Technics EAH-AZ60M2

Look, at $249, the Technics EAH-AZ60M2 are a tough sell, plain and simple. While they deliver that signature Technics sonic clarity, with a rich and detailed soundstage that’s genuinely pleasing to the ear, and the "JustMyVoice" call tech is a definite step up in noisy environments, the noise cancellation, frankly, doesn't quite hit the premium mark expected at this price. You'll get a decent reduction in ambient hum, but those truly seeking to vanish into their audio will find similarly priced – and even some cheaper – competitors offer a more profound silence. This isn't a bad earbud, not by a long shot, but it feels like a product playing it safe when the competition is making bolder moves.

The core issue here is value. While the connectivity is indeed robust and the sound quality is a highlight, the EAH-AZ60M2 find themselves in a precarious position. As multiple reviews have pointed out, their own stablemate, the AZ80, offers a demonstrably better experience for a bit more coin, and frankly, even the previous generation AZ60 might be a wiser investment depending on current street prices. For the discerning buyer who prioritizes pristine audio and clear calls above all else, and can live with merely *good* ANC, the AZ60M2 might be considered. However, for most looking for the best all-around noise-cancelling earbud in this bracket, you're better off looking elsewhere or, perhaps more prudently, saving up for Technics' own superior offering.