Technics SC-CX700 Review
Technics is known for far more than just the world-famous 1210 turntables, and as a cult company, it also embraces the future. The Japanese brand wants to prove this with the brand-new wireless system SC-CX700.
SC-CX700
This system, which we requested a test sample of in Berlin, consists of two active speakers equipped with just about everything the manufacturer’s premium line has to offer: acoustically separated housing, Phase Precision Driver, Model Based Diaphragm Control, JENO Engine, and Space Tune — to name just a few of the technical highlights, which we’ll delve into later.
First, let’s talk about our first impression of the Technics SC-CX700, which was overwhelmingly positive for several reasons. Starting with the packaging, the speakers come in a cleverly designed box that offers both reliable protection and easy unpacking. This packaging is not made from non-degradable Styrofoam but from biodegradable cardboard, making it worth mentioning. Technics is setting a precedent in an area the industry largely neglects. In the daily routine of a HiFi editorial office, unpacking and repacking equipment is a regular task. The sheer amount of plastic packaging that cannot be reused and is destined to become permanent waste is shocking and outdated. Here, many other companies could follow Technics’ example.
Design and Construction
Once unwrapped from their eco-friendly packaging, the two speakers reveal themselves as both sleek and modern. Acoustically, both benefit from rounded edges and a youthful, stylish orange velvet-like covering. This material, although marketed as “Terracotta Brown,” isn’t quite velvet. Technics calls it DINAMICA, a synthetic fiber composite that’s 93% recycled polyester. This adds sustainability points. Alternative colors include Charcoal Black and Silky Gray. The speakers’ main feature is a front bass reflex port and — not a full-range driver! Technics has equipped the SC-CX700 with a coaxial driver, the latest iteration of their Phase Precision Driver. This new generation features a cone woofer/midrange driver paired with an ultra-lightweight ring tweeter. Distancing elements, sleeves, and the chassis have also been redesigned with improved vibration damping in mind.
Technological Marvel
Computer simulations are crucial in optimizing processes like this, but using them during a speaker’s performance is a unique trait of Technics. The Model Based Diaphragm Control (MBDC) acts like a real-time simulation, predicting how the diaphragm will behave to counteract unwanted vibrations. For smaller diaphragms, which need to move more in lower frequencies, this feature is invaluable in reducing distortion. Now, onto the SC-CX700’s amplifier.
Based on the JENO Engine, the fully digital amplification promises a clean, lossless playback of digital signals, the SC-CX700’s main focus. Without needing an external converter, the signal is amplified directly with up to 100 watts per speaker. JENO stands for Jitter Elimination and Noise Shaping Optimization, aimed at eliminating jitter through techniques like pulse-width modulation. This advanced array of electronics is neatly housed on a board in the speaker’s back, isolated by an air chamber to minimize interference with the acoustic chamber where the Phase Precision Driver is mounted. Most companies mount their drivers on the front, but Technics fixes the driver based on its center of gravity, at the rear where the heavy magnet is located. This prevents unwanted vibrations, which would be detrimental in a coaxial speaker.
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Connectivity
The new wireless system is, of course, most conveniently operated wirelessly. Connected to Technics’ own Audio Control App over the local network, it can easily stream online. But there’s more. The primary speaker includes an optical input, USB input, and HDMI ARC, making it suitable for cinematic setups. Technics has leveraged their close ties to Panasonic, co-creator of HDMI, to strip the visual data from the HDMI signal, ensuring it remains purely audio. Furthermore, the SC-CX700 includes a built-in MM phono preamp, allowing analog fans to breathe easy.
Usability
All the tech is great, but does the system deliver fun? Spoiler alert: Yes, it does. Once the primary speaker is connected to the local network via Ethernet and linked to the secondary speaker, you’re ready to go. The Technics Audio Control App (available for free) handles the rest. On iOS devices, you can even run the most advanced version of the Space Tune feature. Using test tones, it measures and adjusts the sound from your listening position, delivering an improvement that’s genuinely impressive. We streamed Kraftwerk’s album “Autobahn” via Qobuz, and it sounded incredibly fresh, especially on the SC-CX700. Despite the compact size of the woofer/midrange, the speakers delivered powerful bass and midrange. The kicks packed a punch, and the synths sounded rich.
The coaxial drivers also rendered guitar and flute highs with vibrant clarity. Switching from Kraftwerk to Pink Floyd’s 1979 rock opera “The Wall,” the system showcased its full range of capabilities, from lush soundscapes to tight dynamic control. The twelve-string guitars on “Empty Spaces” and spacious reverb were impressive, defying the speakers’ compact form. The clarity of Roger Waters’ voice in the center of the mix highlighted the benefits of the coaxial design. The SC-CX700 also shined with Tim Lang’s “Again,” where the delicate mezzo-piano captured the room’s acoustics beautifully. The Technics Audio Control App makes everything easy to use, but there’s also a remote for those who prefer tactile control over screen time.
At the Central German HiFi Days, Technics will be in the Sky Lounge on the ground floor of the Alte Handelsdruckerei in Leipzig. Along with the SC-CX700, they’ll showcase the new SL-1300G turntable. So it’s definitely worth stopping by!
Tech Specs
General:
- Device Class: Compact Speaker (active)
- Price Category: Mid-range
- Manufacturer: Technics
- Model: SC-CX700
- Price (MSRP): 2499 EUR (pair) ≈ 2637 USD
- Dimensions (W/H/D): 20 x 31 x 27 cm
- Weight: 9 kg
- Information: www.technics.com
Technical Data (as per manufacturer):
- Operation: Active
- Design: 2-way, Coaxial, Bass Reflex
- Frequency Response: N/A
- Power Output: 200 W
- Connection to Source: WLAN/BT/Analog/Ethernet
- Streaming Capable: Yes
- Power Supply: Stand-by: ~2 W, Operation: 40 W / 35 W
- Room Recommendation: 15 to 30 m²
- Individual Sound Settings: Space Tune
- Inputs: Optical, USB, MM-Phono, Aux
Conclusion
The SC-CX700 is packed with tech that shouldn’t fit in such a compact active speaker, but it does — with impressive results! This wireless system, even equipped for vinyl, is a true all-rounder and excels not only musically but also in terms of user experience and sustainability!
Special Features
- Space Tune
- JENO Engine
- MBDC
Advantages
- Great sound
- Excellent usability
- Technically sophisticated
Disadvantages
- None
Rating
- Bass Performance: 9/10
- Midrange Performance: 9.5/10
- High-frequency Performance: 9/10
- Spatiality: 4.5/5
- Sound Quality: 9/10
- Build Quality: 10/10
- User-friendliness: 10/10
- Depreciation/Devaluation: None
- Intermediate Result: 93% (84 out of 90 points)
- Price/Performance: Very good (9/10)
Final Result:
- Rating: Excellent (93%)
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Technics SC-CX700 Wireless HiFi Speaker System
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