The new Technics SC-CX700 active speakers are a high-end and premium audio system for people with ... [+] limited space or an aversion to clutter.Technics The world of audio is changing. Slowly disappearing are the large stack hi-fi units so beloved of the 1970s and 1980s. Although separates are still available at the upper end of the market, a new generation is more concerned with size and convenience, especially in a world where people rent homes and move around regularly. The hassle of constantly dismantling and reinstalling an audiophile setup is just too much for some.To address the trend towards more compact and convenient audio, brands are producing active loudspeakers with everything built in for streaming from music services but still with the connections for adding TV sound or a vinyl turntable. One of the best-known names in audio has just released such a system and I have had a chance to try it out over the festive period.The Technics SC-CX700 Wireless Speaker System was first unveiled at IFA 2024. The gorgeous-looking pair of bookshelf speakers drew quite a crowd. The combination of Technics audio expertise and the superb elegance of the SC-CX700 demonstrate that audio devices dont have to look ugly.The SC-CX700 Wireless Speaker System is available in a choice of three colors: Charcoal Black, Silky Grey and Terracotta Brown. My loan unit was the Terracotta Brown and the speakers look superb wrapped in microfiber material that fits easily into almost any dcor.The SC-CX700 are available in three colorways: Charcoal Black, Silky Grey and Terracotta Brown.Technics MORE FOR YOUHowever, dont let the SC-CX700s good look lure you into thinking these speakers are just a fancy piece of audio hardware. Inside is some very sophisticated technology and thoughtful engineering that can serve up exceptionally clear sound with enough power to fill even a large space. The speakers also bristle with connectors so you can add other sources to suit your preference.Although the SC-CX700 looks like a lifestyle product, it has been designed for discerning audiophiles with a high-end that can articulate the fine details in a classical symphony or the bassy thump of a dance track. The SC-CX700 is versatile in the way it presents music and has a level of detail that immerses the listener in all the nuances of recorded music.Music lovers want exceptional audio performance but dont want to compromise on style and convenience. The SC-CX700 fills this need, bringing together complex sound technology with stylish design, as well as easy connection to multiple entertainment platforms and media sources. points out Frank Balzuweit, European Technics Product Manager.In short, the SC-CX700 is a game changer for music experiences and sets a new standard for the active speaker system category.Even when mounted on stands, the Technics SC-CX700 hardly take up any room. Each speaker requires ... [+] power but positioning is not an issue thanks to Space Tune.TechnicsThis system is the epitome of plug-and-play. Each speaker requires mains power as each cabinet has 100W of high-end Class D amplification with a total output of 200W. A single Ethernet-style cable connects both speakers so they can talk to each other or you can use a wireless connection, although the digital resolution tops out at 96kHz / 24-bit whereas the wired connection takes things up to PCM 192kHz / 24-bit.One of the speakers acts as the primary unit and has all the connections and inputs for attaching other sources. The primary speaker can be nominated as being the left or right channel to suit the layout of the room or the users preferences.Like all good active speakers, the Technics SC-CX700 can connect to the internet over Wi-Fi or Ethernet. The internet connection is necessary for downloading any firmware updates or for streaming music directly from services like TIDAL, Spotify, Qobuz or any of the other streamers that are supported.Siting speakers is normally important although in my listening tests, I was surprised at how tolerant the SC-CX700 speakers were and each cabinet only required toeing each cabinet to create a sweet spot where left and right channels meet. However, to get the best sound, the speakers can be set up using a Space Tune.The Technics SC-CX700 has inputs for other sources including one for a vinyl turntable with a moving ... [+] magnet cartridge.TechnicsThis feature optimizes audio performance and spatial acoustics no matter how or where each speaker is positioned. This is a bonus as often, especially in smaller homes or rental apartments, your options for where the speakers go are limited by physical layout or availability of power outlets. Once the speakers are set up, just run Space Tune and the sound will be optimized without the speakers dominating the room.So, whether you are live in a smaller apartment with plenty of soft furnishings or a large modernist loft with lots of echoes, the SC-CX700 can adjust the sound to suit the acoustics of the room without all the fuss of setting up and positioning the speakers away from walls or avoiding the corners of a room.The SC-CX700 system is supplied with a hand-held Infrared remote control. I hate audio systems that force you to use an app because that can be so cumbersome, especially if you want to quickly mute the music when answering the door or taking a call on a landline. However, for those who enjoy using a phone or tablet to control things, the Technics Audio Center app for Android and iOS devices gives access to a range of system settings for personalizing sound. The app also has a new and simplified setup configuration.The SC-CX700 has wireless streaming technology built in for smartphones with support for Google Cast and Apple AirPlay so audio can be streamed to speakers throughout the home and used to access music services like Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, Deezer, Amazon Music HD and internet radio.The Technics SC-CX700 has an HDMI connector for linking the speakers up to a TV so it can be used as ... [+] a soundbar.TechnicsAt the heart of the SC-CX700 is Technics proprietary full-digital JENO-Engine amplifier technology. The speaker drivers are a coaxial design with a ring tweeter embedded in the woofer of each speaker. The Smooth Flow Diaphragm delivers an energetic and dynamic sound while a lightweight ring tweeter in each speaker produces a well-focused soundstage with plenty of depth.Model-Based Diaphragm Control technology enables the SC-CX700s drivers to have a pure sound even when the speakers are being driven at high sound pressure levels. All moving parts of the SC-CX700 have been optimized to produce the most realistic sound possible. The Acoustic Solitude Construction addresses the issue of speaker-amp interference by placing a thick piece of isolating material between the speaker driver and amplifier circuitry in each cabinet so no vibrational impact from the drivers can be picked up by the signal processing or amplifier.Each cabinet features Technics proprietary Balanced Driver Mounting Architecture which reduces harmful vibrations of the front baffle by fixing the drivers to a second, internal wall. This eliminates uncontrolled chassis movement and reduces vibrations for a clearer sound. Finally, the Smooth-Flow bass port takes the bass coming out of the rear of each woofer which it then controls and directs to the front reflex port of each cabinet to produce a bass thats tight and powerful.The SC-CX700 has a built-in Phono Equalizer for low-noise and high-quality audiophile playback of vinyl records. Theres also an HDMI ARC connection so you can take the feed from a smart TV and use the speakers as a soundbar. And because HDMI supports CEC, you can control the volume, mute and power of the TV with the SC-CX700 or TV remote.Other inputs include a 3.5mm stereo jack for an analog source. There are optical and USB inputs for connecting a CD player or a computer so you can stream hi-res audio files. This makes it easy to choose music on a laptop and feed it directly to the speakers at your chosen resolution.With 200W of total output, the Technics SC-CX700 have power to spare but they are small enough to ... [+] place on a bookshelf.TechnicsFinally, we come to the actual sound from this sophisticated and compact audio system. The sound is incredibly detailed and even verging on bright before you make any adjustments. Its hard to appreciate just how much dynamic sound these little active speakers can pump out. The bass is impressive but if you want even more, the SC-CX700 has a sub-woofer output that can attach to almost any sub and deliver extra grunt.One small oversight for me is the lack of a headphone jack. I love listening to music through headphones and if you live in an apartment and want to listen to music late at night, a pair of headphones is essential. Thats about the only criticism I have.Verdict: The Technics SC-CX700 is an incredibly sophisticated pair of active speakers. Technics has redesigned the concept of active speakers from top to bottom and come up with a premium product that is exceptional. It might be a little bright for some ears but it depends on the kind of music you like to listen to. The SC-CX700 is ruthless in revealing poor recording quality and an inadequate mix but with the right source material, its a sure-footed performer that offers audiophile performance in a compact package that can suit most lifestyles. If you want the best in active speakers then look at the Technics SC-CX700 and maybe compare it with Sonus fabers superb Duetto active speakers which are more expensive but have a slightly warmer presentation. Both systems are excellent and excel with different musical genres.Pricing & Availability: The Technics SC-CX700 Wireless Speaker System is available now and priced at $2,999.99 / 2,499 / 2,399.99.Tech Specs:Total output power: 200W (100W x 2) woofer 60W / tweeter 40W.Drivers: 2-way 2-speaker bass reflex (coaxial 2-way woofer/built-in tweeters).Woofer: 15cm cone x 1.Tweeter: 1.9cm ring x 1.Analog inputs: Phono stage (MM) x 1 (Primary), AUX IN x 1 (3.5mm) (Primary).Digital inputs: Optical digital x 1 (Primary), USB-C (USB-DAC) x 1 (Primary).Analog output: Subwoofer out x 1 (Primary).Digital output: HDMI ARC x 1 (Primary).Headphone output: N/A.Ethernet: LAN (100 Base-TX / 10 Base-T) x 1 (Primary).P/S link: RJ-45 Connector x 2(Primary, Secondary) *for wired connection.Wi-Fi: IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, 2.4GHz / 5GHz Band.Wireless streaming: Google Cast, AirPlay, Bluetooth.Bluetooth audio codecs: AAC, SBC.Supported streaming services: Spotify Connect, Deezer, Amazon Music HD, TIDAL, Qobuz, Internet Radio, Roon Ready(OTA).Supported audio codecs: LPCM (32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192kHz / 16, 24bit) / DSD (2.8MHz, 5.6MHz).DSD control mode: ASIO Native mode, DoP mode.LAN(DMR): WAV (32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8, 384 kHz / 16-, 24-, 32-bit), FLAC (32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8, 384kHz / 16-, 24-bit), AIFF (32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8, 384kHz / 16-, 24-, 32- bit), ALAC (32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8, 384kHz / 16-, 24-bit), AAC (32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96kHz / 16-320kbps), MP3 (32, 44.1, 48kHz / 16-320kbps), DSD (2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz)Speaker connections: Wireless PCM 96kHz / 24-bit / Wired PCM 192kHz / 24-bit.Accessories: AC cord x 2, remote control x 1, batteries for remote control, speaker link cable (3m) x 1, speaker grilles x 2, Owners manualDimensions (W x H x D): 201 x 313 x 276mm (Primary) / 201 x 313 x 272mm (Secondary).Power supply: AC 220-240V, 50/60Hz.Power consumption: 40W (Primary) / 35W (Secondary).Network standby: Approx. 2.0W (Primary) / Approx. 2.0W (Secondary).Weight: 9.1kg (Primary) 8.9kg (Secondary).