Archive - June 2021

Technics components are officially back in Australia. The SB-C700AEB-W Speaker System and the SU-C700EG-S Stereo Integrated Amplifier will be available in store from July.

Aaron Waters, Product Marketing Manager – Audio and Video, Panasonic said: “I’m thrilled to be expanding our range and introducing these Technics components. They are designed for absolute harmony in terms of pure, accurate sound as well as looking stylish together – and can be paired with a companion turntable such as the SL-1200GR to deliver perfectly matched and calibrated audio. Stay tuned for more announcements from Technics in Australia!”

The unique, premium-class Technics bookshelf speakers belie their small footprint to deliver a superb live soundstage focus, excellent imaging and the ambience required to achieve the ‘live music’ experience. The unique glossy white cabinet is created by repeated coating, sanding, polishing and finishing with a high degree of craftsmanship. It is not simply attractive to look at, but also engineered to suppress fine vibrations and enhance sound accuracy.

The Technics SU-C700 amplifier beautifully complements the speaker system in sound and design, with innovative fully-digitised processing that delivers a pure and accurate signal to the speakers. It boasts a high-rigidity aluminium cabinet and a white LED illuminated large level meter.

The components will be available in store from July via selected Technics audio specialist retailers. The SB-C700AEB-W is priced at $3099 RRP and the SU-C700EG-S is priced at $2749 RRP.

SB-C700AEB-W Speaker System

Speaker Design

The SB-C700 achieves high transparency and a precise sound image, delivering on the Technics linear-phase, point-sound-source concept. The flat coaxial two-way speaker drive unit is an original Technics development, designed for the faithful reproduction of mid-range and high-frequency sound.

The speaker unit combines a tweeter for high frequencies and a woofer for mid-range and bass. Because the tweeter is at the center of the woofer, the speaker acts as a point sound source, providing a coherent, integrated sound across the frequency range, without directional anomalies.

The flat woofer diaphragm has a sandwich-structure using lightweight, high-rigidity carbon fibre skins and a honeycomb core, and is designed for a highly accurate pistonic motion over a frequency range extending beyond the crossover frequency with the tweeter, thus ensuring smooth integration.

Cabinet Design

The SB-C700 cabinet is designed to support the point source drive units securely, preventing unwanted resonance and ensuring a smooth flow of sound without diffraction or reflection.

The front baffle is designed for maximum stiffness and resonance-damping,
while the monocoque cabinet offers high rigidity, as each side of the cubic structure reinforces the adjacent panels.

The bass reflex port on the rear panel has a ‘parabola’ design, its curvature continuously varying from the inlet to the outlet to suppress turbulence at the exit as well flow-noise within the port, thus delivering smooth and powerful bass with minimum noise.

SU-C700EG-S Stereo Integrated Amplifier

The SU-C700 is a fully-digital amplifier and delivers high-resolution digital signals without any distortion being introduced between the input stage and output to the speakers. The Technics-developed original jitter-reduction circuit avoids the sound quality degradation due to jitter common to conventional digital amps. It uses a clock generator for the noise-shaping system to reduce jitter in the low-frequency range and a high-precision sample rate converter to suppress jitter in the high-frequency range.

The speaker impedance optimisation algorithm – Load Adaptive Phase Calibration – uses digital signal processing to flatten both the amplitude and phase-frequency response to make the most of your speakers. The result is a sound with better focus, spaciousness and definition.

Technics used battery power for low-noise applications in analog amplifiers in the past: here the SU-C700’s battery driven clock generator technology is used to improve digital clock precision, enhancing the definition of the sound.

The SU-C700 supports a wide range of inputs, such as SPDIF, Analog and Phono, as well as USB-DAC for PC connection. The digital input terminal supports coaxial 192-kHz/24-bit PCM and optical 96-kHz/24-bit. The USB DAC input terminal supports 192-kHz 32-bit PCM and 2.8-MHz/5.6-MHz DSD native playback (analog output) and asynchronous transmission. The SU-C700 converts analog signals to high-precision 192-kHz/24-bit PCM signals using the A/D converter. The full-digital system achieves high-purity reproduction from any content.

For more information please see: technics.com/au

The Technics SL-G700E is a multi-digital player designed for aficionados of premium sound.

Engineered to deliver maximum musical enjoyment from many sources, it covers a wide gamut of the digital audio media available today, from SACD/CD to the latest high-res and popular streaming services, playing them all back in the highest possible quality.

Aaron Waters, Product Marketing Manager – Audio and Video, Panasonic said: “This is a digital solution for the audiophile who will enjoy the unmistakable audio signature of a Technics device – in a single unit that will allow them to be entertained with their favourite remastered discs, while taking advantage of support for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and streaming with Airplay, Spotify and Tidal.”

The SL-G700E is finished to precise Technics standards for jitter and noise elimination, ensuring outstanding music reproduction. To increase rigidity and stability and minimise vibration, a 7mm thick aluminium plate is used for the front panel, along with an aluminium die-cast disc tray featuring a triple chassis structure. Quality parts and an uncompromising circuit layout design ensure high-grade signal processing.

The SL-G700E Grand Class Network and Super Audio CD Player will be available in store from July via selected Technics audio specialist retailers, priced at $4949 RRP, and with a choice of sleek silver or black.

This award-winning digital source has recieved international accolades including a five-star review in What Hi-Fi, and a Stereonet Product of the Year Award 2020 for “Best CD Player“ as well as a Stereonet Applause Award.

Technics SL-G700E Network / Super Audio CD Player

Covers A Broad Gamut Of The Digital Audio Media Available Today

The SL-G700E supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Apple AirPlay 2 with its high wireless connectivity. It is also compatible with streaming services, such as Spotify, TIDAL, and Internet Radio, and offers Google Chromecast built-in and compatibility with Google Assistant[i].

It is equipped with an MQA decoder for playback. When the MQA decoder is turned on, MQA files and MQA-CD are fully decoded. DSD native playback performs the D/A conversion process for the DSD signal in the SACD recording format without converting it to a PCM signal, thus delivering the full potential of the DSD signal.

The unit also has a dedicated SACD/CD playback mode. In this mode, all power supplies except those to the circuit blocks necessary for SACD/CD playback are shut off, thus improving the quality of sound from the disc media.

With High-Res Remaster, digital signal processing capable of expanding the bandwidth and bit depth can convert 44.1-kHz/16-bit music data recorded on CDs and lossy compression audio sources such as MP3 to high-res signals of up to 192 kHz/32 bits. When used together with the latest audio devices familiar music sounds richer, with enhanced quality.

Grand Class Sound Design

High-Speed Silent Hybrid Power Supply

The SL-G700E is equipped with a dedicated power supply unit for analogue audio output, resulting in high-fidelity sound reproduction. Its non-feedback power supply suppresses switching frequency fluctuation. Combined with the original power supply, this dedicated power supply unit provides stable power with low noise. The discrete circuit structure does not use any general-purpose ICs but a discrete layout and meticulous tuning provides power optimised for analogue circuits, thus realising a high signal to noise (S/N) ratio and superb reproduction, the hallmark of Technics sound.

Premium High-grade D/A Converter & Dual Mono Construction D/A Circuit

For analogue audio output, the D/A circuit is one of the most important circuit blocks since it recreates the original analogue waveform from a digital source, such as a CD. The power supply for the D/A converters is separated into five sections according to the application, and supplied individually. The power supply for the clock employs an original battery driven circuit system to achieve high-accuracy D/A conversion. The Dual Mono Construction and symmetrical layout eliminate mutual interference between left and right channels, taking the reproduction of sound imaging and sound space recorded in the source to a higher dimension.

Discrete AMP Module

For analogue audio output, the filter circuit located after the D/A conversion determines the quality of the sound. Instead of incorporating an operation amp IC, the SL-G700’s filter has an amp module of original discrete construction. As result, the SL-G700 provides highly linear and faithful sound reproduction which recognises even the smallest nuances recorded.

Battery Driven Clock Generator

In the processing of digital audio signals, the quality of the clock affects the sound quality to a large extent. The best power supply for delicate circuitry such as the clock block in the DAC and the audio system clock circuit is one entirely isolated from any noise or fluctuations in the mains supply. Additionally, the audio system clock is supplied from an Ultra-Low Jitter Clock Generator. A low-noise power supply and a high-quality clock circuit realise a sound with the highest transparency.

Optimally Activated Circuit System

The optimally activated circuit system allows the operation of various digital modules to be stopped – such as those used for display , analogue and digital interfaces – to minimise the noise generated when music is playing.

High-Quality Headphone Output

The SL-G700 is equipped with a dedicated D/A circuit for headphones which is independent from that for analogue output. This circuitry incorporates Technics’ original sound processing LSI, the JENO Engine (Jitter Elimination and Noise-shaping Optimisation). Separation of the analogue output from the headphone output eliminates interference between the two circuits. As a result, both outputs provide maximum performance.
Furthermore, the SL-G700 has an operation optimisation system that automatically turns on the JENO Engine when a pair of headphones is connected. This eliminates the adverse effect of the analogue output on the sound quality when headphones are not connected.

What’s more, the Class AA system headphone amp uses separate amp circuits for the audio signal voltage amplification and current amplification. The high-grade operation amp amplifies voltage, and the separate operation amp with high power supply capacity amplifies current. This enables high-precision conversion of the high-resolution PWM signal output from the JENO Engine to an analogue signal. Achieving ideal drive of headphones with a wide range of load impedance, it delivers low-distortion sound across a broad frequency range.

High-Quality Technics Design

Four-Section Configuration

The SL-G700 uses a four-section construction with partitions installed between the circuit blocks according to the signal level handled and circuit type. This eliminates interference between blocks, thus achieving clear sound quality. This construction also enhances chassis rigidity, which in turn suppresses the vibration of electrical parts, minimising deterioration in sound quality.

High-Rigidity Drive Mechanism

The CD drive mechanism features a triple chassis structure to ensure accurate reading and to prevent vibration from transmitting unwanted noise. A stable, aluminium die-cast disc tray with a high-vibration-damping, quiet structure ensures high-accuracy disc playback.

For more information please see: technics.com/au

[i] Google Voice-activated Speaker must be included in the same network.

 

The reference-class Technics SL-1000RE-S Direct Drive Turntable System is now available on special order for Australian customers.

Designed for ultimate analog vinyl performance, the SL-1000RE-S has an impressive heritage and continues to provide the reference point for modern high-fidelity turntable technology.

• Ultimate precision is delivered through the legendary direct drive engine redesigned with coreless double stator and twin rotor.
• For uncompromising rotational stability, the heavyweight-class 7.9kg turntable platter utilises inertial mass of approximately 1 ton･
• Users have the versatility to mount 3 different tonearms to match different musical genres.
• The overall impression is a beautifully sculpted showpiece with refined, pristine engineering to satisfy Technics and hi-fi purists.

Aaron Waters, Product Marketing Manager – Audio and Video, Panasonic said:  “The new model will be available on order from today, via selected Technics audio specialist retailers. The SL-1000RE-S turntable has a loyal following with audiophiles worldwide, and we’ve already received local enquiries from enthusiasts keen to experience this impressively-engineered model.”

Paul Reid, Managing Director, Panasonic Australia, added: “In further exciting local news, we are also rolling-out Technics components today – an amplifier, speakers and network player. There has been a great response in the market since Technics’ return in late 2019 and I’m pleased to say there is more to come before the end of 2021.”

The Technics SL-1000RE-S Direct Drive Turntable System is priced at $32,999 RRP and is available on special order now via selected Technics audio specialist retailers.

Technics: The Legacy Continues

The great appeal of direct drive technology is its ability to eliminate degradation in sound quality caused by rotation fluctuation and minute vibrations between the motor and transmission mechanism. The SL-1000R is part of a long and successful line of reference case turntable technologies. Technics released the SP-10 as the World’s first Direct Drive Turntable in 1970 and its superb performance and reliability quickly made the SP series both the go-to turntable for broadcast stations and the holy grail of audiophiles worldwide. Committed to creating an emotionally-engaging experience and delivering the power of music to all, Technics has been at the heart of music performance for decades. From the emergence to success of hip hop, enabling the fast rise of celebrity DJs, and allowing audiophiles to hear music exactly as the creators wished, it has been and shall remain the brand that leaders in their field turn to for exceptional performance and reliability.

Achieving Optimal Performance With An Exceptional Tonearm And Base

The Technics SL-1000R system features an S-type universal tonearm with a lightweight, high damping magnesium tonearm pipe. The gimbal suspension construction tonearm uses high-precision bearings, and highly-skilled craftsmen handle all assembly and adjustments to achieve a high initial-motion sensitivity to precisely trace the grooves cut into the records. To further ensure the production of highly-vivid sounds, OFC is used for internal wiring, so that the music signal relayed from the cartridge is not dampened and the musical energy cut into the record is not lost.

The tonearm base, to which the tonearm is mounted, is strongly integrated with the turntable. To safeguard exceptional tonearm performance, the tonearm bearings, turntable bearings and needle position remain constant – providing a structure in which the vibration caused by the rigidity of the turntable base materials has minimal effect.

Coreless Direct Drive Motor

The double coil twin rotor-type coreless direct drive motor has coils on both sides for 12-pole, 18-coil drive, and high enough torque to drive the heavyweight-class platter. This achieves stable rotation of 0.015%  wow and flutter or less, which is considered to be the measurement limit.

Suppressing Unwanted Motor Vibration

The motor that was developed for the SL-1200G served as the platform for the direct drive motor. The double coil, reinforced thrust bearings, and a chassis with increased rigidity achieved a stabilised motor with low centre of gravity. By positioning two stainless steel weights with high rigidity and high specific gravity at the bottom of the chassis, the rigidity and low centre of gravity are maintained. These thorough measures to prevent unwanted vibration help to achieve overwhelming rotary precision and improve signal to noise ratio (S/N).

Heavyweight-Class Turntable Platter

The turntable platter positions tungsten weights, which have an extremely high specific weight and are difficult to process, on the outer periphery of a 10-mm-thick brass weight. The brass weight is laminated onto the aluminium die-cast, giving the platter a total weight of approximately 7.9 kg and an inertial mass of approximately 1 ton･cm. A deadening rubber for eliminating unwanted vibration is also attached to the rear surface to form a 3-layer construction and achieve high rigidity and excellent vibration damping characteristics.

Separate Control Unit

To achieve further noise reduction, the control unit is separated from the main unit and its switching power supply is equipped with a unique technology that provides a voltage supply with minimal noise by a newly developed “unwanted noise reduction circuit”. In addition, the communication between the main unit and the control unit is engineered to resist the effects of external noise while increasing reliability.  These noise-reduction measures enable the turntable to achieve the world’s highest level S/N.

Minute Adjustment and Indication of Rotations

This turntable supports not only LP (33 1/3 rpm) and EP (45 rpm) analogue records, but also SP (78 rpm). Rotation (rpm) can also be set down to two decimal places (maximum ±16%) from the control unit. The OLED display is also capable of displaying rotation with accuracy down to two decimal places, so the user can both hear and see extremely precise rotation.

A Rigid Cabinet and High Damping Silicon Insulator

The cabinet has a 2-layer construction consisting of BMC (bulk molding compound) and a 30-mm-thick aluminium top panel. The turntable part is a 3-layer construction comprising BMC, aluminium die-cast, and a 25-mm-thick aluminium top panel. This gives the system a construction of 5 layers of different materials to ensure sufficient rigidity. The insulator that supports the cabinet is a special silicon rubber that combines high vibration damping characteristics and long-term reliability. Reinforcement with a cylindrical tube made of a microcell polymer absorbs vibrations in the horizontal direction. These parts are contained in a zinc die-cast housing with high specific gravity, for isolation from external vibrations.

For more information please see: technics.com/au