KZ AM16
Technics EAH-AZ100
What Buyers Say
KZ AM16
The KZ IEMs are widely praised for their impressive sound quality, with clear highs, rich mids, and deep bass that many find perfect for music and gaming. Users appreciate the lower listening volume needed, which reduces ear fatigue, and the comfortable fit with multiple ear tip sizes. However, one unit arrived with internal damage and unbalanced sound, and the stock rubber tips could be better. Overall, these are seen as a great value upgrade from previous models, especially when paired with a DAC.
Pros
- Impressive sound quality
- Clear highs and rich mids
- Deep satisfying bass
- Lower listening volume reduces ear fatigue
- Comfortable fit with multiple ear tip sizes
Cons
- One unit arrived with internal damage
- Unbalanced sound on defective unit
- Stock rubber tips could be better
- Heavy for running
Technics EAH-AZ100
The Technics EAH-AZ100 earbuds are overwhelmingly praised for their exceptional sound quality, with users highlighting deep bass, clear highs, and immersive audio. Comfort, battery life, and noise cancellation are also frequently commended, though some users note the price is high and volume could be louder. A few minor issues like Bluetooth LE disconnects and initial multi-device pairing were mentioned, but overall sentiment is very positive.
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality
- Deep immersive bass
- Effective noise cancellation
- Comfortable fit
- Excellent battery life
Cons
- High price point
- Limited maximum volume
- Bluetooth LE disconnects
- Initial multi-device pairing issues
- Plastic exterior
Scores
Specifications
| KZ AM16 | Technics EAH-AZ100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | — | true wireless |
| Ear Tips | — | 5 x Eartip Pairs |
| Weight | 0.07 kg | 0.05 kg★ |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | balanced armature | dynamic |
| Driver Size | — | 10 mm★ |
| Drivers | 8★ | 1 |
| Freq Min | — | 20 Hz★ |
| Freq Max | — | 40 kHz★ |
| Impedance | 16 Ω | 16 Ω |
| Hi-Res Audio | — | ✓★ |
| Codecs | KZ AM16 in Ear Monitor Headphones 16BA Drivers HiFi IEM Earphones High Clarity Gaming Earbuds Clarity in All Frequency Stereo Sound Comfortable Headphones for Musicians (Deep Base, Nomic) | AAC, LC3, LDAC, SBC |
| Surround | — | Dolby Atmos |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | — | ✓★ |
| ANC Type | — | adaptive |
| Transparency | — | ✓★ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | — | ✓★ |
| Bluetooth | — | 5.3★ |
| Profiles | — | AVRCP, A2DP, HSP, HFP, TMAP, PBP |
| Multipoint | — | ✓★ |
| Wired Connector | — | Bluetooth |
| Range | — | 10 m★ |
| Earbud Battery | ||
| Battery Life | — | 8 hrs★ |
| Charge Time | — | 2.5 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | — | 15 min. for 90 min. playback |
| Charging | — | USB-C★ |
| Case Battery | ||
| Case Battery | — | 28 hrs★ |
| Case Charging | — | USB-C★ |
| Wireless Charging | — | ✓★ |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | — | 6★ |
| NC Mic | — | ✓★ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | — | Google Assistant, Siri |
| Touch Controls | — | ✓★ |
| App | — | Android & iOS |
| Volume Limiting | — | ✗ |
| Gaming Mode | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Bone Conduction | ✗ | ✗ |
| Water Resistance | — | IPX4 |
Pros & Cons
KZ AM16
- Strong sound (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Strong comfort (72nd percentile)
- Below average connectivity (28th percentile)
- Below average anc (31st percentile)
- Below average build (34th percentile)
- Below average social proof (35th percentile)
Technics EAH-AZ100
- Strong connectivity (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong sound (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong mic (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong anc (97th percentile)97th %ile
Pricing
KZ AM16 offers 1.6x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 100 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 20 of 39 specs.