Technics SC-CX700 Streaming Speaker System Review

The Japanese electronics giant that is Technics has decided that it's about time it got a piece of the wireless streaming loudspeaker action, hence the SC-CX700 system that you see before you. It breaks no new ground in terms of innovation, but at this point, it's all about performance. This is a swish pair of active stereo speakers, but with the necessary functionality to act as a complete audio system in how it looks and feels.

UP CLOSE

At 313x201x276mm [HxWxD], this speaker is of unremarkable standmounter dimensions. The weight of roughly 9kg each is hardly surprising given that there is amplification onboard, delivering a claimed 40 watts per tweeter and 60 watts per mid/bass driver. Its dual-concentric driver arrangement, which sees a 19mm ring tweeter positioned in the throat of a 150mm mid/bass driver, is a bit unusual, though – although nothing we haven't seen from the likes of KEF. The forward-facing bass reflex port is good news when it comes to ease of positioning.

What sets this design apart is its use of Dinamica. Each cabinet is covered on three sides by this soft, textured, suede-like material; this may be the very first speaker I've ever encountered with an actual nap. Three colours—terracotta brown, charcoal black, or silky grey—are available. Otherwise, though, it is upmarket wireless speaker system business as usual.

The secondary speaker has a socket for mains power on the rear, along with a button to initiate wireless pairing with its partner and an RJ45 socket for a wired connection. The primary speaker is where most of the action is, as it adds a 3.5mm line-level analogue input, a pair of stereo RCAs leading to a moving magnet phono stage, an optical input, a USB-C slot and an Ethernet socket for a wired router connection. There's a button for wireless pairing and a switch to let the speaker know if it represents the right or the left channel. An HDMI ARC socket and a pre-out for a subwoofer complete the line-up.

Wireless connectivity is catered for by dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth with SBC and AAC codec support. Depending on how it's coming in, digital content of up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD256 is supported. The wireless connection between the speakers means everything is upscaled or downscaled to 24-bit/96kHz, whereas a wired connection facilitates 24/192. Network connectivity means that internet radio is available, as are Google Cast and Apple AirPlay, and the Technics will be Roon Ready once an imminent over-the-air update takes place.

Control comes via a fairly unremarkable remote control handset, some physical controls on the top of the primary speaker, and via the thorough but unremarkable Technics Audio Center control app. It's not the fastest app in use and is far from the most visually interesting, but it lets you integrate your favourite streaming service apps – as long as they're Amazon Music, Deezer, Qobuz, Spotify or TIDAL, that is. You can also access bass and treble controls, check for firmware updates, run a room-correction routine called Space Tune, save favourites, rearrange the home page's appearance, and more.

On the inside, Technics has given plenty of thought to how best to lay out such a complex product in the space available. Called, without any apparent sense of hyperbole, 'Technics Orchestration Concept', it's a combination of technologies and techniques designed to maximise the potential of every element of the SC-CX700.

Amplifier and speaker sections exist in separate enclosures within the cabinet to minimise the effects of vibration, and this is called 'acoustic solitude construction', no less. The so-called 'JENO' engine does the clever digital number crunching, and the MBDC ('model-based diaphragm control') chipset reduces harmonic distortion, Technics says. This is based on simulations of the 'Phase Precision Driver 4' coaxial driver arrangement's movement in an effort to deliver meaningful sonic separation and minimal distortion.

THE LISTENING

Some systems sound absolutely explicit from the off, don't they? From the first note, you know precisely its characteristics and what to expect. But, the Technics SC-CX700 is not one of these, as it reveals itself more gradually. Ultimately, it proves to be a poised, unflappable and genuinely insightful listen, but on first acquaintance, you might mistake these qualities for a lack of energy or engagement. Stick with it, though, because this is a rewarding performer in the fullness of time.

The Technics system maintains its fundamental character – which is balanced, detailed and studiedly neutral – across each of its inputs. So it doesn't really matter whether you're listening to a vinyl copy of Suzanne Ciani's Improvisation on Four Sequences, a silver disc of Etienne de Crécy's Super Discount via the digital optical input or streaming a 24-bit/192kHz FLAC file of Aretha Franklin's Lady Soul via TIDAL. Whatever, the SC-CX700 is consistent, confident and entertaining.

Its tonal balance is nicely judged, demonstrating an even frequency response from bottom to top. Its powers of soundstaging are impressive, inasmuch as there's a whole lot of space and elbow room even with quite a crowded mix. Yet there's no suggestion of remoteness or any lack of unity. Music of all types and all complexities is presented as a singular whole.

Up top, the SC-CX700 can summon up real bite when required and isn't short of speed either. The same is true through the midband, where it communicates eloquently but always does so in the service of the recording rather than superficial hi-fi considerations. Vocalists can showcase their authentic characters, always with an unforced and natural quality. Down in the bass, the system is just as detailed and articulate – and presents as lean and taut with little fat on the bone. Outright substance is sacrificed just a touch in favour of straight-edged attack and absolute control here. So, the Technics maintains momentum in all circumstances and expresses rhythms with absolute positivity.

Plenty of dynamic headroom is available for when big switch-ups in volume or intensity are called for, and the SC-CX700 pays close attention to the more minor dynamic variations apparent in the harmonics of a solo instrument or unaccompanied voice. Indeed, in every circumstance, the Technics endeavours to be as uninvolved as possible – it is one of those systems that seems happier to let the music do the talking rather than sticking its oar in too readily.

VERDICT

In pure performance terms, there's plenty to like here for all but the most committed bass-heads. The Technics SC-CX700 is a judicious and even-handed listen, one which strikes a highly agreeable balance between insight and entertainment. Factor in its fine build and excellent connectivity, and this system has much going for it. Oh, and if you're a fan of its slightly 'flock wallpaper' finish, you'll find this system to be number one in a field of one. An interesting product then, and well worth an audition.

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