Technics SC-CX700 Wireless Bookshelf Speakers (Pair)

Lots of streaming in the SC-CX700

The Technics SC-CX700 has plenty of options for connecting sources, both with cable and wireless. The speakers have an integrated streaming platform, so you can easily access the services you subscribe to and the millions of albums available. It is possible to stream music from Spotify (with Connect function), Tidal, Deezer, Qobuz and Amazon Music HD, which is not available in Denmark at the time of writing. In addition, there is access to internet radio, which offers thousands of stations from all over the world, including the Danish ones. It’s also possible to stream from sources on your own network, and a software update is planned with Roon Ready certification so you can play music from a Roon Core on your network. Sound from your smartphone, tablet or computer can also be sent to the Technics SC-CX700, almost regardless of the brand of your devices. It is possible to stream sound to the speakers via Apple Airplay, Google Cast or Bluetooth.

..but also ready for the physical sources

Of course, streaming is not the whole story. It is also possible to connect physical sources to the SC-CX700, e.g. a CD player, record player or your flat screen. The back of the primary speaker offers various inputs and outputs. Here is a set of RCA inputs for a record player with built-in amplification for MM-type pickups, so that the gramophone can be connected directly to the speakers without the need for an additional intermediate link in the form of an RIAA amplifier. There is also a 3.5mm AUX input which can be used for other analogue sources. If you have a CD player, it can be connected via the optical TosLink input, so that the signal is kept digital all the way from the CD to the speaker. A USB-C input makes it possible to connect a computer directly to the Technics SC-CX700. The last connection option is an HDMI input with ARC, which makes the connection between the speakers and your TV with ARC support incredibly easy. The sound is sent from the TV to the speakers, with the option of adjusting the volume via your flat screen remote control.

App operation and calibration

The Technics SC-CX700 is delivered with a remote control of the classic kind, but the vast majority of functions can also be operated via the free Technics Audio Center app. It allows selection of input, network playback, streaming, etc. But this is also where you will find another of Technics‘ strokes of genius, namely Space Tune, which makes it possible to adapt the speaker’s DSP processing to exactly the way it is set up. Here are pre-programmed settings for e.g. corner and shelf placement, as well as an auto-calibration. If you use the app on an iPhone, you also get the option to make an automatic adjustment via a precise measurement that makes use of the iPhone’s built-in microphone. Unfortunately, this feature is not available for Android.

Two active with coaxial unit

The speakers from Technics are designed as two active speakers. Each speaker therefore has its own dedicated amplifier connected. The amplifier section is physically separated from the speaker unit by a solid wall inside the cabinet to minimize the risk of vibrations from the unit reaching the sensitive electronics. The unit in the speakers is a coaxial construction, which provides a number of sonic advantages. Technics has also used this type of device in other speakers, but for the SC-CX700, the device was created specifically for this model.

With or without cable

The speakers can be used both wirelessly and connected to each other via cable. The difference lies in the high sound quality that can be achieved. For most users, the 24-bit/96kHz, or approx. double CD quality, which is the maximum without cable, probably be plenty. If you connect the included cable between the speakers, they can process sound up to 24-bit/192kHz. Depending on the selected input, the speakers can accept audio formats up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD up to 5.6MHz via DoP (DSD over PCM)

User-friendly and elegant

The speakers are equipped with controls on the top, so there is easy access to, for example, adjusting the volume if you don’t have the app or the remote control at hand. The cabinets are covered in a microfiber material with a suede-like feel, which provides an elegant finish and a welcome departure from years of focus on high-gloss finishes. Put them on a dedicated stand, a sideboard or in a bookcase. Regardless, the Technics SC-CX700 blends naturally into the surroundings. Three finishes to choose from should also make it possible to find a color to match the rest of the interior.