Technics SL-G700 M2 Grand Class Network/Super Audio CD Player

Description

IN STOCK!

Multi digital player covers most of the digital audio media available today from traditional CD/SACD to the latest high-res and many streaming services.
 

Grand Class, High-quality Sound Design

The New SL-G700 Network / Super Audio CD Player. The SL-G700 is a multi-digital player that covers most of the digital audio media available today, from traditional CD/SACD to the latest high-res and many streaming services, and plays them all back in the highest possible quality.

Premium High-grade D/A Converter and Dual Mono Construction D/A Circuit

For analog audio output, the D/A circuit is one of the most important circuit blocks since it recreates the original analog waveform from a digital source, such as a CD. For the D/A converters, Asahi Kasei Microdevices’ top-of-the-line DAC AK4497, with their high S/N ratio and low distortion, are isolated for the left and right channels. The power supply for the D/A converters is separated into five sections according to the application and supplied individually. The power supply for the clock employs an original Battery Driven Circuit System to achieve high-accuracy D/A conversion. The Dual Mono Construction and asymmetrical layout eliminate mutual interference between left and right channels, taking the reproduction of sound imaging and sound space recorded in the source to a higher dimension.

Discrete AMP Module

For analog audio output, the filter circuit located after the D/A conversion determines the quality of sound. The SL-G700’s filter circuit incorporates not an Opamp IC but an amp module of original discrete construction. The use of low-noise transistors and thin-film resistors suppresses the noise generated inside the circuits. Detailed fine-tuning, such as the increase of operating current, has improved the response, S/N ratio, and distortion rate. As a result, the SL-G700 provides highly linear and faithful sound reproduction without omitting even the smallest nuances recorded in the source.

Battery Driven Clock Generator

In the processing of digital audio signals, the quality of the clock affects the sound quality to a large extent. The best power supply for delicate circuitry such as the Clock block in the DAC and the audio system clock circuit is one entirely isolated from any noise or fluctuations in the mains supply. Technics has extensive experience in isolating the power supply using a battery. This technology creates low-noise digital audio interfaces including D/A converters. Additionally, the audio system clock is supplied from an Ultra-Low Jitter Clock Generator. A low-noise power supply and a high-quality clock circuit realize a sound with transparency.

High-speed Silent Hybrid Power Supply

The quality of the power supply is extremely important for high-fidelity sound reproduction. Power supply noise and supply stability directly affect the quality of sound reproduced from audio signals, particularly for analog audio output. The SL-G700 is equipped with a dedicated power supply unit for analog audio output. Its non-feedback switching power supply suppresses switching frequency fluctuation. Combined with the original stabilized power supply circuit, this dedicated power supply unit provides stable power with low noise. The discrete circuit structure does not use any general-purpose ICs, and meticulous tuning provides power optimized for analog circuits, thus realizing a high S/N ratio and superb reproduction, the hallmark of Technics sound.

Digital Noise Isolation Architecture

For the USB input terminals, the amplifier includes power conditioners using non-magnetic carbon film resistors with strong protection against magnetic distortion and using capacitors of high-quality ruby mica excellent in characteristics such as low dielectric loss, high voltage resistance, and temperature stability. In addition, pursuing high reproducibility of sound by various noise countermeasures, such as installation of low ESR film capacitor to LAN terminal power supply and isolation by pulse transformer in the digital output signal.

High-quality Headphone Output

Generally, the analog output signal (Balanced / Unbalanced) and headphone output signal are generated by the same D/A circuit. The SL-G700 is equipped with a dedicated D/A circuit for headphones which is independent of that for analog output. This circuitry incorporates Technics’ original sound processing LSI, the JENO Engine (Jitter Elimination and Noise-shaping Optimisation). Complete separation of the analog output from the headphone output has eliminated the mutual interference between the two circuits that serve different purposes. In addition, each circuit receives the most suitable sound tuning. As a result, both outputs provide maximum performance. Furthermore, the SL-G700 is equipped with an operation optimization system that automatically turns on the JENO Engine when a pair of headphones is connected. This eliminates the adverse effect of the analog output on the sound quality when headphones are not connected.
 

What’s more, the Class AA System headphone amp uses separate amp circuits for the audio signal voltage amplification and current amplification. The high-grade operation amp amplifies voltage, and the separate operation amp with high power supply capacity amplifies current. This enables high-precision conversion of the high-resolution PWM signal output from the JENO Engine to an analog signal. Achieving the ideal drive of headphones with a wide range of load impedance, it delivers low-distortion sound across a broad frequency range.

Optimally Activated Circuit System

The Optimally Activated Circuit System allows the operation of various digital modules to be stopped – such as those used for display, analog, and digital interfaces – to minimise the noise generated when music is playing. In addition, the Pure Disc Playback Mode completely shuts off the Network Interface circuit to further raise the sound quality of SACD/CD playback.

High-quality Parts

The key components that affect the sound quality employ carefully selected high-grade parts to assure high-purity, high-quality sound reproduction.

Four-Section Configuration

In Digital Audio Player, there are a variety of circuits, such as Switching Power Supply which has big energy and the Digital Interface Circuit which handling high-frequency signal, and also analog circuit. The SL-G700 uses a Four-Section construction with partitions installed between the circuit blocks according to the signal level handled and circuit type. This eliminates interference between circuit blocks, thus achieving clear sound quality. Also, the chassis rigidity due to this construction suppresses the vibration of electrical parts, thereby suppressing deterioration in sound quality.

High-Rigidity Drive Mechanism

In the playback of a disc, the reading accuracy determines the sound quality. The CD drive mechanism features a triple chassis structure to ensure accurate reading and to prevent the vibration from transmitting to the outside of the mechanism. Moreover, the SL-G700 has a stable, aluminum die-cast disc tray with a high-vibration-damping, quiet structure to ensure high-accuracy disc playback.

High-Rigidity Insulator

The inside of the insulator was enhanced with ribs and a 4-mm-thick iron plate to increase the weight and strength. This high-density insulator is exclusively designed for the SL-G700 and effectively suppresses resonance.

Supports a Wide Variety of Music Sources and High Connectivity

The SL-G700 supports Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi, and AirPlay 2 with its high wireless connectivity. It is also compatible with streaming services, such as Spotify, TIDAL, and Internet Radio, and functions such as the Google Assistant.

REVIEWS:

What Hi-Fi: "We listen to a range of music from the likes of Bob Marley, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Beethoven, and the Technics always sounds at home. There’s plenty of excitement when the music demands, but it’s coupled to an ability to shift down a gear when necessary. Marley’s Three Little Birds comes through with its feel-good factor intact while Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony is rendered with all the power and drama it deserves.

"The likes of Chromecast and AirPlay work well enough, but in the context of the SL-G700’s sonic abilities, their main purpose is to provide a choice of source material rather than push sonic boundaries.

"But there are a few things we don’t like. The sound through the front panel headphone output is reasonable at best. We try the Beyerdynamic T1 and Grado’s RS1s and find that the sound lacks the clarity and dynamic expression of the line-level output. It’s not bad and remains perfectly usable, but you won’t hear the Technics at its best through this connection."

Verdict

"We’re pleasantly surprised by the Technics SL-G700. We half expected a compromised package that, while packing in plenty of features, would struggle to excel with both disc and stream. What we got was a superb sounding product that sets high sonic standards across the board. If you can live with the clunky operation, and on balance we can, this is a terrific buy."

SCORES

Sound - 5
Features - 5
Build - 5

Awarded Best CD Players of 2021

SPECIFICATIONS:

Network / Super Audio CD Player SL-G700

[Show the enlarged photo of the front of SL-G700]
[Show the enlarged photo of the front of SL-G700]
[Show the enlarged photo of the rear of SL-G700]

Grand Class high-quality sound
Premium High-grade D/A Converter AK4497, and Dual Mono Construction D/A Circuit, Variable Analog Audio Output
Discrete AMP Module
Battery Driven Clock Generator
High-speed Silent Hybrid Power Supply
Digital Noise Isolation Architecture
Supports Higher Grade Headphone Connection with Integrated Class AA Headphone AMP
Pure Disc Playback Mode for SACD/CD Playback for Greater Sound Purity
High-Res Re-master

High-quality Technics Design
Four-Section Configuration
High-Rigidity Chassis and Aluminium Die-cast Disc Tray – High-Stability SACD Mechanism
7mm Thick Aluminium Plate Used for the Front Panel
Control Port for System Control with SU-G700

Disc Compatibility
Super Audio CD (2 ch area only), CD, CD-R, CD-RW

Disc Format
Super Audio CD, CD-DA

Frequency Response
Super Audio CD: 2 Hz to 50 kHz (-3 dB) / CD: 2Hz to 20 kHz (-3 dB)

Dynamic Range (IHF-A)
Super Audio CD: BALANCED: 118dB (IHF-A) / UNBALANCED: 115dB (IHF-A)CD: BALANCED: 98dB (IHF-A) / UNBALANCED: 98dB (IHF-A)

Signal to Noise Ratio (IHF-A)
BALANCED: 121 dB (IHF-A) / UNBALANCED: 118 dB (IHF-A)

THD+N
Super Audio CD: 0.0006% (1 kHz, 0 dB) / CD: 0.0015% (1 kHz, 0 dB)

Digital Input Termina
Coaxial Digital x 1, Optical Digital x 1, USB-A x 2

Analogue Output Terminal
BALANCED x 1, UNBALANCED x 1Support Variable Level Output

Digital output Terminal
Coaxial Digital x 1, Optical Digital x 1

System Port
System Control Input / Output (Φ3.5 mm Jack)

Headphone Output
Yes(Φ6.3 mm, 110 mV, 32 Ω VOL MAX))

USB-A

Support Codec
WAVYes (32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8, 384 kHz / 16, 24, 32 bit)
FLACYes (32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8, 384 kHz / 16, 24 bit)
DSDYes (2.8 MHz, 5.6 MHz, 11.2MHz)
AIFFYes (32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8, 384 kHz / 16, 24, 32 bit)
ALACYes (32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8, 384 kHz / 16, 24 bit)
AACYes (32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96 kHz / 16-320 kbps)
MP3Yes (32, 44.1, 48 kHz / 16-320 kbps)

Network Playback Support Codec
WAVYes (32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8, 384 kHz / 16, 24, 32 bit)
FLACYes (32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8, 384 kHz / 16, 24 bit)
DSDYes (2.8 MHz, 5.6 MHz, 11.2 MHz)
AIFFYes (32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8, 384 kHz / 16, 24, 32 bit)
ALACYes (32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8, 384 kHz / 16, 24 bit)
AACYes (32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96 kHz / 16-320 kbps)
MP3Yes (32, 44.1, 48 kHz / 16-320 kbps)

Ethernet Interface
LAN (100 Base-TX / 10 Base-T)

Wi-Fi
IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz Band

Bluetooth(Support codec)
Yes (AAC, SBC)

Power Supply
AC 120 V, 60 Hz

Power Consumption
38W

Dimensions (W x H x D)
430 x 98 x 407 mm (16-15/16 x 3-7/8 x 16-1/32 inch)

Weight
Approx. 12.2 kg (Approx. 26.9 lbs.)

Accessories
Remote Control, AC Cord, System Connection Cable, Analogue Audio cable, Owner's Manual