Technics Grand Class SL-G700M2 – Quick Look

All Image Credit: Technics

With the imminent release of a MK2 version of its Grand Class SL-G700 it looks like Technics is not giving up on that silver plastic disc just yet. This second generation hybrid machine is said by Technics to contain: “a host of performance and sound improvements”.

The Technics SL-G700M2 multi-digital player contains a high-performance, dual monaural digital-to-analogue converter, CD/SACD player, supports hi-res streaming services and various digital audio media, including full decoding of MQA files and MQA-CDs, with a ‘Pure Disc Playback’ mode shutting off all that isn’t necessary for disc reading and decoding. It handles audio streams arriving via Google Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2, UPnP or Bluetooth with high-resolution file formats that include; WAV/AIFF up to 384 kHz/32 bit, FLAC/ALAC up to 384 kHz/24 bit, and DSD up to 11.2 MHz file playback.

In order to achieve Technics goals of phase alignment, ideal impulse response and low noise, the performance enhancements include:

• A High Precision Coherent D/A Converter – The DAC design is based on the dual ESS ES9026PRO chip, which independently transmits the left and right channels of a signal to limit interference and produce a cleaner sound
• Coherent Processing Technology – A new processing technology has been implemented to minimize amplitude and phase deviations that are inherent in the DAC conversion for PCM signals up to 192KHz (DSD signals bypass this process)
• DAC filtering – The post-conversion filter circuit uses a discrete component amplifier circuit configuration instead of the more typical op-amp, creating a higher signal-to-noise ratio.
• A Multi-Stage Silent Power Supply – The switched mode DC supply now has three methods of reducing DC supply noise:

1. 1. The switching frequency has been raised to 300KHz
   2. The addition of a new low-noise regulator and fine tuned foil layouts
   3. The implementation of a newly developed current injection active noise canceling technology that works to remove unwanted noise by applying an inverse phase current to the detected noise

Noise Cancellation Circuitry – Front/top RHS Power Board

This G700M2 includes all the original G700 connectivity; analog balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA O/P’s, digital coaxial and optical I/O, front and rear USB-A, an RJ45 Ethernet network, 3.5mm (1/8″) jack for control and a 6.3mm (1/4″) headphone output. However, the MK2 now includes a USB-B input connection for hooking up a network audio server or computer/laptop.

The all aluminum chassis contains four sections; the switch-mode power supply, digital data handling, disc drive mechanism and analogue output, helping to suppress interference between sensitive analog and digital circuits. While the disc drive adopts a three-layer chassis configuration, vibration-damping and quiet construction, including a disc tray made of die-cast aluminum.

Availability:

MSRP:

• US: $3,499.99
• UK: £2,899.00