brings to the stock tuning is gone, leaving a more sterile audio profile that's a bit boring. ANC performance The star of the show is the new magnetic fluid drivers inside the AZ100. Despite Technics' use of its 'most advanced' noise-canceling tech, the AZ100 lags behind the best in that regard. These earbuds do employ adaptive ANC that automatically adjusts to your environment, but it's not as good as what Bose offers on the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. The AZ100 will serve you well in some situations, but like much of the competition, they don't handle chatty neighbors in the office well and don't silence constant noise sources like fans and white noise machines. App and features Every earbud company offers a companion app nowadays, although their utility can vary greatly. Technics has packed a lot into its software, and most of what you need frequently is right on the home screen. Once the AZ100 is paired with your phone, the app shows battery life for the earbuds individually and the case up top. You then get a usage guide, noise cancelling controls, EQ presets and a Voice Focus AI Test. Along the bottom, there's quick access to ambient sound, EQ and the more detailed settings menu. Advertisement That settings menu is where things start to get confusing. Simply put, there are so many options here that it can all be overwhelming. And in some cases, items that should be higher up are closer to the bottom — like customizing the touch controls. Spatial audio can only be activated from this menu, which I'd argue should be an item on the home screen. There's a lot here to help you configure the AZ100 to your liking, but it will take some time to find everything you need. One unique feature that Technics offers is multipoint Bluetooth connectivity for up to three devices. I haven't experienced this on any other earbuds, but the feature isn't without caveats. First, LDAC audio can't be used when three devices are connected, most likely due to the constraints of Bluetooth. In fact, Technics recommends disabling multipoint if you want to listen to LDAC-quality tunes. With the app, the company allows you to select whether multipoint will switch devices during media playback or when a call comes in. I mostly used multipoint with just my phone and laptop, but if a tablet is also part of your daily workflow, or you have a dedicated work phone, I can see the utility of a triple threat. Call quality The outside panels of the AZ100 reliably accept tap commands. The Voice Focus AI Test is a tool that allows you to hear what you'll sound like on calls using the AZ100. It's a nice feature to have so you can determine if the earbuds are good enough for important calls or virtual presentations. And to that end, the AZ100 sounds clear and somewhat natural when you're in a quiet spot. When you move to a louder location and the Voice Focus AI kicks in, you're going to sound more robotic and processed. The folks on the other side will hear you and none of the background noise, but voice quality noticeably suffers. There are two options for ambient sound — Transparent and Attention — but neither assist much with voice and video calls. The AZ100 doesn't pipe your voice back through the earbuds, so you do have to speak up to hear yourself. When in ambient mode, Transparent allows all sound through the earbuds with no changes while Attention focuses more on voices. I actually found Transparent to be the better of the two in all instances, even when I was trying to listen to someone talking. Battery life Technics promises up to 10 hours of battery life with ANC enabled, plus another 18 hours when you factor in the wireless charging case. If you opt for LDAC audio, those figures drop to seven hours and 11 hours respectively. After 10 hours of use with noise cancellation turned on, the AZ100 still had 20 percent battery left. Based on the rate of depletion I experienced, that would be enough for about two more hours. And when you find yourself in a pinch, a 15-minute charge will give you up to 90 minutes of use. Those magnetic fluid drivers give the AZ100 improved bass performance. You have to get pretty far down the spec sheet on the AZ100 for a discussion of the design updates. That's because the sound and tech upgrades are the real story here. But, Technics did make some changes to the look of these earbuds compared to the AZ80, including reducing the size and weight. The company says a revised shape allows the IPX4-rated AZ100 to better hug the curves of your ears for increased comfort and stability. That holds true as the earbuds always stayed in place and I never felt any irritation, even after hours of use. Advertisement Both the earbuds' touch panel and the lid of the case are emblazoned with the iconic Technics logo in gold on textured metal (on both the black and silver color options). This definitely gives the whole set a premium look, although I'm sure not everyone will be thrilled with the gold. None of the design changes are a huge departure from the AZ100's predecessor, but the thoughtful refinements, especially to the shape and fit, are notable. The competition Before the AZ100 arrived, Bowers & Wilkins stood atop Engadget's best wireless earbuds list in the best sound category for a long time. Recently, the company was relegated to number two at the hands of the incredible but pricey FoKus Rex5 from Noble Audio. Neither Bowers & Wilkins nor Technics can compete with the five-driver setup that Noble offers, but the two companies offer excellent audio quality for less than the $449 price tag on the FoKus Rex5. Since the competition is now for second place, I give the edge to the AZ100. There's a lot to like about Bowers & Wilkins' Pi8, and if you prefer a more natural sound with less boomy low-end tone, they're probably the pick for you. For me, I like the added bass the new Technics drivers provide and there's a longer list of features for the AZ100. In terms of ANC performance, I also give the nod to Technics, plus the AZ100 is $100 less than the Pi8. Wrap-up It's hard to follow a highly regarded product with another great one. Perhaps that's why a lot of audio companies rarely make huge changes to earbuds and headphones for new models, choosing instead to keep sound quality and ANC performance consistent. 'If it ain't broke…' and all that. Advertisement Technics thought it could make its well-reviewed AZ80 even better by borrowing tech from another entry in its portfolio and the gamble has definitively paid off. Sure, you can find better noise-canceling performance with Bose and more modern features with Sony, but Technics has formulated excellent sound quality that few can challenge. I'd say that Best of CES award was well-earned.
