Archive - September 2024

Renowned Hi-Fi brand Technics has announced the SC-CX700 Wireless Speaker System. Combining Technics’ legendary audio expertise with elegance and style, the SC-CX700 redefines the concept of a modern entertainment system — letting users experience music like never before.

The wireless speaker system is wrapped in a stylish microfibre material that’s easy to integrate into any home aesthetic. The SC-CX700 is also jampacked with Technics’ highly acclaimed audio technology and engineering, offering superb sound clarity as well as state-of-the-art connectivity.

Offering richer sounds and clearer melodies, the SC-CX700 is a lifestyle focused product that aims to elevate the universal emotional journey people go on when they listen to music. Whether that’s feeling inspired when hearing the clear intricacies of a well-composed classical piece or feeling energised by thumping bass on a dance track, the SC-CX700 delivers an unparalleled musical experience that is more immersive and impactful than ever before.

The SC-CX700 is a game changer for music experiences and sets a new standard for the active speaker system category.

Chris Moore, Product Manager, Technics, said: “Music lovers want exceptional audio performance without compromising on style and convenience. The SC-CX700 brings together complex sound technology with stylish design, as well as easy connection to multiple entertainment platforms and media sources.”

The SC-CX700 Wireless Speaker System will be available in Australia in Charcoal Black and Silky Grey from 1^st November 2024 via selected audio specialist retailers.

Technics SC-CX700: $4699 RRP

Instant setup, immediate enjoyment

A truly flexible ‘plug and play’ system, the SC-CX700 can be used as a standalone Wi-Fi streaming speaker, as a compact, yet grown-up Hi-Fi system —thanks to the integration of an amplifier and speaker in one box, known as an ‘active’ speaker— or it can be used in place of a soundbar on your TV with seamless integration to TVs with HDMI ARC input.

This active wireless speaker system can also be placed anywhere in a room and still achieve incredible sound quality.

Gone are the days of needed to re-arrange your space to get the best from your audio system. Thanks to Space Tune^TM, which optimises audio performance and spatial acoustics no matter where the speakers are placed in the home, users can have the best of both worlds — keeping their homes’ aesthetics without sacrificing audio quality.

So, whether you are in a smaller apartment with lots of soft furnishings or a large echoing space, the SC-CX700 adjusts to suit you not the other way around, making it the perfect choice for music enthusiasts who want unparalleled audio quality, without the usual fuss.

The SC-CX700 is also as simple to use as it is to set up thanks to the newly designed, hand-held Infrared remote control and the new Technics Audio Centre app (TAC). Available on both Android and iOS devices, TAC gives access to the full variety of system settings for personalised sound and comes with a new, simplified setup configuration.

And with built-in integration with the Google Cast platform, users can get access to a wide range of streaming services including Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, Deezer, Amazon Music HD, as well as internet radio with ease.

Sleek design, superior sound

The perfect combination of style and function, the SC-CX700 was designed without compromise. It houses all of Technics’ legendary engineering and audio technology— for speakers, amplifiers, and signal processing — developed and perfected over many years.

All the elements work together to create the ‘Technics Orchestration Concept’ which aims to faithfully reproduce music and other sounds in great detail.

One contributing element is Technics’ proprietary full-digital JENO-Engine amplifier technology with the coaxial driver, including a Smooth Flow Diaphragm, which delivers stunning, dynamic sound to fill any room. The newly developed coaxial unit also has a lightweight ring tweeter that lets sound rise and converge quickly for faithful sound reproduction.

Meanwhile, the new Model Based Diaphragm Control (MBDC) technology allows unparalleled motion control of the driver for ultimate sonic purity – even at very high sound pressure levels.

In fact, all moving parts of the SC-CX700 have been optimised to create the clearest, most realistic sound possible. The Acoustic Solitude Construction addresses the issue of speaker-amp interference by adding a purposeful gap between the speaker and amp, meaning that the speakers’ vibration has no impact on the signal processing or amplifier.

The enclosure structure also features Technics’ proprietary Balanced Driver Mounting Architecture (BDMA) which works to avoid harmful vibrations of the front baffle by fixing the drivers to a second, internal wall — effectively avoiding uncontrolled chassis movement for a purer sound.

A Smooth-Flow bass port also elegantly integrates with the overall design for tight, powerful bass that music fans will love.

And for those who appreciate a more retro approach to their musical experience, a built-in Phono Equaliser allows for easy hook-up with a turntable for low-noise, high-quality audiophile vinyl playback.

Vinyl has made a major comeback, especially among young people who value the physical interaction with music, from selecting a record to placing it on a turntable. The ability to connect a Technics turntable to the SC-CX700 is therefore a major plus for music lovers, making the active speaker system not just a speaker but an essential part of this revived vinyl culture.

The SC-CX700 promises to be the only Hi-Fi system that modern demanding music listeners will ever need, with the integration of premium sound, maximum connectivity and elegant design.

Sustainability in every box

To reduce the environmental impact of packaging while ensuring that the product is fully protected, the packaging for the SC-CX700 is free of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS). Instead, it is made of smart shaped cardboard, maintaining safe protection of the product, and including a cardboard box for the accessories for ease of removal and storage. Technics is currently working to expand the new packaging to other line-ups.

 

Turntable range expands, with outstanding ΔΣ-Drive (Delta Sigma Drive) technology establishing SL-1300G as the new de-facto hi-fi turntable standard in Grand Class

Today, renowned hi-fi brand Technics has released an outstanding new hi-fi turntable, the Grand Class SL-1300G.  Technics has built on the ΔΣ-Drive (Delta Sigma Drive) motor control technology, first introduced in the SL-1200GR2, with further enhancements in the pursuit of sonic perfection.

To achieve greater sonic purity in this new model, the breakthrough ΔΣ-Drive technology is partnered with a more powerful iron-coreless motor. Technics has further reinforced the motor circuit board and strengthened the platter. As a result, vibration is reduced and rotational accuracy is enhanced.

Chris Moore, Product Manager, Technics, said: “Our Technics Grand Class turntables are highly sought-after, and we expect this release to create excitement among local audio purists, in line with the latest engineering achievements that the new SL-1300G brings to market.”

The new Grand Class turntable will be available in Australia in black and silver versions from 1^st November 2024 via selected audio specialist retailers.

Technics SL-1300GE-K Grand Class Turntable (Black) – $4,999 RRP
Technics SL-1300GE-S Grand Class Turntable (Silver) – $4,999 RRP

Vibration reduction, rotational precision and sonic perfection

This latest step is the proof that Technics has found an ultimate motor control technique, the benefits of which can be scaled into the highest turntable models for outstanding analogue vinyl enjoyment. The SL-1300G is the latest feat, showing that Technics’ turntable expertise is truly unique.

The ΔΣ-Drive is capable of delivering the perfect driving sine wave signal for the iron-coreless direct drive motor. By using PWM signal generation with ΔΣ (Delta Sigma) Modulation, as employed in Technics’ full-digital amplifiers, motor vibrations are reduced to the minimum, resulting in super smooth rotational accuracy.

This revolutionary technology was first used in the SL-1200GR2 turntable. However, in the new SL-1300G, this technique is partnered with two mechanically superior factors, for even higher sonic perfection.

Firstly, the motor used in the SL-1300G is an iron-coreless double rotor/single stator type, with a higher driving force compared to the one rotor/one stator used in the GR2 turntable. Because of the cogging-free iron-coreless construction, the rotational smoothness of this superior motor version is truly excellent.

In addition, research was carried out on how to further eliminate drive unit vibrations. As a result, the motor’s coil mounting circuit board has a new reinforcement which further reduces the mechanical vibrations caused during rotation.

The introduction of a more powerful motor also enables the usage of a heavier platter – another measure for further reducing mechanical vibrations during vinyl playback, resulting in an ultimately detailed, spatial and rhythmically breathtaking performance.

This platter consists of three layers. Aluminium die-cast builds the fundament for high rigidity. A top layer of 2mm thick brass, thoroughly fixed to the die-cast platter, further eliminates vibrations. Finally, heavy weight rubber underneath the platter dampens even the tiniest remaining vibrations, resulting in an ultimately pure tracking of every vinyl record for the highest signal precision. Because the heavier platter means higher mass inertia, the rotational accuracy of the SL-1300G is outstanding.

As is usual with Technics turntables of the latest generation, thanks to the rotation feedback system based on speed detection by an optical encoder, the rotational speed precision of the new SL-1300G is exceptional.

The superb qualities of the mechanical + electronical drive system are further supported by the new Multi-stage Silent Power Supply, similar to that used in the SL-1000R reference turntable. It is a combination of a low-noise, high-speed power supply working at over 100kHz and a noise cancelling circuit, cancelling remaining noise by injecting the reversed-phase current of the actual noise. By this method, a very low noise floor is achieved, enabling exceptional signal-to-noise ratio, improving the overall signal performance.

Additional Features:

The 2-layered bottom chassis, made of aluminium die-cast and BMC (Bulk Moulding Compound) is a rock-solid fundament which enables high resistance against vibrations. In the SL-1300G, the thickness of this aluminium die-cast bottom chassis has been increased for higher rigidity, thus achieving better vibration damping. A rib structure has been added to the bottom of the chassis plate between the motor and the tonearm, further keeping mechanical motor vibrations away from the tonearm to ensure an undisturbed tracking process, leading to a sound image of the highest fidelity.

The high-sensitivity S-shaped aluminium tonearm with high-precision bearings, enables a high initial motion sensitivity, and makes maximum use of the vibration-free chassis for an impressively precise reading of the information engraved in the vinyl grooves. Insulator feet shut out external vibrations for further tracking precision.

The minimalistic design of the SL-1300G underlines the engineering concept: purity and straightforwardness.

To reduce the environmental impact of packaging while ensuring that the turntable is fully protected, the packaging for the SL-1300G is free of Expanded Polystyrene(EPS). Instead, it is made of smart shaped cardboard, maintaining safe protection of the product, and including a cardboard box for the accessories for ease of removal and storage. Technics is currently working to expand new packaging to other line-ups and integrate more recyclable content in the future.

About Technics

The Technics brand was established in 1965. Beginning with the Technics 1 speaker, the brand has gone on to develop revolutionary audio products and technologies, including amps, players, and tuners. In particular, the direct-drive turntable was an industry gamechanger, laying the foundation for today’s DJ and club music scenes. Today, in a diverse music scene that favors both analog and digital audio, Technics continues to lead the market as a comprehensive audio brand.