An Iconic Turntable Maker Finally Caved Into This Popular Speaker Trend

In recent years, active speaker systems have become some of the most popular components in hi-fi. The bookshelf-sized speakers have their own built-in amplification — perfectly matched to make them sound their best — and copious wired and wireless connections; you can hook them up to your turntable or TV, or stream music to them over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

In a nutshell, they’re incredibly versatile speakers that make listening to hi-fi super easy.

Many hi-fi manufacturers have released active speaker systems in recent years. Names include KEF, Bowers & Wilkins, Q Acoustics, and Klipsch. Now, the Japanese audio giant Technics is entering the market for the first time.

Technics SC-CX700

Technics

Technics SC-CX700

• $2,999.99 at Technics

Technics

Meet Technics’s first active speakers

The Technics SC-CX700 is the company’s first-ever active speaker system. And at $3,000, it’s positioned to rival KEF’s popular KEF LS50 Wireless II ($2,500) and Bowers & Wilkins’s Formation Duo ($5,000) — which are two of the most expensive active speaker systems out there.

Like those rivals, each of the Technics SC-CX700 speakers is individually amplified (as opposed to just one, which is common in smaller or powered speaker systems) and needs to be plugged into its own power outlet. As for size, each Technics SC-CX700 speaker is roughly the size of bookshelf speakers (which makes them a little smaller than those more expensive rivals).

The Technics SC-CX700 speakers feature the company’s coaxial driver and proprietary full-digital JENO-Engine amplifier. The cabinets are divided into two sections — the amplifier in the back, the speaker box in the front — to minimize vibrations. There’s a Smooth-Flow bass port on the front, too.

The result, according to the company, is a “stunning, dynamic sound to fill any room.”

Technics

Hook them up to your TV or turntable

Technics’s active speakers are incredibly versatile with both wired and wireless connections. The back of the right speaker houses several analog inputs, including 3.5mm, USB-C, phono (MM) and HDMI eARC — the latter mean you can easily hook up a turntable or connect the speakers to your TV as a soundbar alternative. There’s a subwoofer output, too, for those looking to add even more bass.

Thanks to built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, you can stream audio in a multitude of ways. The Technics SC-CX700 active speakers support Google Cast, Apple AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect; it supports other popular music services like Tidal, Amazon Music and Deezer as well.

Similar to some other active speaker systems, the SC-CX700 speakers can be wired together or paired wirelessly, the latter of which gives you more freedom to place each speaker where you want.

The speaker system then uses a proprietary room tuning technology called Space Tune — which you’ll have to initiate in the companion app — to ensure they sound great wherever you place them.

Technics

Price and availability

The Technics SC-CX700 active speaker system will be available in three finishes: charcoal black, silky gray and terracotta brown. Each system will cost $3,000.

If you are interested in purchasing Technics’s first active speaker system, you’ll have to wait until later this year. It goes on sale in December.

Technics

Technics SC-CX700

• $2,999.99 at Technics

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