- Comparing the two strongest candidates for the Best TWS of 2020
- Basic specifications
- Appearance
- Fit
- Active noise canceling performance
- Active noise canceling recording
- Usability
- Sound quality
- Listening comparison (sensory test)
- Final verdict
- Recommended articles
Comparing the two strongest candidates for the Best TWS of 2020
If 2019 was the year for the Sony WF-1000XM3 and AirPods Pro, the 2020's true wireless earphones market may be represented by these two models. In other words, Technics EAH-AZ70W and SENNHEISER MOMENTUM True Wireless 2 (MTW2).
Both have become high-end models for TWS for about $300, and the sound quality has been built with the aim of becoming the highest peak of TWS.
Today, we will share a comparative reference article on which of these two models suits your taste. Please enjoy!
Basic specifications
| Technics EAH-AZ70W | SENNHEISER MOMENTUM True Wireless 2 | |
| Codec | AAC／SBC | aptX／AAC/SBC |
| ANC | ○ | ○ |
| Transparent hearing | ○ | ○ |
| Play time／With Charging Case | 6.5h／19.5h | 7h／28h |
| Water Proof | IPX4 | IPX4 |
The major difference in specifications is that EAH-AZ70W does not support aptX and is inferior to MTW2 even in maximum playback time. However, in reality, there should be almost no difference in playback time within the range of daily use.
Both waterproof performance is equivalent to IPX4, and it will withstand sweat proof and a little rain.
Appearance
The case design of the EAH-AZ70W may be slightly more compact. MTW2 seems to be lighter in weight. The MTW2 feels like it fits in my hand and the earphones are easier to remove.
Fit
MTW2 has slightly less protrusion, but there is almost no difference in feeling of wearing.
Active noise canceling performance
The graph below is not based on the official procedure of the standard, but is based on my own method.
The specific test method is
- HATS (head for measurement) is covered with OneAudio A9, active noise canceling is turned on, white noise is played back, and "reference noise" is measured.
- Next, insert each earphone with M size of each standard eartips into HATS, cover it with OneAudio A9, turn on active noise canceling, play white noise, and measure every 1/6 octave.
- A free sound field correction filter is applied during measurement.
The following is a graph of the data, but due to the characteristics of the ear simulator used, low frequencies below 20hz and high frequencies above 16khz are not so helpful.
What you can see from the graph is that the sound insulation performance of EAH-AZ70W was excellent in the low range and MTW2 in the middle range in this measurement test. Regarding the average sound insulation performance of the whole, when the average value of the audible range (20hz to 20khz) was calculated, the average sound insulation performance of EAH-AZ70W was 18.11dB, whereas the average sound insulation performance of MTW2 was 17.82dB.
At least based on the measured values of my test, the sound insulation of EAH-AZ70W is slightly better, but the difference in the feeling of fitting also affects it, so please use it as only advisory value.
ANC experience
Although the numerical values have already been shown, there is the question of what the actual perceived performance is. This has been tested in two ways. First of all, I played back the voice data recorded inside the train with headphones and put it on the earphones to experience the sound insulation. The other was to operate the circulator and experience the sound insulation of the wind noise.
In conclusion, the EAH-AZ70W is far superior to my experience. It's a level that I can see right away. It is speculated that EAH-AZ70W may be superior overall in terms of active noise canceling performance.
Active noise canceling recording
Here, you can experience a simulated active noise canceling.
The recording is that the one that played each environmental sound source with the active noise canceling of One Audio A9 turned on was recorded first. Next, after mounting each earphone with the ANC function turned on, the one that reproduced each environmental sound source from OneAudio A9 similarly follows. Actually, it may differ slightly depending on the fit, but please enjoy it as an advisory.
In addition, the environmental sound source uses the sound source of 効果音ラボ (the sound effect lab).
On the train
Reference environmental sound
EAH-AZ70W
MTW2
Main street
Reference environmental sound
EAH-AZ70W
MTW2
On the plane
Reference environmental sound
EAH-AZ70W
MTW2
Usability
Frankly speaking, MTW2 is better for me in terms of usability. The reason is as follows.
- MTW2 has smoother connection
- Charge lasts longer with MTW2
- MTW2 has less white noise
- EAH-AZ70W frequently breaks communication when switching between master and slave
Personally, MTW2 seems to have a higher degree of perfection as a true wireless earphone after all.
Sound quality
Both EAH-AZ70W and MTW2 are said to have the highest sound quality as a completely wireless earphone. Both of them have sound quality like a high-end model that is conscious of enhancement of the mid range, but the idea of the sound quality design seems to be slightly different.
The graph below shows the frequency characteristics of both measured with my HATS. The ear tips used the standard ear tips of each earphone, the EAH-AZ70W used the M size, and the MTW2 used the second ear tip from the top matching the size.
Equipment used
- SAMURA HATS Type3500RHR System: HEAD & TORSO, left and right S-Type ear model (Type4565 / 4566: IEC60268-7 compliant)
- AWA type 6162 711 ear simulator
- Microphone preamplifier: Type4053
- Type5050 microphone amplifier power supply
- Audio interface: ROLAND Rubix 24
- Analyzer software: TypeDSSF3-L
Well, looking at the frequency graph obtained by measurement, MTW2 and EAH-AZ70W have similar atmosphere above the upper middle range, but there is a big difference from the middle low range to the lower part of the middle range.
When it comes to sound range related to sound thickness, MTW2 is superior, the sound thickness of the contrabass and the acoustic richness are good, and you can enjoy a deeper middle range with classical sound sources and JAZZ. However, the EAH-AZ70W excels at low depths, and the floor surface is more clearly recognized. Depending on the ear tip and sound source, the MTW2 sound may sound a little blurred.
The calm atmosphere and emphasis of the high range of MTW2 brings a hall-like three-dimensional effect to the sound field. The calmness of the mid-high range makes it easy to hear the mid-range vocals naturally, and suppresses sharp points, edges, and sibilance.
The EAH-AZ70W is more edged, sharper than the MTW2, and more likely to have husky or slight edgyness at the ends of voices. However, since the mid-low and lower mids are clean, the drums and bass will sound clear without Overlapping, and the mids will be a bit dry, but crisp. In general, it may lack the taste of low-frequency strings, but it is thought to be excellent with the clarity of the bass sound and the weight of the drum kick, and is compatible with modern music.
Listening comparison (sensory test)
We actually connected both earphones to the FiiO M15 and compared them.
Daft Punk - "One More Time"
The EAH-AZ70TW is clear where the low range rhythm is deep. However, in this song, since there is no thickness in the lower midrange, the vocals are a little dry and the instrument sounds a bit thin. The resolution isn't bad, but the mid and high frequencies are a little noisy, and I feel a slightly confusing atmosphere.
In the case of this song, I would rather prefer the MTW2 sound. Since it is inferior to the EAH-AZ70TW in the low frequency range, the start is a little poor, but when the song starts running, the thick middle and low frequency support provides the body for vocals and instrument sounds, and also for punching. It gives a realistic thickness. In addition, the mid-high range is calm, and the thickness of the mid-low range provides an appropriate sense of fulfillment, so it does not feel as rugged as the EAH-AZ70W.
HARUHI - "Sora no Parade"
From the first impression, many people may find the EAH-AZ70W preferable when listening to this song. The midrange will be clean and transparent, the edges and chimes of an acoustic guitar will shine clearly, and the snare drums will sound crisper and crisper. It's hi-fi overall, and the bass sound is well separated from the midrange and sounds deep. The vocals are clean and easy to hear, but they are slightly more consonant and bite-breathing, which sounds a bit aggressive. For people who are sensitive to spikes in the high range, it may be a little annoying because the mid range is clean and crisp.
On the other hand, the sound of MTW2 is warmer. The first impression is that there is obviously a lot of heat around the vocals, so it may sound dull. The sinking of the bass sound is not strong, but rather it creates a thickness and supports the midrange. Vocals may be less clear than the EAH-AZ70W, because they can be heard while being buried in the thickness in the mid-mid range, but they are deeper and more moist.
Which do I like? For this song, MTW2.
Final verdict
First of all, regarding the sound quality, basically it is safe to choose EAH-AZ70W for people who are sensitive to bleeding, and MTW2 for those who are concerned about high frequency piercing. MTW2 sounds more acoustic, and I think that you can feel more body especially in male vocals, but EAH-AZ70W will be superior in terms of the overall audibility of vocals.
The noise canceling performance is clearly superior to the EAH-AZ70W. Other than that, in terms of overall usability, the MTW2 is a win for me.
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