With expanded line-up designed for audiophiles.
Panasonic is re-launching the Technics brand back into the Australian market for the first time in nine years with a range of direct drive turntables, compact stereo systems, consumer headphones and DJ headphones.
At an exclusive launch event in Sydney, Panasonic director of consumer electronics, Richard Tassone (pictured) said the brand Technics is synonymous for a premium audio experience and after success in other markets around the globe, it was time to re-launch it in Australia.
“Next year will mark 55 years since the introduction of the Technics brand and five years since its global re-launch,” Tassone said to attendees.
“We have always been looking to introduce the brand to Australia, so why now? Globally, Technics re-launched with a specialist offering and then expanded its range to the DJ turntable and audiophile turntable line-up, DJ and consumer headphones, and then into music streaming.
“Now that we can draw on this expanded line-up locally, it is a great time to be part of the renewed growth of Technics. Over recent years, we have seen the revival of vinyl. It is predicted by the end of 2020 that vinyl sales will outstrip CD sales for the first time since 1987 and reach $40 million locally. Many cite that music lovers want something tangible to give them an emotional connection to their favourite song, artist and genre. The philosophy of Technics has always been formed around that.
“The parallel trend is that music streaming in Australia is now valued at more than $400 million but the difference is that now hi-res sound can be achieved via the latest streaming products. We also love to listen to our music whenever we can, and our latest quality headphones ensure excellent fidelity for this experience.
“We have put together a range of products to meet the growing demands of our target markets. We will continue to look at other opportunities to introduce additional members to the Technics family as we move forward.”
Direct Drive Turntables
The Technics Grand Class SL-1200G direct drive turntable will spearhead the line-up of four turntables for Australia with an RRP of $6,999. It will be accompanied by the Technics Grand Class SL-1200GR and SL-1210GR for RRP $2,749 and the Technics Premium Class SL-1500C with an RRP of $1,999.
Launched globally in 2016, the SL-1200G (pictured), combines Technics traditional analogue technology and advanced digital technology. Parts from the SL-1200G were newly developed to create the SL-1200GR/SL1210GR, such as the coreless direct-drive motor and precise motor control technology, high-rigidity platter and high-sensitivity tonearm.
The SL-1500C inherits the high-end sound quality concept and has a host of original Technics technologies, such as a coreless direct drive motor and high-sensitivity tonearm.
The SL-1200 was launched as a popular direct drive turntable in 1972, becoming a best-selling model with cumulative sales of 3.5 million units. It was supported by powerful torque, easy operation, and high durability. The Technics SL-1210MK7 with an RRP of $1,749 will be exclusive to Store DJ. It inherits the traditional design of the same series, while adding a coreless direct drive motor and other sound-enhancing technologies. It also features new DJ play functions, such as reverse playback.
Ottava Series Stereo Systems
The Ottava Series comprises three compact stereo systems – the SC-C70 with an RRP of $1,649, the SC-C50 with an RRP of $1,429 and the SC-C30 with an RRP of $1,149.
The SC-C70 all in one music system features a smooth acrylic glass plate covering the top-loading CD compartment and aluminium touch key. Apple iOS and Android Apps offer control from a smart device. It has three JENO Engines (Jitter Elimination and Noise-shaping Optimisation) and five 2-way, 2.1-channel speakers, while the acoustic louver and acoustic lenses in front of the tweeter achieve spatial sound and a wider listening area.
The SC-C50 and SC-C30 offer further precise adjustment, with iOS calibration using a device’s integrated microphone. Both models sport thick aluminium top panels that increase the rigidity of the chassis, and the OLED display is surrounded by ring keys for easy operation. Rear louvers enhance the function of an internal heat-reducing mechanism. The arc form helps eliminates unwanted vibration in the chassis and incorporates acoustic technology to achieve a wide sound stage.
Users can enjoy music from sources including USB, internet radio, Spotify, TIDAL and high-res audio. Wireless connectivity includes Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, AirPlay and DLNA. A ‘Favourite’ function provides easy access to radio stations and Spotify playlists.
The SC-C50 and SC-C30 include Chromecast built-in, support ‘works with Google Assistant’, AirPlay and Deezer, and offer multi-room and stereo pairing.
Consumer Headphones
The EAH-F70N headphones support LDAC/apt-X HD for wireless, high-res-equivalent sound reproduction and feature Technics’ original wide-band hybrid active noise-cancelling. The new headphones reproduce sound via 40-mm dynamic drivers with a Composite Performance Film (CPF) diaphragm and an optimal airflow Air Control Precision Structure. The EAH-F70N headphones come in black, silver or copper at RRP $599.95 RRP via selected audio specialist retailers.
DJ Headphones
The Technics EAH-DJ1200 DJ Headphones feature a contemporary matte black finish – an ideal match for the SL-1210MK7 DJ Turntable. The EAH-DJ1200 is a successor model to the RP-DJ1200, launched in 1996. The EAH-DJ1200 comes with more advanced functions, design and sound quality. The EAH-DJ1200 headphones have an RRP of $299.95 and will also be available via selected audio specialist retailers.