Technics SC-CX700 Wireless Speaker Review
Technics is the audio brand of the Japanese manufacturer Panasonic, and we had the brand-new SC-CX700 set of two stereo active speakers in our test lab, which enable wireless playback of favorite music from streaming services such as Spotify, as well as numerous internet radio stations via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
They also support the AirPlay 2 and Chromecast streaming protocols. Since these are active speakers with a built-in amplifier, no external AV receiver is needed, and the two speakers can be connected directly to a TV via HDMI ARC to significantly enhance TV sound. How the Technics SC-CX700 wireless speakers performed in our practical test can be found on this review.
The Technics SC-CX700 is a pair of speakers operating on the master/slave principle, though Technics refers to them as primary/secondary. Thus, connections and controls are located on the primary speaker, while the so-called secondary speaker only has a power connection and a network port on its rear to link to the primary speaker.
A three-meter speaker link cable is included for this purpose. Alternatively, the two speakers can also be connected wirelessly, which will likely be the more practical option in most usage scenarios. While the maximum sampling rate is 192 kHz at 24 bits when wired, it is limited to 96 kHz at 24 bits in wireless mode, which still remains in the lossless range. Which speaker is on the right and which is on the left can be adjusted via a switch on the back.
The Technics SC-CX700 active speaker set is available in Terracotta Brown, Charcoal Black, and Silky Gray. Right out of the box, we were surprised by the massive build and the resulting substantial weight of around 9 kilograms per speaker, which underlines the premium quality. With dimensions of about 20 × 31 × 27 centimeters, the two boxes still fit easily on shelves or sideboards. The stable MDF wooden cabinet is covered with Dinamica microfiber, largely made from high-quality recycled polyester fibers. The velour-like texture ensures a pleasant feel and high-quality workmanship.
“Active: High-quality stereo sound in an elegant package”
On the top side of the primary speaker, there are four classic buttons for power on/off, mute, and volume control, as well as seven touch-sensitive sensor buttons for selecting the input source. Each of the touch buttons has a corresponding status LED that lights up when the associated input is active. In addition to direct operation, control via the supplied IR remote is possible. Certain operating options, such as creating favorites and adjusting the sound, are only available via the free “Technics Audio Center” app for Android or iOS mobile devices, which is therefore the first choice for control. The initial setup is also carried out through it, running self-explanatory and completed within a few minutes.
PRO Sound quality, workmanship, HDMI ARC, music streaming support, “Technics Audio Center” app
CONTRA No Dolby and DTS decoders, no NFC
Connections and Wireless Links
The connection options on the back of the primary speaker are manifold: The TV can be connected via the HDMI ARC port to significantly enhance TV sound. The volume can then also be conveniently controlled using the TV’s remote. However, the SC-CX700 does not feature Dolby or DTS decoders, so the TV’s audio output should be set to PCM. For other devices, a digital optical S/PDIF input and an analog mini-jack input are available.
There is also a dedicated phono input for connecting a turntable without a built-in preamp; the additional grounding cable of the turntable can be connected to the nearby grounding terminal to prevent annoying hum. To achieve even deeper bass, the test candidate can be connected to an external subwoofer via the subwoofer output. While music can be played back in high-resolution audio quality via a USB 2.0 port (USB-C), a LAN port enables a wired network connection, which should preferably be established via Wi-Fi. This then opens up numerous possibilities to play favorite music wirelessly through the two speakers.
For example, the AirPlay 2 and Chromecast streaming protocols are supported. Via DLNA, audio files can also be played from a device within the home network, such as a NAS drive. With Spotify, the global market leader among music streaming services is on board. Through the “Technics Audio Center” app, in addition to accessing other music streaming services like Deezer, Amazon Music, Qobuz, and Tidal, you can also listen to internet radio and podcasts. Finally, there is also the option to use Bluetooth for wireless music transmission, which worked smoothly up to about ten meters in our practical test.
Measurement Data
Power Consumption in Watts:
- Standby: approx. 2.8 W ≈ 9/10 (lower consumption = higher rating)
- Operation (at room volume): approx. 19.6 W ≈ 7/10 (lower consumption = higher rating)
Annual Costs: ~€14.23 per year*
*Based on a price of €0.32/kWh. The calculated costs are based on 365 days of mixed operation with an average usage of 195 minutes per day.
Sound Quality
For its 2-way bass reflex system, Technics relies on a digital amplifier that generates 200 watts of output power. Both speakers are equipped with the Technics-developed fully digital amplifier technology “JENO Engine,” which reduces jitter’s influence on the amplifier. Since both the left and right speakers have the “JENO Engine,” additional signal quality impairment along the transmission path is minimized, ensuring distortion-free signal transmission and amplification. Each speaker is equipped with a 150 mm woofer/midrange driver and a 19 mm tweeter. The bass reflex port is front-facing, which is convenient if the speakers are placed on a shelf.
In the practical test, the sound performance literally blew us out of our seats, and we were absolutely thrilled by the quality offered. Music of various genres, from rock to electro, was reproduced confidently without exception, and we were particularly impressed by the rich spatial representation. Dynamic changes are implemented with high impulse fidelity, while the speakers very effectively separate vocal elements from the rest of the sound, even at high volume. We had no complaints about the low-frequency reproduction either, as bass was delivered dry and with appropriate punch into the room. With classical music, complex instruments such as the harpsichord or violin are well defined. Here, too, the differentiated, well-detailed vocals are cleanly balanced, not pushing the orchestral elements into the background.
Tech Specs
Manufacturer: Technics
Model: SC-CX700
Dimensions (W×H×D in mm):
- Primary: 201 × 313 × 276 mm
- Secondary: 201 × 313 × 272 mm
Weight (in kg):
- Primary: 9.1 kg
- Secondary: 8.9 kg
Colors: Terracotta Brown, Charcoal Black, Silky Gray
Connections (Audio):
- HDMI-ARC
- S/PDIF (optical)
- 3.5 mm mini-jack
- Phono
- Subwoofer out
Connections (Data):
- USB-C
- LAN
Hardware Features:
- Type: 2-way bass reflex
- Number and size of speakers per unit: 1 × 150 mm woofer/midrange, 1 × 19 mm tweeter
- Output Power: 200 W
Functions:
- Bluetooth: Yes
- NFC: No
- AirPlay: Yes
- Wi-Fi: Yes
- Multiroom: Yes
Integrated Music Streaming Services: Spotify, Deezer, Amazon Music, Qobuz, Tidal
Remote Control Functions:
- On / Off: Yes
- Volume / Mute: Yes
- HDMI-CEC: Yes
Conclusion
The Technics SC-CX700 active speaker set achieved 9.6 out of 10 in our practical test, receiving the top rating “very good.” During our extensive test series, the stereo speaker pair impressed with excellent sound and proved to be the ideal choice for music enthusiasts, as well as an excellent soundbar alternative for users who want to improve their TV sound.
In addition, the two speakers scored with high-quality workmanship, convenient operation via the “Technics Audio Center” app, and a first-class range of features that includes all the important audio connections and numerous streaming options. The Technics SC-CX700 speaker set is available in the color variants Terracotta Brown, Charcoal Black, and Silky Gray.
Criteria and Ratings (Original % → Approx. 10-Point Scale):
- Klangqualität (Sound Quality) – 98% ≈ 9.8/10
- Ausstattung (Features) – 96% ≈ 9.6/10
- Bedienung (Operation) – 93% ≈ 9.3/10
- Verarbeitung (Workmanship) – 95% ≈ 9.5/10
- Zubehör (Accessories) – 92% ≈ 9.2/10
Scope of delivery: 2 active speakers · 2 speaker covers · 2 power cables · speaker link cable · remote control incl. batteries · user manual
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