The Technics SL-G700M2 multi-digital player possesses a high-performance, dual monaural digital-to-analogue converter, SACD player, and supports hi-res streaming services and many digital audio media, including full decoding of MQA files and MQA-CDs. In addition, 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.

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

The exterior features a hairline-finished 7mm-thick aluminium front panel and 3mm-thick aluminium side panels.

Technics' goal for its next-gen products has been to achieve phase alignment and ideal impulse response – essential characteristics for faithful music reproduction with an accurate sound stage.

The SL-G700M2's High Precision Coherent DAC converts digital values to analogue signals before outputting them to an amplifier. It comprises three elements: coherent processing, a high-performance DAC in dual monaural configuration, and a proprietary discrete amplifier circuit. Technics states that 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. However, DSD signals such as Super Audio CD are input directly to the DAC without performing this processing. The result, we are told, is an increase in the purity of the sound and a more precise sound image overall.

The SL-G700M2 boasts the new dual ESS ES9026PRO, which, through the symmetrical placement of one L/R unit on each side of the device, is capable of independent transmission, reducing mutual interference.

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

Digital audio players that handle small signals require thorough noise suppression because even the slightest noise can significantly affect sound quality. Therefore, the SL-G700M2 is equipped with a Multi-Stage Silent Power Supply, which mitigates noise in three stages.

Firstly, a high-speed switching power supply of approximately 300 kHz as found in the analogue circuits of the Technics SU-R1000 reference-class integrated amplifier. Increasing the switching frequency reduces noise interference on the music playback. Next, a dedicated power supply unit combined with the original stabilised power supply circuit provides power with low noise. Apparently, the discrete circuit structure does not use any general-purpose ICs. Finally, 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.

Furthermore, the SL-G700M2 sports a Pure Disc Playback mode that shuts off all circuit blocks except those required for Super Audio CD/CD playback, reducing internal noise and boosting sound quality.

The SL-G700M2 supports Google Chromecast, as well as Apple AirPlay 2. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless connections. The player is also equipped with a USB-B port allowing for a constant connection to a network audio server or PC for playback of high-resolution sound from the connected device.

The Technics SL-G700M2 will be available in black and silver from November 22nd, priced at £2,899.

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