Our second new headphone from CES 2022 comes to us from Technics. It’s another noise cancelling wireless over-ear, just like the Mark Levinson No. 5909, except for about a third of the price.
The new Technics EAH-A800 Headphones claim to not only provide excellent sound quality, but also crystal clear voice communication. To top of the package, Technics is stating an industry leading 30 to 60 hours of battery life, depending which features are engaged.
Sound Quality
The Technics EAH-A800 headphones feature a newly developed 40 mm dynamic driver. A free edge diaphragm in the dome and edge is said to ensure clear sound and deep bass with minimal distortion. The Acoustic Control Chamber accurately controls air flow to enhance the performance of the driver for precise bass and rich spatial expression. Further, use of thin-film polymer multi-layer capacitors—a technology used in Technics’ high-grade audio amplifiers— facilitates a stable current through the audio circuit, which limits distortion and generates high-quality sound. The EAH-A800 also supports High-Resolution Audio Quality with Bluetooth® and LDAC technology1, delivering a wide, dynamic range of sound with fast response and high definition.
1: Delivered in 96 kHz/24 bit LDAC when connected by Bluetooth®. LDAC compatible source device is required.
Superior Call Quality
A total of eight mics play a huge role in supporting more comfortable, natural conversation. Four MEMS mics operate simultaneously to pick up the speaker’s voice with superior precision, while noise cancellation makes it easy to focus on the conversation. Another four mics with beamforming technology and noise reduction activate simultaneously from both sides of the headphones to reduce background noise and capture voices in three dimensions. Technics’ unique signal processing analyzes the voice and suppresses surrounding noise to deliver the voice more clearly.
Wind Noise Suppression
Noise from wind is one factor that can negatively affect call quality; to ensure excellent call clarity in any environment, Technics changed its microphone design to minimize wind noise. The EAH-A800 headphones use a Feed-Forward Mic with small holes installed deep inside the unit to improve air resistance and minimize vibrations caused by wind. The EAH-A800 are also equipped with multiple chambers to limit air vibrations. The Main Talk Mic has also been designed with a different mesh material at the front and back to control vibrations, while the windshield on the Sub Talk Mic has a top cover to prevent direct wind exposure.
Industry-leading Noise Cancelling
Technics’ industry-leading noise cancelling allows those working from anywhere to immerse themselves in the sound, no matter the location. Through Dual Hybrid Noise Cancelling Technology, which combines two pairs of noise cancelling functions, an analog filter and a Feed-Back Mic, and a Feed-Forward Mic and a digital filter, noise both inside and outside the headphones can be minimized for Industry-leading2 noise cancelling performance.
2: As of Oct 31, 2021, According to research by Panasonic Corporation, based on published playback time (AAC, NC ON) in the over-ear style noise cancelling headphones market.
Natural Ambient / Attention Mode
The EAH-A800 headphones are equipped with two ambient sound modes: Natural Ambient Mode and Attention Mode. Natural Ambient Mode comprehensively captures a wide range of low to high frequencies, leading to a more natural sound that allows the user to pay attention to surrounding noise while listening to music or making calls. Attention Mode reduces unwanted external noise to make it easier to hear voices, so users can listen for airport and train announcements or speak to their families at home while listening to music.
Bluetooth Multipoint Pairing
Multipoint pairing allows users to connect to two Bluetooth® devices at the same time. For example, if you join a video conference on your laptop but need to discuss a matter with someone else on the phone, you can begin talking on the phone simply by touching the call button.
Comfort
The EAH-A800 has been designed to ensure a comfortable fit. The 3D earpads feature a curved design to apply uniform pressure to the whole ear. The earpads are cushioned with memory foam to distribute pressure and ensure a secure fit, while a wire spring in the headband optimizes pressure across the entire head. The inner diameter of the earpad has been enlarged to wrap around the ear, yet the headphones themselves can be stored in a compact carrying case.
Specifications
| Driver Unit | 40 mm (1-9/16 in) | |
| Impedance | 34Ω | |
| Sensitivity | 105 dB/mW @1kHz | |
| Frequency Response (Power ON) | 4 Hz – 40k Hz | |
| Mic | Monaural, MEMS Mic | |
| Playback Time with Battery (LDAC) | Approx. 40 hours (NC ON) Approx. 50 hours (NC OFF) | |
| Playback Time with Battery (AAC) | Approx. 50 hours (NC ON) Approx. 60 hours (NC OFF) | |
| Charging Time (25°C / 77°F) | Approx. 3.0 hours (Using the power source 1200 mA or higher) | |
| Quick Charge (15 minutes, AAC) | 10 hours (NC ON) | |
| Standby Time | Approx. 60 hours (NC ON), Approx. 120 hours (NC OFF)*Auto power off : OFF | |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | Approx. 170 mm x 196 mm x 85 mm Approx. 6-11/16 inch x 7-11/16 inch x 3-3/8 inch | |
| Weight | Approx. 298 g (10.5 oz) | |
| Supplied Accessory | USB charging cord: Approx. 0.5 m (1.6 ft) Input Plug : USB Type-A Shape, Output Plug : USB Type-C Shape), Detachable cord: Approx. 1 m (3.3 ft) | |
| Bluetooth | Version 5.2 | |
| Supported Profiles | A2DP, AVRCP, HSP, HFP | |
| Codec | SBC, AAC, LDACSBC, AAC, LDACSBC, AAC, LDACSBC, AAC, LDAC | |
| Operating Distance | Up to 10 m (33 ft) | |
| Dual Hybrid Noise Cancelling | Yes | |
| Bluetooth® Multipoint Pairing | Yes |
Price & Availability
The Technics EAH-A800 will be available for $349.99 at Amazon, Crutchfield and at Technics.com in March 2022.
Related reading: Best Headphones Right Now
NWWOODS
April 15, 2022 at 11:34 pm
I purchased a pair of these and returned to sender after a couple of weeks. I thought they sounded rather poor wired, after which I did not even bother to audition the bluetooth functionality.