In 2020, Kenji Nomura's new "Potaode" product is this!

New portable audio products in 2020, focused on audio and visual writer Kenji Nomura

However, it doesn't mean that products are becoming less popular. There were some products whose release was postponed around the spring of 2020, but from the summer onwards, more new products than usual have appeared.

The biggest change in portable audio in 2020 was the breakthrough of wireless earphones. It is true that the sales volume of Bluetooth type wireless earphones has increased rapidly so far, but it has finally become an alternative to wired earphones.

What's more, the low-priced models for the general public, where convenience is emphasized, are wireless, while the high-end models for enthusiasts, who prioritize sound quality, are mainly wired models. .

Bluetooth wireless is still developing in terms of sound quality and latency, so it seems that this polarized state will continue for a while (it seems that it will take some time to make high-end models wireless), but it is an epoch-making product There is only an industry where the situation changes in the blink of an eye when .

Completely wireless noise-cancelling with all kinds of flowers. Focusing on microphone performance

By the way, the portable product that represents 2020 is definitely a completely wireless earphone. Along with the price reduction, the new functionality of active noise canceling (ANC, hereafter NC) has also attracted attention, and as a result, many new products have appeared from various manufacturers.

In particular, the new NC-equipped products seem to be very well received, and they are maintaining high rankings in several sales rankings. The best-selling item is the Apple “AirPods Pro” (released in 2019) that everyone knows. The Sony “WF-1000XM3” has also been very popular since its launch in 2019, but in 2020, high-performance NCs such as Bose “QuietComfort Earbuds”, Jabra “Elite 85t”, and Technics “EAH-AZ70W” High-end models with functions are gaining popularity.

On the other hand, Audio-Technica "Sound Reality ATH-CKR70TW", AVIOT "TE-D01m", Sennheiser "MOMENTUM True Wireless 2", etc. are also attracting attention. In fact, the NC function of earphones is still in the development stage, so mild NC products that minimize sound quality deterioration are also very attractive. It depends on the usage situation, but at present, it seems better to choose a headphone type product if you need a high-performance NC function.

Also, in response to the demand for staying home, more and more manufacturers are focusing on the microphone performance of completely wireless earphones. In particular, Technics "EAH-AZ70W" and Audio-Technica "ATH-CKR70TW" pick up high-quality and easy-to-hear audio, so they are very useful for web conferences. If you want to emphasize microphone performance, please try these two first.

Completely wireless earbuds under 10,000 yen, one after another, with improved sound and connectivity

As for low-priced fully wireless earphones, Chinese brands are still strong, but Anker, TaoTronics, An increasing number of manufacturers, such as MPOW, are expanding their business in Japan with a solid system. There is a clear difference with the high-end model, but the sound quality and connectivity are getting much better.

There are products such as the TaoTronics "SoundLiberty 97" that can be purchased in the 3,000 yen range, so for those who want to try a completely wireless earphone, we recommend these products as candidates. Oh yeah, MPOW has a lineup of earphones called “X3 ANC” that have NC functions and sell for around 8,000 yen. It can be said that it is a happy existence for those who want NC functions but can't afford expensive products.

Wired earphones are also attracting attention, and Shure's "AONIC series" is attractive

Attractive wired earphones are also appearing one after another. Although the main player in the market share of earphones has been handed over to wireless, there are still many products that are superior in terms of sound quality and have good cost performance compared to wireless earphones that force digital systems and batteries into small spaces. It is

Among the wired earphones released in 2020, Shure's AONIC series (three wired models: AONIC 3, AONIC 4, and AONIC 5) are the most noteworthy. In contrast to the conventional SE series, which was mainly for professional use such as stage monitors, the AONIC series is finished as a consumer-oriented product, and has Shure's first hybrid driver configuration "AONIC 4" (actual price: about 36,000 yen including tax). ) has appeared, making it a very attractive lineup. It's definitely not a cheap product, but I think it's worth owning as a standard of sound quality and a reference model.

In addition, we also recommend new products in the 10,000 yen class. The final "A3000" and "A4000" will entertain you with a high-quality, direct sound, and the TFZ "LIVE 3" will delight you with its well-modulated and relaxed sound. The new Chinese brand MOONDROP is also attracting attention, and the entry-level model "SSR (Super Starship Reference)" sells for around 5,000 yen, but you can enjoy an unexpectedly rich and expressive sound. It's less convenient than wireless, but how about enjoying it while devising ways to use it, such as combining it with a DAP and enjoying it mainly indoors?

In fact, portable players were booming. Unique models from various companies

You may be surprised, but portable DAPs (digital audio players) have also been quite active this year. Wireless earphones have become mainstream, and standard music players on smartphones have become high-resolution compatible. DAP is facing a strong headwind, but unique products are appearing one after another, perhaps in order to respond to such adversity.

For example, Astell&Kern, one of the male DAP makers, has built-in AKM (Asahi Kasei Electronics) and ESS DACs, and you can enjoy using different sound characters differently, such as the "A&futura SE200", which is the first in the brand. Products with ambitious concepts such as "KANN ALPHA" equipped with a 4.4mm balanced terminal have appeared.

In China, HiBy "R8 pro" equipped with a communication SIM slot for streaming playback, Shanling "M8" that can replace the headphone terminal, and LUXURY & PRECISION equipped with R2R (ladder type) discrete DAC for the first time in DAP In addition to pursuing sound quality, products with unique configurations such as "P6" are also being born one after another.

HiBy, HIDIZS, Shanling, and other small and lightweight entry-level models have improved sound quality and improved high-resolution sound source specifications. It's getting more powerful. The latest DAP can be said to be a very attractive existence for both low-priced models and high-end models.

In addition, audio accessories for smartphones such as in-line type headphone amplifiers and Bluetooth receivers connected with USB-C terminals have been enhanced. We hope that you will pay close attention to future portable audio products.

Kenji Nomura

Mainly working on AV equipment such as portable audio and home audio, he is widely active in professional magazines, mono magazines, and web media. Especially for headphones and earphones, he has a deep knowledge, such as listening to more than 300 products a year for more than 10 years. In addition, he is active in a wide range of media, including regular appearances on TBS TV “Kaiun Ongakudo” and Rainbow Town FM “Mikeraji!”.