Introducing the Technics SL-G700M2 – a new generation of multi-digital audio player with the highest sonic fidelity

6^th October 2022 – Technics is delighted to announce the SL-G700M2, the successor to the highly respected SL-G700 network/Super Audio CD player.

A multi-digital player that supports the vast majority of digital audio media available today including MQA^®, numerous high-resolution audio sources and a wide variety of music streaming services, the SL-G700M2 builds on its predecessor with a host of performance and sound improvements.

Recent years have seen a rapidly rising demand for superior quality sound, fuelled by a wide range of factors including the establishment of various high-resolution formats, the emergence of high-quality streaming platforms and the continuing vinyl record resurgence.

Following years of R&D, the Technics SL-G700M2 has been introduced to meet that demand.

New digital/analogue signal processing technology

In developing digital audio signal processing technology for its next generation of products, Technics' goal has been to achieve phase alignment and ideal impulse response, characteristics that are essential for faithful music reproduction with a correct sound stage. Starting with LAPC (Load Adaptive Phase Calibration), first incorporated in the SE-R1 in 2014, and continuing with Space Tune and the PHONO Response Optimiser, this concept has been consistently applied according to product and class.

The SL-G700M2 is equipped with the High Precision Coherent D/A Converter, which is the result of the accumulation of these technologies. The High Precision Coherent D/A Converter converts digital values to analogue signals with the utmost accuracy before outputting them to an amplifier. It is composed of three elements: coherent processing; a high-performance D/A converter in dual monaural configuration; and a proprietary discrete amplifier circuit.

1. Coherent Processing
This technology improves the reproducibility of impulse signals by minimising amplitude and phase deviations that occur throughout the D/A conversion process for signals up to 192 kHz PCM using proprietary digital signal processing*. The result is an increase in the purity of the sound, and a clearer sound image.

*DSD signals such as Super Audio CD are input directly to the DAC without performing this processing.

2. High-performance D/A converter in dual monaural configuration
The SL-G700M2 features a new DAC chip: the dual ESS ES9026PRO. The symmetrical placement of one L/R unit on each side and their independent transmission structures reduce mutual interference and faithfully reproduce the sound image and musical space contained in the sound source.

3. Proprietary discrete amplifier circuit
The filter circuit after the D/A conversion uses an amplifier circuit with a unique discrete configuration instead of an operational amplifier IC. This realises even higher responsiveness and S/N, reproducing even the most subtle sounds.

Power supply noise suppression that thoroughly eliminates adverse effects on minute signals

Digital audio players that handle small signals require thorough noise suppression, because even the slightest noise can significantly affect sound quality. The SL-G700M2 is equipped with a Multi-Stage Silent Power Supply that applies and deploys developed and proven technologies. The Multi-Stage Silent Power Supply provides thorough noise suppression in three stages: high-speed switching power supply; low-noise regulator; and current injection active noise cancelling.

1. High-speed switching power supply
The SL-G700M2 uses a high-speed switching power supply of approximately 300 kHz, previously used for the analogue circuits of the Technics SU-R1000 reference-class integrated amplifier. By increasing the switching frequency, noise interference on the music playback bandwidth is reduced and a highly responsive power supply is achieved.

2. Low-noise regulator
Combined with the original stabilised 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 optimised for analogue circuits.

Low noise at high level and stable power supply are realised with the fine tuning of circuit patterns.

3. Current injection active noise cancelling
This newly developed technology removes unwanted noise components by applying an inverse phase current to the detected noise. More effective current noise rejection can be achieved by using the push/pull method in combination with conventional noise rejection by drawing current.

Support for a wide variety of music sources including Super Audio CD and MQA, as well as all-new USB-B input

High-definition disc playback
The SL-G700M2 supports playback of the Super Audio CD high-quality disc format and features a dedicated SACD/CD "Pure Disc Playback" mode for further sound quality enhancement. This mode shuts off all circuit blocks except those required for Super Audio CD/CD playback, reducing internal noise and boosting sound quality.

Supports various high-resolution formats in addition to MQA^®
The SL-G700M2 is capable of full decoding and playback of MQA files and MQA-CDs. Various other high-resolution formats are also supported, including 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.

Enhanced network playback functions
The SL-G700M2 supports Google Chromecast built-in enabling a wide range of music streaming services from Chromecast-enabled apps, as well as Apple AirPlay 2. Wi-Fi^® and Bluetooth^® wireless connections are also supported.

The player is also equipped with a new USB-B port that allows constant connection to a network audio server or PC for playback of high-resolution sound sources from the connected device.

Attractive high-grade housing and chassis supporting sound quality

The SL-G700M2 is divided into four sections inside the chassis with the power supply, digital interface, analogue circuitry and disc drive sections each being independent of the other. This suppresses mutual interference between circuits and reduces sound quality degradation. The disc drive adopts a three-layer chassis configuration and powerful vibration-damping and quiet construction, including a disc tray made of die-cast aluminium, ensures high-precision disc playback.

The exterior features a hairline-finished 7 mm-thick aluminium front panel and 3 mm-thick aluminium side panels, as well as an engraved Technics logo for a high-grade design and finish.

Available in EU market from November

-About Trademark-
- The Bluetooth^® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Panasonic Holdings Corporation is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.
- Use of the Works with Apple badge means that an accessory has been designed to work specifically with the technology identified in the badge and has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance standards.
Apple and AirPlay are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. This product is compatible with AirPlay 2. iOS 11.4 or later is required.
- The Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ Logo is a certification mark of Wi-Fi Alliance^®. The Wi-Fi Protected Setup™ Logo is a certification mark of Wi-Fi Alliance^®.
- Google, Google Home, and Chromecast builtin are trademarks of Google LLC. Google Assistant is not available in certain languages and countries.
- “Super Audio CD” is a registered trademark.
- MQA is a trademark of MQA Limited.
- “DSD” is a registered trademark.

– ENDS –