Technics SL-40CBT + SC-CX700 Hi-Fi Set, Grey (Set)

The Technics SL-40CBT + SC-CX700 set is a complete vinyl and streaming system made up of a direct-drive turntable with Bluetooth and a fully active streaming speaker pair – no separate amplifier, no rack, no cable clutter.

In short: a ready-to-go Technics deck on one side, two active speakers with streamer and power amps on the other – with just one cable in between. Vinyl, TV sound and streaming are ready to go instantly.

Why this set?

Because here, two devices replace an entire chain. The SL-40CBT is a genuine Technics direct drive with a coreless motor, a factory-fitted Audio-Technica AT-VM95C and a built-in, switchable phono stage – unpack, connect, listen. The SC-CX700 brings the rest: bi-amplified coaxial drivers (100 W per speaker), a full-fledged streamer (AirPlay 2, Qobuz, TIDAL, Roon) and connections for vinyl and TV. Two devices, one complete system.

What you'll hear

Vinyl with calm and contour, streaming with precision. The direct drive keeps the speed rock-steady, so notes stay stable; the CX700's coaxial driver places voices centrally and cleanly in the room. Via Space Tune, the pair adapts to your room (free-standing, against the wall, on a shelf). Whether it's a record, TV sound via HDMI ARC or a hi-res stream – the chain sounds all of a piece. And if you like, you can also use the 40CBT's Bluetooth transmitter for headphones.

Who is this set for? (and who it isn't – straight talk)

Straight talk: The SL-40CBT + SC-CX700 set is for anyone who wants vinyl and streaming in a tidy living room – without an amplifier tower and without hunting for speakers, happily with a touch of wireless flexibility. Both speakers need a power outlet, that's how active systems work. If you're after the maximum sonic depth from the deck, take a look at the SL-1500C set; if you already own an amplifier and passive speakers, you don't need this set. But for an uncomplicated, complete fresh start, it's exactly right.

Our verdict

A cleverly combined all-in-one system: a ready-to-go direct drive with Bluetooth meets an active streaming pair with genuine hi-fi ambition – two devices, no rack. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil we check the setup and placement, tune the CX700 to your room using Space Tune, and deliver the system fully set up.

Technical Data

• Set contents: Technics SL-40CBT turntable + Technics SC-CX700 streaming speakers (pair)
• Turntable type: direct drive with Bluetooth transmitter and built-in, switchable phono preamp
• Drive: Coreless direct drive
• Speeds: 33 1/3, 45 rpm
• Cartridge: Audio-Technica AT-VM95C (factory-fitted & aligned)
• Turntable Bluetooth: Version 5.4, aptX Adaptive and SBC
• Speaker type: fully active streaming speaker pair (2-way coaxial, bass reflex)
• Speaker amplification: bi-amping per speaker, 200 W total (100 W per speaker)
• Speaker connections: Phono MM, AUX 3.5 mm, optical, USB-C, HDMI ARC, subwoofer pre-out
• Streaming: AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, TIDAL, Qobuz, Deezer, Amazon Music, internet radio, Roon Ready
• Room correction: Space Tune
• Turntable dimensions (W × H × D): approx. 430 × 127 × 353 mm
• Speaker dimensions per unit (W × H × D): approx. 201 × 313 × 276 mm
• Weight: turntable approx. 7.1 kg; speakers approx. 9.1 / 8.9 kg
• Included: SL-40CBT with Audio-Technica AT-VM95C, SC-CX700 Primary + Secondary, remote control, 3 m link cable, 2× power cable, RCA/ground cable, dust cover, manuals

Frequently Asked Questions

What's included in the SL-40CBT + SC-CX700 set?
The Technics SL-40CBT direct-drive turntable with factory-fitted Audio-Technica AT-VM95C and the Technics SC-CX700 streaming speaker pair. That gives you turntable, streamer, power amps and speakers complete – only sources and power outlets are up to you.

Do I still need an amplifier?
No. The power amps are built into the CX700 speakers (bi-amping, 100 W per side). The turntable connects directly to the pair – a separate amplifier is completely unnecessary. Each speaker just needs a power outlet.

How is the turntable connected to the speakers?
By cable: the SL-40CBT has a switchable phono stage, and the CX700 has its own MM phono input. You can either use the deck's internal stage (into AUX) or switch it off and go into the speaker's phono input. On top of that, the 40CBT also transmits via Bluetooth, for example to headphones.

Does the set work without a streaming subscription?
Yes. Vinyl via the turntable, TV sound via HDMI ARC, internet radio and local network files all work with no subscription at all. Services like Qobuz or TIDAL are an option – the set is enjoyable without them too.

Why buy the SL-40CBT + SC-CX700 set at HD Zürisee?
Because an active system lives and dies by placement and calibration, and a turntable by clean alignment. We check both, tune the CX700 with Space Tune, and deliver the system ready to go. Questions? Call us (+41 44 680 22 00), send an email or a WhatsApp.

Goes well with

The set is complete – the finishing touch comes from accessories: a clean phono cable for the deck, and later on perhaps a better cartridge. You'll find more from Technics under turntables.