Technics Chronicle

The Technics brand originated with the release of the Technics 1 speaker system in 1965. Here we present the legendary models that created the history of Technics, as well as the unique technologies that impacted the hi-fi audio world at the time.

1960’s

Technics 1 (1965)
Birth of the Technics Brand

In 1965, the high-end Technics 1 speaker was released, starting the Technics brand. At its launch, it impressed audio critics with its powerful sound far beyond its small cabinet size. The product became a big success and set the stage for future Technics products.

60’s other models

Technics 10A (1966)

The 10A was the first stereo preamplifier in the Technics series. Comprising an amplification section with two-stage NF circuitry, the amplifier achieved lower distortion and great dynamic range.

Technics 20A (1966)

The Technics 20A was the first power amplifier in the Technics brand. This high-power amplifier used twenty 50HB26 pentode tubes and OTL circuitry, which was exceptional for the time.

Technics 50A (1969)

The Technics 50A, a transistor integrated amplifier, was based on Technics’ tube amplifier expertise. Its new OCL method later became the transistor amplifier standard for many companies.

Early 1970’s

SP-10 (1970)
The World’s First Direct-drive Turntable

The SP-10 was the world’s first direct-drive turntable and created a new era in audio. It eliminated the vibration and rotation irregularity caused by the previous belt-drive method, and was delivered to broadcast stations even though it was designed as a consumer product.

Technics 7 (1975)
Proving Technics’ Linear Phase Theory

This speaker system demonstrated the validity of Technics’ unique linear phase theory. With flat phase characteristics both theoretically and as measured, the Technics 7 (SB-7000) greatly influenced later speakers as the world’s first linear-phase speaker.

Early 70’s other models

SU-10000 (1972)

The SU-10000 represented the pinnacle of preamplifiers. By developing the first three-stage operation amplification in the equalizer stage, it became an industry leader among high-end amplifier separates in Japan.

SE-10000 (1972)

The SE-10000 was the world’s first power amplifier using a highcapacity constant-voltage power supply. Its VU meters allowed direct readings of accurate peak values and later became standard.

ST-3500 (1973)

With high-fidelity waveform transmission as its theme, extensive R&D was conducted from every angle to thoroughly pursue sound quality. As a result, the ST-3500 set the standard for premium hi-fi tuners.

Late 1970’s

SE-A1 / SU-A2 (1977)
The Challenge of Faithful Original Sound Reproduction

The SE-A1 and SU-A2 were developed using advanced technologies to achieve Hi-Fi audio’s ultimate goal: faithfully reproducing original sound. Featuring innovations like the SE-A1’s A+ Class operation, these amplifiers deliver exceptional audio performance.

SL-1200MK2 (1979)
The First Standard Turntable in the Disco Club Scene

The SL-1200MK2 is the first standard machine in the disco club scene. The original SL-1200’s quartz lock enabled even more precise rotation control, and with the arrival of the SL-1200MK2, the turntable evolved from a “player” that plays records to an “instrument” that plays records.

Late 70’s other models

RS-1500U (1976)

With its U-shaped tape path, enabled by the direct-drive motor and ‘Isolated Loop System,’ the RS-1500U achieved stable tape transport. This stability ensured its lasting popularity and expanded the series.

SB-10000 (1977)

The SB-10000 was a linear phase, bass-reflex, three-way speaker using horn-type units for mid- and high frequencies, developed with advanced Japan-first and world-first technologies.

SL-10 (1979)

The SL-10 was a fully-automated turntable incorporating Technics’ advanced technology, sized like an LP jacket (31.5 cm). Its acclaimed design led to its acquisition by the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

1980’s

SL-P10 (1982)
A Forerunner of the Digital Age

The SL-P10 was Technics’ first CD player, integrating high-reliability mechanisms and advanced operability. Error correction of the digital signal circuitry employed a unique Technics super-decoding algorithm system, which achieved phenomenal performance with an interpolation probability of 1/90 million hours.

80’s other models

SL-XP7 (1985)

The SL-XP7 was a portable CD player with quality sound and functionality. Following the direct-drive system, the brushless DD motor for the spindle motor section attained high-revolution precision for outdoor use.

SB-RX50 (1986)

The SB-RX50 was a speaker system with newly developed flat coaxial construction. It attained excellent sound image localisation and flat frequency response through separate baffling and other vibration analyses.

SB-AFP1000 (1988)

The SB-AFP1000 was a superlative flat-panel speaker that used twin cabinets based on a unique acoustic theory. This speaker achieved highly faithful sound reproduction and was used by the Vienna State Opera.

SST-1 (1988)

The SST-1 was a twin load horn speaker system that achieved reproduction ability with higher efficiency and lower distortion. This system is part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

1990’s

SB-M10000 (1995)
Ultimate Music Space with the 4-way 12-unit Speaker

The SB-M10000 was a Kelton-Method floor-standing speaker system that originated from unique silence technology. The system achieved a highly faithful sound field with deep bass reproduction while reducing enclosure vibration.

90’s other models

SE-A7000 (1992-2000)

The SE-A7000 was a power amplifier featuring newly developed MOS Class-AA circuitry, using MOS FET inputs for the voltage control amplifier. It excelled in faithful signal control and high-frequency response.

SU-C7000 (1992-2000)

The SU-C7000 was a preamplifier with a battery-driven power supply. By separating the AC power supply from the signal circuitry, magnetic flux leakage was eliminated, resulting in improved sound.