With the SC-CX700 two-way active bookshelf speakers, Technics intends to confront the king of this product category, the British manufacturer Kef with its LS50 Wireless II and LSX II references (click on the product references to discover their full test by the AVcesar editorial team).
Technics SC-CX700, wired audio sources££££
The Technics SC-CX700, in addition to the acoustic package, therefore includes amplification, connectivity and a sophisticated network platform with a mission assumed by their creator: "redefine the concept of a modern entertainment system" by mixing a statutory design with the brand's expertise in sound reproduction. And it must be admitted that their many features give them a rare versatility: the Technics SC-CX700 can be used as a wireless audio system, a [abc]Hi-Fi[/abc] system with premium performance or connected to a television via the [abc]HDMI[/abc] [abc]ARC[/abc] input to enhance the TV sound. There is also a Phono MM input, an [abc]optical[/abc] input, a 3.5 mm mini-Jack auxiliary input, a subwoofer output, an asynchronous [abc]USB[/abc]-C 2.0 port and an [abc]Ethernet[/abc] port. Plus a P/S Link port for a wired connection between the two speakers.
Technics SC-CX700, dematerialized audio sources££££
In terms of dematerialized sound sources, the Technics SC-CX700 connected to the home network [abc]Wi-Fi[/abc] 6 Dual Band offer the [abc]Chromecast (integrated)[/abc] function and access to [abc]webradios[/abc] and the main [abc]streaming[/abc] music services: Spotify Connect, Tidal, Qobuz, Deezer, Amazon Music HD. We must also mention the [abc]AirPlay 2[/abc] and [abc]Bluetooth[/abc] compatibilities, plus the Roon Ready label. Precision, the [abc]Hi-Res Audio[/abc] certification is required: support for [abc]LPCM[/abc] files up to 192 kHz/24 bits wired (96 kHz/24 bits wireless) and [abc]DSD[/abc] 2.8/5.6 megahertz.
Technics SC-CX700, acoustic package££££
The Technics SC-CX700 [abc]bass-reflex[/abc] speakers are structured from a new single coaxial speaker that integrates a 1.9 cm annular [abc]tweeter[/abc] and a 15 centimeter cone [abc]woofer[/abc]. These are powered by an exclusive Jeno Engine digital amplifier that delivers 2 x 100 W (2 x 40 W for the tweeters + 2 x 60 W for the woofers). The front vent allows great freedom of placement, especially since Space Tune technology is included. It helps to optimize the audio performance of the speakers depending on where they are placed in the room, in a corner or on a shelf. Practical.
Technics SC-CX700, MBDC technology££££
Technics emphasizes the care taken in the damping of the SC-CX700 in order to eliminate vibrations from the speaker chassis that could affect signal processing. In addition, a new diaphragm control technology (MBDC for Model Based Diaphragm Control) allows fine control of the diaphragm movements to eliminate any distortion and deliver extremely pure sound, even at high sound pressure levels. Finally, as illustrated in the cross-section of an SC-CX700 speaker, the electronic section is perfectly isolated from the acoustic section.
The word to Frank Balzuweit, European Product Manager at Technics££££
Frank Balzuweit, European Product Manager at Technics, says: "The SC-CX700 promises to be the only Hi-Fi system that today's demanding listeners will need. Never has the integration of high-end sound, maximum connectivity and elegant design been so seductive."
The Technics SC-CX700 will be available in three finishes, Charcoal Black, Silky Grey and Terracotta Brown (see photo above). The cabinet is covered in a microfibre material that feels like suede. The transport buttons on the top of one of the speakers and the supplied remote control allow you to control the Technics SC-CX700. It is also possible to use the Technics Audio Center application.
Availability announced for October. Recommended price: 2500 euros.
Reminder of the key characteristics of the Technics SC-CX700:
• Type: 2-way speaker (coaxial speaker)
• Tweeter(s): 1.9 cm annular
• Boomer(s): [abc]boomer[/abc] with 15 centimeter cone
• Power: 2 x 100 W (40 W for the tweeter + 60 W for the boomer)
• Connections: 1 [abc]HDMI[/abc] [abc]ARC[/abc] input, 1 Phono MM input, 1 [abc]optical[/abc] input, 1 3.5 mm mini-Jack auxiliary input, 1 subwoofer output, 1 asynchronous [abc]USB[/abc]-C 2.0 port and 1 [abc]Ethernet[/abc] port. Plus 1 P/S Link port for a wired connection between the two speakers
• Certification [abc]Hi-Res audio[/abc]
• Compatibility [abc]MP3[/abc], [abc]AAC[/abc], [abc]Alac[/abc], [abc]AIFF[/abc], [abc]Flac[/abc], [abc]Wav[/abc], [abc]LPCM[/abc]
• Compatibility [abc]DSD[/abc] 2.8/5.6/11.2 MHz
• Compatibility [abc]Bluetooth[/abc]
• Compatibility [abc]AirPlay 2[/abc]
• Fontoion Audio Gateway [abc]UPnP[/abc] ([abc]DLNA[/abc])
• Compatibility [abc]Chromecast (built-in)[/abc]
• [abc]Wi-Fi[/abc] ax Dual Band compatibility
• Spotify Connect compatibility
• Tidal Connect compatibility
• Amazon Music compatibility
• Deezer compatibility
• Qobuz compatibility
• Roon Ready compatibility
• [abc]Webradios compatibility[/abc]
• 192 kHz/24-bit DAC
• Multiroom: yes (via Chromecast or AirPlay 2)
• Dimensions (L x D x H): 201 x 276 x 313 mm for the main speaker, 201 x 272 x 313 mm for the secondary speaker
• Weight: 18 kg per pack
• Consumption: 40 W for the speaker main, 35 W for secondary speaker
