This review delves into the Technics SC-CX700 active speakers, examining their innovative design and performance capabilities. These speakers boast a unique coaxial driver arrangement for a focused soundstage, housed within a meticulously engineered cabinet designed to minimize vibrations. We explore the impact of their digital amplification, Genex Engine, and ring tweeter design on the overall audio experience, analyzing both their strengths and potential shortcomings. Connectivity options and app integration are also assessed, providing a comprehensive understanding of their versatility.The review compares the Technics SC-CX700's sound signature against a more traditional passive system, highlighting key differences in soundstage, clarity, and bass response. Ultimately, we determine whether the SC-CX700 lives up to its potential as a future-forward Hi-Fi solution, considering factors such as build quality, app functionality, and overall sound characteristics within its price bracket. Discover if these speakers offer a compelling alternative to conventional setups and whether their advantages outweigh any limitations.
Pros And Cons
- Coaxial alignment for better focused sound stage, especially at close quarters.
- Larger sound stage than the PSB Alpha iQ at a listening distance.
- Sounds more transparent than the PSB Alpha iQ.
- Good dynamics.
- Rhythmic attack.
- Uses digital amplifiers for a digital signal from input to output.
- Decent-sounding phono stage.
- Clarity and purity in streaming.
- Geno engine reduces digital signal jitter.
- Ring tweeter for faster rise and fall times.
- Physical controls on top of the primary speaker.
- Cleaner mid-range than the KEF/Morant system.
- More exciting, lean-forward sound than the KEF/Morant system.
- Greater emphasis on clarity and transparency than the KEF/Morant system.
- Bigger soundstage than the KEF/Morant system.
- Crisp and clean sound with movie dialogue.
- Low-noise HDMI ARC connection.
- Circular grills may not be aesthetically appealing.
- Many cables coming off the back of the primary speaker.
- Technics audio center control app is not quick or snappy; UI favors function over form.
- Plastic top plate may not be suitable for speakers at this price point.
- Can sound too keen in the upper mids, potentially unsuitable for some genres of music.
- Less emphasis on low-frequency weight and push than the KEF/Morant system.
Read more: Top 5 Best Bluetooth Speakers 2025: Ultimate Guide & Reviews
Design and Build Quality
The Technics SC-CX700 speakers boast a unique design with a coaxial driver arrangement, placing the tweeter in the acoustic center of the mid-woofer. This coaxial alignment, also known as acoustic center alignment, contributes to a more focused soundstage, particularly beneficial for near-field listening.
The speakers are encased in a Dynamica fabric, produced by Asahi Kasei, the same company behind AKM DAC chips. The MDF cabinet utilizes Technics' 'Acoustic Solitude' construction, featuring internal chambers separated by an 8mm air gap to minimize vibrations impacting the electronics.
While the magnetically attachable circular grills offer protection, their aesthetic appeal might be subjective. The overall build quality feels premium, though the plastic top plate feels somewhat underwhelming considering the price point.
Sound Quality and Performance
The Technics SC-CX700 delivers impressive dynamics and rhythmic attack, partly thanks to the digital amplifiers (100W for the mid-woofer, 40W for the tweeter). The digital amplification keeps the signal in the digital domain, eliminating any DAC stage, resulting in a clean, transparent sound.
The Genex Engine, integrated into each speaker, reduces digital jitter, further enhancing clarity and purity. The ring tweeter's design, detailed in the show notes, contributes to faster rise and fall times, improving transient response.
While generally clear and transparent, the upper mids can sometimes sound a bit too prominent, potentially impacting the listening experience with certain genres. The bass response is adequate but might benefit from a subwoofer, particularly with bass-heavy tracks.
Connectivity and Features
The SC-CX700 offers a comprehensive array of connectivity options including HDMI, analog RCA, toslink, USB, and ethernet (for both router and secondary speaker connection). This versatility caters to various audio sources.
The Technics Audio Center Control app supports various streaming services, though its user interface could be more intuitive and visually appealing. The speakers also support Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, and Google Chromecast.
The reviewer's preference for using the Rune audio system via the Rune Ready input minimized reliance on the Technics app. Interestingly, the Rune Mu2 streaming deck proved faster in initiating music playback than a Rune Nucleus, highlighting potential hardware advantages in stream management.
Comparison and Conclusion
A comparison with a KEF system (KEF Q Concerta Meta with Arcam SA20 amplifier) reveals that the Technics SC-CX700 sounds cleaner in the mid-range and has a more 'lean forward' sound, prioritizing clarity and transparency. The KEF system offered a more 'lean back' presentation.
The Technics lacks the low-frequency weight and heft of the passive system, potentially requiring a subwoofer. However, it excels in soundstage size and crisp vocal reproduction, particularly noticeable during movie dialogue.
Overall, the Technics SC-CX700 offers a compelling all-in-one active speaker system. While the upper mids can be a bit too prominent at times, and the app UI is not particularly elegant, the ease of use, flexibility, and sound quality make them a strong contender in their price range. Whether they are *the* future of Hi-Fi remains subjective, but they certainly represent a significant step forward.