Technics launch the SL-40CBT / SL-50C direct drive turntables at CEDIA 2025 in Denver, blending legendary engineering with modern style and convenience for today's vinyl enthusiasts

Rhea-AI Summary

Technics (TYO) has unveiled two new direct drive turntables, the SL-40CBT and SL-50C, at CEDIA 2025 in Denver. The SL-40CBT, priced at $899, features Bluetooth connectivity and a built-in Phono MM equalizer, while both models incorporate Technics' signature iron-coreless direct drive motor technology.

The turntables come with premium cartridges - Audio-Technica AT-VM95C for the SL-40CBT and Ortofon 2M Red for the SL-50C. Both models feature a new MDF wood construction available in three colors: Terracotta, Light Grey, and Charcoal Black.

Additionally, Technics announced a new Midnight Blue colorway for their EAH-AZ100 True Wireless Earbuds, priced at $299.99, featuring adaptive noise cancelling and up to 28 hours of battery life.

Brand also introduces new Midnight Blue colorway of its award-winning EAH-AZ100 True Wireless Earbuds

NEWARK, N.J., Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Technics today announces the introduction of the new SL-40CBT and SL-50C Direct Drive Turntables at this year's annual CEDIA convention in Denver. The latest models continue the iconic Technics legacy while introducing a fresh contemporary design and convenient new features aimed at both Hi-Fi users and modern home audio lovers.

The SL-40CBT / SL-50C maintain the classic Technics turntable characteristics, such as the iron-coreless direct drive motor and the high-precision S-shaped aluminum tonearm, while evolving in a new, sleek design and useability to meet the expectations of today's vinyl enthusiasts. Aimed at both newcomers and those upgrading from entry set ups, the turntable integrates seamlessly into stylish modern interiors, offering high quality performance, simplicity and elegance.

"Technics set the pace for the turntable industry since its earliest development of the direct drive motor in 1970 which has become legendary in both Pro DJ and Audiophile circles for 55 years," said Bill Voss, Technics US Business Development Manager. "These new models are our lowest priced to date since our resurgence in 2016 and bring a more conventional yet stylish aesthetic keeping Technics proven coreless direct drive motor technology at the heart of the drive system."  

The SL-40CBT offers superior sound with plug and play convenience, along with the following key features and innovations:

• Factory fitted Audio-Technica AT-VM95C Cartridge: Known for its sonic finesse, the AT-VM95C Cartridge comes pre-mounted to offer precise groove tracking and excellent detail retrieval. Its conical stylus ensures wide compatibility with standard phono MM inputs in Hi-Fi amplifiers or separate phono stages.
• Built in Phono MM Equalizer: The SL-40CBT also offers a built-in, high-quality Phono-MM equalizer, allowing the user to connect it to a music system without using a dedicated Phono input for effortless connection and ultimate usability.
• Wireless connectivity for modern living: The SL-40CBT includes Bluetooth® capability, enabling seamless, wireless audio streaming to Bluetooth® compatible speakers and devices – including mobile ones – offering excellent flexibility for placement and playback in any home environment.
• 33/45 RPM capability

The SL-50C offers superior sound with plug and play convenience and offers the following:

• Factory fitted Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge (replaces the Audio-Technica AT-VM95C): The 2M Red is an award-winning design known to deliver an open, dynamic sound with a slight touch of warmth and comes pre mounted with an elliptical stylus and also provides wide compatibility with standard phono MM inputs in Hi-Fi amplifiers or separate phono stages.
• 33/45 and 78 RPM capability: To accommodate a wide range of record collections
• Wired connectivity

Both SL-40CBT and SL-50C offer refined aesthetics for contemporary homes. Departing from traditional aluminum die-cast chassis designs, both models feature a sleek, minimalist MDF wood construction with a high-quality finish and are available in three modern colors: bold and eye-catching Terracotta, subtle and refined Light Grey or timeless and versatile Charcoal Black.

This new compact form factor not only provides elegant integration into modern interiors but also aligns visually with Technics SC-CX700 Wireless Hi-Fi Speaker System, which is available in similar matching colors, allowing users to create a coordinated, seamless audio system set up.

Technics Grade Audio Performance

While the design has evolved, Technics has ensured that both the SL-40CBT and SL-50C deliver the same premium level performance the brand is renowned for:

• Iron coreless Direct Drive Motor: Delivers stable, accurate rotation with high precision control circuitry, preserving musical authenticity of even the most demanding genres of music.
  
  
• Die-Cast Aluminum Platter with reinforcing ribs and directly mounted motor magnet: Ensures reliable torque transmission and accurate drive characteristics.
  
  
• Newly designed S-shaped aluminum tonearm: Offers ultra-precise vinyl groove tracking, preserving subtle nuances and musical dynamics of any vinyl recording.
  
  
• Optimized vibration resistant insulator feet: Allowing for flexible placement, the improved insulator feet are optimally tuned to provide high vibration resistance, enabling the turntable to be placed in the best environment within the home without sacrificing stability or sound quality.
  
  
• Environmentally responsible packaging: In line with Technics' commitment to sustainability, both the SL-40CBT and SL-50C ship in environmentally, conscious packaging. Use of plastic has been significantly reduced by replacing polystyrene foam with cardboard based materials, minimizing the environmental footprint while maintaining excellent transport protection.

The SL-40CBT and SL-50C will be available in the US beginning September 2025 at authorized Technics retailers for $899.

EAH-AZ100 True Wireless Earbuds launches in Midnight Blue

In addition to the turntables, Technics is also pleased to announce the addition of a new Midnight Blue colorway to its award-winning EAH-AZ100 True Wireless Earbuds. Offering premium sound powered by Magnetic Fluid Driver technology, industry leading adaptive noise cancelling, clear call quality with Voice Focus AI, Dolby Atmos® spatial audio + head tracking and multipoint connection to three devices, the AZ100 earbuds deliver cutting-edge technology in a comfortable, lightweight design with up to 28 hours of battery life. Joining Silver, Black and Champagne Gold, Midnight Blue expands the lineup's appeal for users seeking both exceptional audio performance and personal style. All colorways are now available for purchase at authorized Technics retailers for $299.99.

About Technics
Technics is the brand name of hi-fi audio products owned by the Panasonic Corporation with main residence in Osaka, Japan. The Technics brand was founded in 1965. Driven by a constant strive for innovation and excellence within the audio field, countless legendary hi-fi components have been released by the Technics brand, many of them having set new standards in the audio world.

For more information please see:
Website: https://us.technics.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/technics.global
Twitter: https://twitter.com/technics 

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SOURCE Panasonic Corporation of North America

FAQ

What are the key features of Technics' new SL-40CBT turntable?

The SL-40CBT features Bluetooth connectivity, a built-in Phono MM equalizer, factory-fitted Audio-Technica AT-VM95C Cartridge, and 33/45 RPM capability, priced at $899.

How does the Technics SL-50C differ from the SL-40CBT?

The SL-50C features a premium Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge, supports 33/45/78 RPM playback, and uses wired connectivity, while lacking the Bluetooth capability of the SL-40CBT.

What colors are available for the new Technics turntables?

The new turntables are available in three colors: Terracotta, Light Grey, and Charcoal Black, featuring MDF wood construction with high-quality finish.

How much do the new Technics EAH-AZ100 True Wireless Earbuds cost?

The EAH-AZ100 True Wireless Earbuds are available for $299.99 in four colors including the new Midnight Blue, Silver, Black, and Champagne Gold.