Subj : I love the look of Technics' new wireless stereo speakers but es To : All From : TechnologyDaily Date : Thu Sep 05 2024 15:15:05 I love the look of Technics' new wireless stereo speakers but especially the weird microfiber covering Date: Thu, 05 Sep 2024 14:10:00 +0000 Description: Fancy in-driver tweeter design, Wi-Fi hi-res music, and a soft coat? FULL STORY ====================================================================== Technics has unveiled its first-ever wireless stereo speakers, the SC-CX700. They have a bunch of cool features and one very unusual element that I didn't realize until I saw them in person at the IFA 2024 trade show: a fabric, microfiber finish. So, the audio bit first: these are active speakers with their own amplification. They even have a phono MM input so you can connect one of the best turntables without any additional pre-amp needed, as well as HDMI ARC for connecting to your TV as a soundbar alternative. They're a two-way design, and the tweeter sits at the center of the woofer, in a design very similar to KEF's Uni-Q driver, as used in the fantastic KEF LS50 Mk II which these bear a generally striking resemblance to in terms of features. A forward-firing bass port should aid low-end power. (Image credit: Future) In addition to the connections mentioned above, they also take 3.5mm jack input, USB-C input, and Ethernet, and there's Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for streaming. Technics has been light on details, but there appears to be a PDF of the instruction manual online , and assuming it's accurate, it reveals a lot more, including the hi-res audio chops involved. It looks like streaming FLAC and ALAC are supported at up to 24-bit/384kHz. Over USB-C, there's DSD and LPCM support. Using the Technics Music Center app, you can stream Spotify, Tidal, Deezer, Amazon Music, and Qobuz plus there's AirPlay 2 and Google Cast support. However, there's no mention of any higher-quality Bluetooth versions being supported. They come with a remote for switching input and controlling playback, too. And I should note that they're not totally wireless they need to be connected to each other by an included cable. All this tech doesn't come cheap: they're set to cost 2,399 (about $3,100 / AU$4,700) and will be available from October 2024. (Image credit: Future) Now, about the outside. They come in three finishes Charcoal Black, Silky Grey, and Terracotta Brown and unlike all those entries in our list of the best stereo speakers that have boring materials like 'wood' on the outside, these are covered in a "stylish microfibre material that feels like suede and is easy to integrate into any home aesthetic," according to Technics. I totally missed this in the announcement, and when I went to see them at Panasonic's IFA booth (Technics is owned by Panasonic), I did a full double-take. They have a soft, fine texture all over the colored section of the body, which catches the light with a sheen that's unlike what you get from any kind of veneer. It feels very 70s, and I actually love it, especially in the Terracotta color. It's hard to notice from a distance, but you get close enough and your brain goes "hang on, that's not what a solid surface looks like." It's a fun little aesthetic twist, and I would very happily have a pair in my home though strictly with the all-black circular speaker cover off, as it is in these pictures, because they look way better with the shiny, pointy tweeter visible. I wasn't able to hear them in action, sadly especially sad since they were sitting with Technics' new SL-1300G turntable, which is its new flagship spinner and dares to be a superior successor to the legendary Technics SL-1200 (which is still going, don't worry). I would've liked to have seen how that combo went but we'll review them in good time. Sadly, the ones you get at home will have a regular back, instead of this see-through one that shows the tech inside. (Image credit: Future) You might also like Kanto Audio's Ren isn't skimpy when it comes to audio output It's Lenco a-go-go! A trio of cool turntables just landed from the vinyl virtuoso Soundcore's most premium wireless headphones ever are also its coolest-looking and most portable ====================================================================== Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/audio/speakers/i-love-the-look-of-technics-new-wirel ess-stereo-speakers-but-especially-the-weird-microfiber-covering --- Mystic BBS v1.12 A47 (Linux/64) * Origin: tqwNet Technology News (1337:1/100) .