Famed Brand Technics Returns

The Technics brand was introduced in 1965 to mark quality audio offerings. It became prominent in Western markets in the 1970s, particularly in the affordable audiophile segment, but has faded since the early 2000s.

The new Reference Class R1 Series is in the no-so-affordable audiophile category. Consisting of the SE-R1 stereo power amplifier, SU-R1 Network Audio Control player and the SB-R1 stereo speakers, it has been designed with few compromises. As an example of build quality, the network player, which doubles as a DAC/Pre-amp, has a weight of 16 kilograms.

The Premium Class C700 Series consists of a stereo integrated amplifier, network audio player, CD player and two way loduspeakers. The ST-C700 includes a USB-B connection for decoding direct from computers, and covers all the important formats including FLAC up to 192kHz, 24 bits, ALAC, and even DSD at both 2.8MHz and 5.6MHz sampling.

The SB-C700 speakers feature a 19mm aluminium dome tweeter, with a claimed high frequency extension to 100kHz, coaxially mounted in a flat 160mm bass/midrange driver. The Reference Series SB-R1 speakers use a similar style of tweeter/midrange, but with a 25mm carbon graphite dome, and backed by four 160mm bass drivers. Both speakers are designed for closely aligned phase reproduction, pioneered in the Technics SB-7000 in 1975.

The initial product launch will be in Japan and Europe. Australian timing is not yet known.

For more information on Technics visit the new Technics website.