Hi-Fi speaker brands are competing in the connected audio market by integrating advanced technologies into compact designs. Technics has launched the SC-CX700, featuring a sleek design with a unique finish, a coaxial driver for enhanced sound quality, and a variety of connectivity options including USB-C, HDMI ARC, and Bluetooth. The speakers aim to deliver exceptional audio with a focus on user-friendly setup through the Technics Audio Center app, establishing a new benchmark in compact audio systems.
The Rise of Hi-Fi Speakers in the Connected Audio Market
In the ongoing competition among connected speakers, traditional high-fidelity brands are striving to reclaim their space against modern residential solutions such as Sonos. Their approach? Incorporating advanced technologies that were once exclusive to external, bulky amplifiers right into sleek, standalone speakers.
Technics, a renowned name in the hi-fi world, is celebrated for its exceptional turntables, including the iconic SL-1200, as well as its high-fidelity systems, cassette players, and amplifiers. Following its acquisition by Panasonic, the brand has positioned itself as a premium player in the audio market, offering limited quantities of high-quality products. The SC-CX700 marks Technics’ debut in the realm of compact amplified speakers, designed to blend superior sound quality with cutting-edge technology to rival established models like the KEF LS50 Wireless II.
Technics SC-CX700: A Fusion of Modern Design and Audiophile Quality
The Technics SC-CX700 speakers showcase a sophisticated elegance, characterized by their understated design. With an eye-catching Alcantara Terracotta finish, these speakers offer a unique tactile experience. Their innovative design features a single 15 cm coaxial driver centered on the front, optimizing their height while maintaining a sleek profile. Each speaker measures a compact 20 cm wide, 31 cm tall, and 28 cm deep, and employs a discreet laminar bass reflex port crafted from matte black PVC.
The top surface is finished with a thick matte black PVC sheet, which includes a perforated grille that helps cool the electronic components. Control buttons for power, volume, and mute are conveniently located on the top of the left speaker, which also houses the majority of the input connectors. To enhance the aesthetic appeal, Technics includes circular magnetic fabric acoustic driver covers.
On the connectivity front, the left speaker is equipped with a variety of digital and analog inputs. It features a Toslink optical input for connecting to a CD player or television, a USB-C port for direct use with computers or smartphones, and an HDMI ARC port for sound integration from a TV or projector. The SC-CX700 supports high-definition audio files up to 384 kHz and even in audiophile DSD256 format.
A standout feature is the coaxial line output, which allows users to connect the SC-CX700 to a subwoofer. Additionally, there’s a 3.5 mm mini-jack line input compatible with any analog source and a dedicated RCA stereo input for turntables with MM cartridges. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities are also included, enabling wireless music streaming through AirPlay and Chromecast, along with support for various music services. Furthermore, compatibility with home audio file servers like DLNA and Roon Audio solidifies its hi-fi positioning, ensuring no feature is overlooked.
For seamless speaker connectivity, a second RJ-45 connector allows for interlinking the two speakers with a high-quality Cat.6 cable, facilitating audio signal transport and power supply to the secondary unit.
The design of the Technics SC-CX700 embraces a unique approach to sound diffusion with its dual coaxial speakers featuring a metallic alloy diaphragm. By placing a tweeter at the center of the bass and mid-frequency driver, this configuration enhances the focus of high frequencies towards the listener. Such advanced design principles are reminiscent of other esteemed brands such as KEF and Tannoy, known for their impressive audio results.
Internally, the speaker is thoughtfully divided into two sections. The larger front compartment accommodates the driver, while the rear section is dedicated to the electronic components. This separation not only protects the delicate electronics from vibrations caused by the drivers but also enhances overall sound quality. With a bass-reflex design featuring a front laminar port, the SC-CX700 delivers resonant bass response that audiophiles will appreciate.
To unlock the full potential of the SC-CX700, users can utilize the Technics Audio Center app for initial setup and network connectivity. The app allows access to advanced features like the Space Tune function, which adjusts the speaker’s sound profile based on its placement in the room, ensuring optimal audio performance. Additional settings for HDMI configurations, Bluetooth sound enhancements, and input adjustments for various sources are also available.
While the app interface may not be the most intuitive, it provides all the necessary functionalities. Once the initial setup is complete, the app becomes less critical for everyday use.
Overall, the Technics SC-CX700 speakers stand out for their impressive sound quality, precision, and musicality, setting a new standard in the realm of compact audio solutions.