Japanese-Made SL-G700 Knows the Ins and Outs of Digital: Technics Streaming SACD/CD Player Features Dual-Mono Construction, Flagship DAC and Five-Section Power Supply

The Japanese-made Technics SL-G700 streaming SACD/CD player knows all the ins and outs of digital — be it in the form of a physical disc or, via USB-A or LAN, a high-resolution file or network stream up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM, DSD 11.2MHz, and MQA — and plays it back in arresting fidelity. Afforded the company's prestigious Grand Class designation and a seamless aesthetic match with the SU-G700 integrated amplifier, SL-G700 arrives built to exceedingly high standards, loaded with cutting-edge technology, tuned by Technics experts, and painstakingly engineered to ensure every single part and section operates at an optimum level. Rooted in traditional audiophile values, it addresses modern conveniences and connectivity to take care of all needs in an authoritative, comprehensive manner.

Featuring dual-mono construction and an asymmetrical layout for the DAC circuitry, the gorgeous 26.9-pound SL-G700 touts a flagship Asahi-Kasei AK4497 DAC and an accompanying power supply separated into five sections — architecture that, in tandem with an original battery-driven circuit system for the clock, ensures the elimination of left/right channel interference and immersive spatiality, detail, and imaging during playback. Equally important to SL-G700's premium performance is a discrete amp module with a folded cascade, low-noise transistors. Thin-film resistors accounts= for highly linear responsiveness and the reproduction of even the smallest aural nuances. And that's just the beginning of what makes SL-G700 tick.

Take, for instance, the dedicated power supply unit for the analog output that suppresses switching frequency fluctuation. Combined with the original stabilized power supply circuit, it provides stable power and near dead-quiet silence. Free of any general-purpose ICs, the discrete circuit structure results in an extremely high S/N ratio (121dB) and superb transparency — hallmarks of Technics design. Then consider the USB input terminals, wherein the amplifier includes power conditioners using non-magnetic carbon film resistors with strong protection against magnetic distortion — as well as ruby-mica capacitors for low dielectric loss, high voltage resistance, and temperature stability.

SL-G700's high-rigidity disc mechanism proves equally impressive by way of a triple-chassis structure (outer chassis, inner chassis, drive base) to guard against the slightest vibration and ensure surgical accuracy. For added measure, the die-cast aluminum disc tray touts a separate damping device. As for the assembly of SL-G700 itself: Four-section construction with partitions installed between the circuit blocks according to the signal level handled and circuit type to eliminate interference between circuit blocks and preserve utmost clarity. Oh, and front panel is comprised of a 7mm-thick aluminum plate. Last but not least, each of the four resonance-defeating feet supporting SL-G700 gets enhanced with internal ribs and a 4mm-thick iron plate for boosted weight and strength.

While the 3.875 x 16.925 x 16.025-inch (HWD) SL-G700 serves as a world-class SACD/CD player and streamer, it also offers you another bonus in the guise of functioning as a prime headphone amplifier. To wit, it possesses a dedicated DAC for headphones totally independent from that of the analog output — allowing both outputs to supply breathtaking sound. The circuitry itself incorporates Technics' original sound-processing LSI, the JENO Engine (Jitter Elimination and Noise-shaping Optimization). Furthermore, SL-G700 boasts an operation system that automatically turns on the JENO Engine when you connect headphones — defeating any possible adverse effect of the analog output on sound quality when headphones are not employed. Plus, the Class AA headphone amp utilizes separate amp circuits for the audio signal voltage amplification and current amplification, ultimately enabling high-precision conversion of the high-resolution PWM signal output from the JENO Engine.

Factor in an Optimally Activated Circuit System that permits the operation of various digital modules to stop (further decreasing noise) and Pure Disc Playback Mode )which shuts off the network circuitry for peak SACD and CD playback), and SL-G700 touts a range of audiophile tech and features that compete with those of any peer. Compatibility with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Google Chromecast, and Apple AirPlay 2, a remote control, three-year manufacturer warranty, and our 100% Music Direct Guarantee round out a digital workhorse that you'll cherish for years and years and years.

"If you're looking to buy a high-quality digital source that covers all bases, the Technics SL-G700 is a brilliant option."
—What Hi-Fi?, five-star review

"It is without a doubt one of the finer sounding CD players I can recall ever listening to, which puts it in a peer group with brands like Mark Levinson, Meridian, and even Linn. The fact that the SL-G700 is also a capable music streamer makes it an even more compelling proposition indeed, for I found its playback of TIDAL Master quality recordings to be as exemplary as its CD playback."
—Andrew Robinson, Home Theater Review

"Pretty much an unalloyed success, I'd say. Given its brief — to be a do-it-all design that plays as many file formats as you one reasonably can in 2020 — the Technics SL-G700 scores highly. It sounds clean and detailed yet surprisingly engaging too and is very well built — being closer to 'baby high end' than 'jazzed-up budget' fare."
—David Price, Stereonet, Applause Award

"The sound it produces will appeal those who are looking for depth of tone and whose tastes don't stray too far into the murky waters of complex rhythmic interplay. This Technics is a fully-featured and classy piece of hardware for the money that's likely to prove consistently reliable in the long term, and if you enjoy SACD, it's a package that's hard to match."
—Jason Kennedy, Hi-Fi+

"Independently of MQA, the Technics sounds extremely accurate and resolves very finely with CD and SACD as well as when streaming, seemingly placing the musical picture under a magnifying glass. At the same time, the Technics also plays very spirited, with powerful bass and vivid spatial imaging. So: Great sound, great workmanship and trend-setting technology — everything in high resolution."
—Ulrich Wienforth, Stereo Magazine

"The Technics is the better-built machine and sounds it, plus it does 'native' DSD and MQA, which may or may not be important to a prospective purchaser."
—Andrew Quint, The Absolute Sound

"It may be a jack-of-all-trades, but is not a master of none — thanks to clever audiophile tweakery and battleship build, it sounds seriously good for its price."
—Stereonet, 2020 Product of the Year Award