There’s a lot of competition in the $300 to $400 price range when it comes to audiophile, noise-cancelling, wireless headphones. However, when I received Technics’ EAH-A800 ($349, now available on sale for $299), I knew better than to dismiss it as a “me too” product that exists merely to beef up a company’s product list. I say this since I recently reviewed its somewhat late-to-the-game SA-C600 Network CD Receiver ($999) for Sound & Vision magazine and was blown away at the technology, features, and performance that were packed inside for its very modest asking price.
Other considerations aside, the EAH-A800 is an enticing photography subject. It has a high-tech silver finish (black is also available) and memory foam headband and earpads that are covered in an upscale, leatherette material. It also features striking plastic and brushed aluminum earcups, each of which sports a large engraved Technics wordmark logo.
I will leave a full review of the EAH-A800 to others and instead do most of my talking through my photographs. I will say though that these cans bring the bass and then some. In fact, there was often way too much of it when using the headphones’ default audio setting. Fortunately, the Technics Audio Connect app contains, among other things, a five-band equalizer that allows the bass to be dialed back. Other highlights of these very able, luxurious, and modernistic-looking headphones include excellent noise cancellation functionality, impressive battery life, and the ability to simultaneously connect two wireless devices so that you can hear calls and other notifications from your phone while listening to your favorite AC/DC song from your laptop.
Pretty in silver: the EAH-A800 (also available in black) has an elegant, modern design.
Unlike some headphones, you'll have no trouble telling which earpiece is for which ear.
Easy-to-reach buttons allow control of volume and other functions.
The headphones can be used with the Technics Audio Connect app for adjustment of EQ, noise cancellation and other features.
Because the EAH-A800 is a true wireless design, no cables are needed for listening, and the headphones can also be used in wired mode.
Howard Kneller’s audiophile adventures are documented on his YouTube channel (The Listening Chair with Howard Kneller) and on Instagram (@howardkneller). His art and photography can also be found on Instagram (@howardkneller.photog). Finally, he posts a bit of everything on Facebook (@howardkneller).
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