New Products

Technics is covering all of the bases with the SL-G700M2 multi-digital audio player slated for release early next year.

Successor to the SL-G700 network/Super Audio CD player introduced in 2019, the new SL-G700M2 ($3,500) makes it easy for music collectors to play CDs and SACDs and enjoy high-resolution streaming from one high-performance component.

The updated multi-player provides access to more streaming services than its predecessor thanks to the inclusion of Chromecast built-in and adds MQA decoding, a USB-B input for connection to a network server or PC, and a “Pure Disc Playback" mode. The player also supports streaming via Bluetooth and Apple’s AirPlay 2 platform.

The SL-G700M2 boasts several technical refinements intended to improve sound quality. Chief among them is a new high-precision ESS ES9026PRO digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that uses “coherent processing” to minimize the amplitude and phase deviations that occur during the D-to-A conversion. The processing works with PCM signals up to 192kHz and is said to enhance signal purity and clarity. (DSD signals, including those from an SACD, are fed input directly to the DAC.)

The DAC also employs a dual-mono configuration that keeps the left and right channels separate to reduce interference. Following D/A conversion, the signal is fed to an amplifier with a “unique discrete configuration” built to outperform the more common (and less expensive) op-amp circuits.

Technics has also paid careful attention to the power, equipping the SL-G700M2 with a three-stage switching power supply designed to suppress noise while keeping minute signals intact. Described as “silent,” the high-speed supply is said to enhance stability and reduce noise by increasing the switching frequency and using a discrete circuit structure tuned to optimize power for analog circuits. The mission to eradicate noise doesn’t end there. The player also uses active noise cancellation to suppress noise that is detected.

In addition to handling MQA files, the SL-G700M2 supports WAV/AIFF playback up to 384 kHz/32 bit, FLAC/ALAC up to 384 kHz/24 bit, and DSD up to 11.2 MHz.

Everything is housed in a robust aluminium chassis that isolates the power supply, digital interface, analog circuitry, and disc mechanisms in separate sections to prevent signal interference and degradation. Vibration damping and a disc tray made of die-cast aluminium are employed to ensure high-precision disc playback.

Available in silver or black. For more information, visit us.technics.com.