In Brief: Technics SC-CX700
In a market where all-in-one connected speakers often prioritise convenience over audio purity, Technics offers a striking alternative with the SC-CX700. These compact hi-fi speakers marry premium materials, advanced coaxial drivers, and extensive connectivity—making them a compelling choice for discerning listeners seeking a polished, modern listening experience.
Pros
- Elegant, premium design (Alcantara finish)
- Comprehensive connectivity (HDMI ARC, phono-in, USB-C, Wi-Fi, etc.)
- Impressive spatial imaging and wide sweet spot
- Highly detailed, precise sound
- Innovative Space Tune calibration
- Robust build quality
Cons
- Limited bass extension without an external sub
- Home-cinema needs a subwoofer for fuller low end
- Companion mobile app could be more ergonomic
Technical Specifications
- Model: Technics SC-CX700
- Drivers: Single 15 cm coaxial driver per speaker
- Amplification: 60 W (LF) + 40 W (HF) per speaker
- Connectivity:
- HDMI ARC
- Optical (Toslink)
- RCA phono/line-in
- USB-C audio input
- Coaxial sub-out
- Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- Wireless Protocols: AirPlay, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal, Qobuz, Roon Ready
- App: Technics Audio Connect (Space Tune)
- Dimensions (each): ~20 × 31 × 28 cm
- Weight (each): ~9.1 kg
- Price: ~€2499 per stereo pair
Tested with a pair on loan from Technics.
Design & Build: Premium Japanese Aesthetics
Alcantara Wrap & Compact Footprint
Each SC-CX700 speaker sports Alcantara side panels in Terracotta, Grey, or Black. The front houses a single coaxial driver behind a removable circular grille, while the top has a matte black finish with a small vent for heat dissipation. Standing just 31 cm tall and weighing around 9.1 kg, they save space yet exude a luxurious aura.
Controls & Cables
Volume, power, and mute buttons reside on the top of the left speaker. That left speaker also harbours most inputs and feeds the right speaker via a dedicated RJ-45 cable, which carries both audio signal and power. You can optionally hide the front driver behind a magnetically attached cloth grille.
Connectivity: Old-School Inputs & Modern Streaming
Physical Inputs
- HDMI ARC for TV/projector
- Optical (Toslink) for digital sources
- RCA phono-in (switchable to line) for turntables or analog devices
- USB-C for direct audio from phones or PCs
- 3.5 mm minijack for analog line-in
A subwoofer output (coaxial) is available for reinforcing low-end if desired.
Wireless & Streaming
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- AirPlay, Chromecast, Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify Connect, Amazon Music, Roon Ready
- Ethernet port if preferred over Wi-Fi
Internal Engineering: Coaxial Excellence
Coaxial Drivers
Each speaker houses a 15 cm coaxial driver, with a 19 mm tweeter at the centre. This design yields cohesive imaging, enhanced phase alignment, and a compact form factor. Each coax driver is powered by two separate amps (60 W for LF, 40 W for HF), ensuring precise frequency management.
Dual-Chamber Cabinet
The enclosure is split into two compartments: a front volume for the driver and a rear compartment for the electronics. This approach minimises vibration interference but slightly reduces cabinet volume for the woofer. A front-firing laminar vent port handles the bass reflex system, boosting low frequencies.
Setup & App Control: Space Tune & More
Technics Audio Connect
While basic playback works out-of-the-box, the Technics Audio Connect app is key to advanced features. You can update firmware, assign input modes, tweak EQ, and set up Space Tune—a calibration feature adjusting the sound for speaker placement (corner, wall, shelf, or free-standing). You can also specify different placements per speaker, ensuring optimal response even if one speaker is in a corner and the other near a wall.
Additional Options
Use the app to switch the phono input to a standard line-level input if you don’t need the built-in phono preamp. The app’s UX is functional, though not as slick as some rivals. Once configured, you can mostly rely on the provided remote or your favourite streaming service’s native interface.
Sound Performance: Detailed & Engaging
Refined Sound Signature
The SC-CX700 deliver a gently detailed and airy presentation, reminiscent of high-end hi-fi speakers rather than typical soundbars or single-box solutions. Thanks to the coax drivers, imaging is stable and precise, with voices well-centred. The sweet spot is also wider than on many coax-based designs, allowing multiple listeners to appreciate the stereo effect.
Midrange & Treble
Midrange reproduction is pure and coherent, revealing nuances from vocals or acoustic instruments. Treble remains smooth without stridency, though occasional dips around ~2 kHz produce a relaxed character, beneficial for long listening sessions. Micro-details—such as breath in vocal performances—come through clearly, adding to an immersive experience.
Bass Extension
By design, each speaker’s small enclosure limits bass depth significantly. Below 100 Hz, output rolls off. For most music genres, this isn’t a deal-breaker, but for home theatre or bass-heavy tracks, a dedicated subwoofer becomes almost mandatory. A sub-out is provided to address this shortfall.
Pricing & Competition
Priced around €2499 per pair, the SC-CX700 compete with the KEF LS50 Wireless II (~€2000/pair), which also offer coaxial drivers, robust streaming, and refined audio. The KEFs, however, present stronger bass extension and slightly more polished user-friendly features. Yet the Technics stand out with a premium Alcantara design, advanced Space Tune, and a distinctive acoustic signature. The final choice may boil down to taste, aesthetics, and brand preference.
Conclusion
Overall Rating: 8/10
Marrying timeless Japanese hi-fi craftsmanship with modern streaming, the Technics SC-CX700 are a compelling route for music lovers seeking a thorough stereo solution in a relatively compact form. Their coaxial drivers deliver a crisp, coherent soundstage, anchored by a neutral tonal balance—though bass extension is modest without a sub. Comprehensive connectivity, including phono support and HDMI ARC, sets them up as a flexible hub for digital and analog sources alike. If your budget and listening priorities lean toward precise, immersive stereo in a premium design—and you can accommodate a subwoofer for deeper bass—the SC-CX700 are well worth an audition.
