Technics have launched the SL-G700M2 network/SACD player. Equipped with the High Precision Coherent D/A Converter, which is composed of three elements: coherent processing, a high-performance D/A converter in dual monaural configuration, and a proprietary discrete amplifier circuit.
Coherent processing “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 (DSD signals such as Super Audio CD are input directly to the DAC without performing this processing)”.
The SL-G700M2 features a new DAC chip: the dual ESS ES9026PRO, which, through the symmetrical placement of one L/R unit on each side of the device, is capable of independent transmission that reduces mutual interference and “faithfully reproduces the sound image and musical space contained in the sound source”.
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”.
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 provides thorough noise suppression in three stages: high-speed switching power supply; low-noise regulator; and current injection active noise cancelling.
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”.
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.
Current injection active noise cancelling removes unwanted noise in 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.
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. It is also 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.
It supports Google Chromecast, connecting with 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 USB-B port that allows for a constant connection to a network audio server or PC, for playback of high-resolution sound from the connected device.
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.
Available in black and silver, the Technics SL-G700M2 will be available on November 22nd for £2,899.