Why Technics Headphones and Turntables Make the Ultimate Gifts for Audiophiles
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Technics has long been synonymous with professional DJ equipment, but you don’t have to be a Boiler Room headliner to enjoy the best sound the Japanese brand has to offer. From portable electronics like headphones and earbuds to home audio, including turntables and receivers, Technics’ best offerings are made to bring superior sound to the masses.
Founded in 1965, Technics is arguably most famous for inventing the direct drive turntable. The Technics SL-1200, released in the early 1970s, was instrumental in the birth of DJ culture. DJs could scratch records on the SL-1200 without damaging the turntable, something that would be difficult with a belt-drive turntable. Because of this, Technics turntables have become cultural icons. But the brand’s offerings range from everything from bookshelf speakers and amplifiers to earbuds and noise-canceling headphones, all featuring the exacting performance Technics has become known for.
If you’re looking for a gift for the in-the-know music or gear enthusiast in your life, Technics’ earbuds, turntables, and receivers are a great option. These are some of our favorites from the brand.
Technics EAH-AZ100
Technics EAH-AZ100 are among the best-sounding earbuds on the market, but their appeal goes beyond just audio. The compact case design makes them travel-friendly, while the contoured shape fits comfortably and snugly in the ear. The earbuds also have dependable tap controls and solid noise-canceling performance, and the Technics app offers features like a customizable EQ.
Technics SL-40CBT
Technics took its famous direct drive DJ turntables and reimagined them for the home listener with the SL-40CBT, which has a clean, minimalist design and Bluetooth capabilities. It also has line and phono connectors, so you can plug it into a preamp and receiver or directly into powered speakers for a more analog experience. The turntable is available in three stylish colors and comes with an Audio-Technica AT-VM95C cartridge.
Technics SC-C65
As much a music device as it is an industrial work of art, Technics’ SC-C65 is an all-in-one music system for easy home listening. It features two 8cm woofer units, two 2cm tweeters, and a 12cm subwoofer. The SC-C65 also has a CD player, a radio tuner, USB playback, Bluetooth, AirPlay, and Chromecast. If you’re looking for an audio system that’s as straightforward as it is stylish, the SC-C65 is a solid option.
Technics CD Receiver – SA-C100
Unlike the SC-C65, the SA-C100 doesn’t have built-in speakers. Instead, it’s an amplifier designed to be used with passive speakers. It has line in or phono connections for a turntable, and multiple inputs including optical and USB-A and B. It supports music streaming services like Spotify, Tidal, Amazon Music, and Qobuz, and can be used with AirPlay, Bluetooth, or Chromecast. Like the SC-C65, the SA-C100 has a built-in CD player.
Technics EAH-A800 Headphones
For those who prefer over-ear headphones to earbuds, the EAH-A800 features the same great audio performance and noise canceling as the EAH-AZ100. The headphones feature handy tactile controls, and the earcups rotate and fold to fit neatly into the carrying case.