Technics – SA-C600 Premium Class Network CD Receiver – Silver

Customer Reviews (30)

1. 

   30stmrox – September 5, 2023

   Rated 5 out of 5

   This is a fairly small receiver but it’s loaded with features. So happy to see this name again, this was an upgrade to my 1992 Technics receiver ( which still works!). Set up was easy & quick, it fits inside my turntable stand with room to spare. I connected my turntable to phono input, my iPod to Bluetooth, which can also be connected by usb port on front, & paired easily, the iPod songs can be changed through the remote. By pressing the select button on the remote you can scroll through the many functions. I did not connect to coaxial or connect a dvd player through optical cable because I just intend to have this for all of my music.
   FM radio includes an antenna & it found all the stations for me through auto preset. The cd player is on the top & has a light inside & swings to the right to open. Everything sounds great & is easy to use. Display is easy to read in bright white.
   Connecting to wifi was also easy & you can stream Amazon music, Spotify & a few others I never heard of. I couldn’t stream Pandora or iheart through my phone, Apple play or Google home apps are available but I’d don’t subscribe to either.
   The only thing I thought was strange was that it decided to turn itself on at 4:45am to do a firmware update & woke us up out of a sound sleep. It turned off when it was finished but totally scared us! Other than that, I am so glad for the upgrade & very happy with it!

2. 

   Drj5j – September 5, 2023

   Rated 5 out of 5

   This is my review of the Technics SA-C600 Network CD Receiver, a truly remarkable component for audiophiles.

   Recently after upgrading my turntable to a Technics SL-1500C, I decided to replace my carousel CD player with the Technics SA-C600 Network CD Receiver. Technics is a company that reliably produces high-quality audio components, and my positive experience with their new network CD player reinforces my high opinion of this company. Technics purposely incorporated aspects of their turntable design into the design of this network receiver, creating a pleasing consistency in the aesthetic appearance of these two components (see photograph).

   Following the instructions in the manual, I connected the CD receiver to my speakers (including my subwoofer) and to the Internet with an Ethernet cable before powering on the unit. When I turned on the receiver it immediately notified me on the display that it was updating its firmware. I was concerned after a few minutes because I saw no indication of progress, just a message that the firmware was being updated. After about 5 or 7 minutes, the unit displayed messages about the percentage of progress, and the entire procedure took about 12 minutes.

   The display, by the way, although seemingly small at first, is completely adequate for providing visual information about the current state of the system. It is bright, clear, and easy to read. Aesthetically pleasing, too.

   After the firmware update, I played voice and instrumental musical numbers from my CDs that differed in terms of simplicity/complexity, number of instruments with different timbre, dynamic range, and so forth. Everything sounded beautiful. One thing that surprised me was that the receiver did not identify the name of the CD or track, instead simply indicating that a CD was inserted and referring to each track by number (see photo). With an Internet connection I would think that the receiver could identify the name of the CD, artist, and song titles.

   I then tried some of the network features of the CD receiver. The receiver has a wireless option, which I did not try out since I had already connected to my home network through an Ethernet cable. The manual recommended using the Google Home app, which I already had on my phone. Upon opening the app, it immediately found the SA-C600 and asked if I wanted to add it to my Google Home devices, so I did. The process was effortless. I opened Spotify on my phone and chose the CD receiver as my speaker, and again, effortlessly, I was able to connect and play songs from Spotify through the receiver. In this case, the display indicated my Spotify connection, the name of the song I was playing (Embryonic), but not the artist or album name (see photo).

   You can scroll through input options with the remote or on the receiver itself, and there are quite a few physical input and Internet options beyond CD: FM radio, Bluetooth, USB-A (where a thumb drive or other USB device can be plugged into the front of the receiver), COAX, OPTICAL (digital inputs in the back of the receiver), PC (a USB-B input in the back), LINE, PHONO (inputs in the back), DMP (which immediately located a network drive I had set up to house my digital music collection), Internet Radio, Podcasts, Spotify, Tidal, Deezer, Amazon Music, and Chromecast. The options that require an app indicate this when they are chosen. Clearly, there are enough options here to make nearly every music lover happy.

   The only issue I had with the SA-C600 was how to best integrate it with the rest of my home theatre system, which runs through a standard A/V amp and outputs to a 5.1 speaker set. The SA-C600 cannot replace my current amp because it is strictly audio, with no HDMI connections. After some research, I decided upon a component by the company SPECIALTY-AV called the SP-71 2-way Amp Switch. With this switch I can choose whether the signal from my home theatre amp or the SA-C600 is directed to my two front speakers. The SP-71 does not have RCA jacks, so I needed a separate switch for choosing the source of the subwoofer signal. I found many RCA switch boxes capable of this task, with varying features such as toggles versus buttons and whether volume control and mute controls are included. I eventually settled on the simplest model I could find and am satisfied with the way my two amps take turns using my speakers.

   Whether you are adding the SA-C600 to an existing home theatre system or using it alone or in conjunction with a Technics turntable, I am sure that you will be delighted with this exquisite audio component for digital music.

3. 

   WesternSky – September 5, 2023

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Being an audiophile I was eager to get my hands on this product which is the Technics – SA-C600 Premium Class Network CD Receiver.

   At first glance, this is a slim and compact receiver. It’s ultra modern looking and it controlled via remote or controls located on the receiver itself.

   My particular unit was paired with my Bowers and Wilkins set of floor speakers and separate subwoofer. This receiver has left and right speaker hookup via class 2 wiring and one subwoofer out receptacle. In my particular case, my subwoofer configuration has two wires and no RCA plug. You can simultaneously hookup a subwoofer directly to either the left or right speaker wire. If your subwoofer has an RCA port, you can connect it to the subwoofer out connection on the receiver.

   As per the manufacturer’s information this is the
   Units connectivity:
   COAX
   Phono and ground
   FM Antenna
   Headphone
   Subwoofer
   Lan
   Wi-Fi
   Airplay
   Bluetooth
   PC and USB1 and USB-A
   Left and right speaker

   Maximum watts are 60 per channel with a total harmonic distortion of 1.0. In my particular case, this unit easily cranks out enough power for my particular set of speakers with no discernible distortion. You can preset a load of radio stations with this unit so that you can easily switch to your favorite stations. You can also play CDs with this product and it does a decent job in doing so.

   I love being able to play music while utilizing my iPhone 13 Pro wirelessly. This unit supports Spotify, Tidal, Airplay2, Amazon music, etc. The supplied remote is highly responsive and easy to use.

   In closing, I’m happy with this receiver. It does everything as advertised and works well. It is a nice space saver and a great addition to my stereo equipment set up. Recommended!

4. 

   TechO – September 5, 2023

   Rated 4 out of 5

   The Technics SA-C600 is positioned as a high-end (but not audiophile) modern take of the “all-in-one” mini-receiver. In most aspects it succeeds, definitely in audio quality, less so in build materials and features. I will outline my experience and opinions with a few days use now, but, in short, despite its flaws, it’s a standout option among its “all-in-one” peers combining an aesthetically pleasing case, or at least unobtrusive, with ultra-clear sound, and good input versatility. It’s acoustical forte, like a jazz band, is best heard in a small venue. Whatever accolades it’s due, it’s sound isn’t meant to fill up a large hall. A 350 sq ft room is probably max capacity.

   I ripped most of my rock and jazz CDs years ago to lossless audio files (though I still buy them) and rely on Spotify for “discovering” new artists. But I never ripped my classical CDs, opting to listen to those on my now non-working DVD player. Of course, DVDs are irrelevant now, so the SA-C600 looked to meet both my CD playing and music streaming needs and offered a better, less cluttered way to listen to both. So that’s where I’m coming from, and here’s my early opinion.

   DESIGN

   The SA-C600s charm for me is its ability, despite its compact size – roughly two stacked medium pizza boxes – it doesn’t sacrifice either sound quality or versatility. In addition to its built-in CD player, it supports most major streaming services, Wi-Fi streaming protocols like Airplay 2 and Google Chromecast, Bluetooth (receiving only, unfortunately), and, rare for this form factor, a MM compatible Phono Out. All of this in a striking, sleek case with a certain “Bang and Olufsen look” that begs to be displayed but doesn’t scream “look at me.”

   The SA-C600 case is mostly ABS plastic. More metal would be nicer but as long as heat dissipation is adequate I’m fine. To be sure it looks upscale and feels well-made, unlike the dorm duty “all-in-ones” popular in the late 20th century.

   The unit’s face is a handsome ribbed design that emanates a dapper but lowkey impression in contrast to the complicating intimidating presence of most A/V equipment. The absence of physical front buttons and knobs continues this theme. It’s truly device disguised as furniture. The stealthy front features a small, but readable display, the top part which can be turned off, and the bottom part which are touch sensitive transport and input controls. A 3.5mm headphone jack and a USB-A input for a drive is at bottom left. I appreciate having a USB port here, but I wish it was USB-C since that, not A, is the future. This is one area where this unit feels aged even though it’s a current model.

   The topside is every bit as handsome as the front with a brushed metal panel merging with a small black ABS ribbed vent. Top front left is a power button, opposite is physical “+” and “-” volume buttons. These flush-with-the-case buttons have a crisp, responsive feel. Center stage here is the CD player, which, in “Bang & Olufsen fashion” has a see-through acrylic cover, though it’s manually operated. The cover swivels for CD insertion and removal. It’s attractive but I am concerned about it collecting scratches. Being manually controlled, Gorilla Glass or similar seems more appropriate at this level. The plastic cover detracts from the “luxury” of this unit, and I’m reminded of it every time I touch it. The cover sits on three small rubber nubs rather than flush on the case. This, by design, creates clearance between the case and cover, but also allows easier access for dust and debris to the CD laser than a traditional drawer system. Form over function? Only time will tell.

   The back has a decent set of inputs for this type of receiver. The spec sheet spells explains these well I don’t have anything connected to the SA-C600 yet so I can’t comment with its real-life functionality. I will note, however, that the speaker inputs do accept banana connectors.

   SETUP EXPERIENCE

   On initial startup the SA-C600 “asks” to set up Wi-Fi, which, of course is vital to a Network Receiver. Use the supplied remote control to toggle “yes,” and hit “OK.” If you are an Apple user disregard the obtuse manual instructions for connecting Wi-Fi & AirPlay 2. Instead open the Home app on your iPhone, click the “+” to add a new accessory, then click “more options.” You should see the SA-C600 button. Tap it and done.

   If you want to set up via Google Chromecast use the Technics Audio Center app. Once Wi-Fi is established and wired speakers or headphone connected the SA-C600 is ready. Yes, wired. This is the other area where the SA-C600 is behind the times. The SA-C600 can only receive, not transmit Bluetooth. To do this you’ll have to use a TX adapter like it was 2018. It’s a shame because this kind of receiver lends itself perfectly to wireless headphones and earbuds and Technics makes great ones too.

   The day after I installed mine the front display indicated a firmware update was available. I found no information on what it fixed or if it added features. Download and installation took about 10 minutes (300Mbps Wi-Fi). I noticed no differences but it’s annoying when companies push a firmware update but don’t tell you what it does.

   The SA-C600, like most receivers these days, includes a speaker/room calibration system. Technics’ is called Space Tune. It’s a bit unique in that it uses the mic on your phone or tablet rather than supplying a separate plug-in device and the Technics app. I didn’t find it improved the soundstage in my room, but it good out of the box, so it could be a YMMV situation.

   Speaking of the Technics app. It could be more useful than the supplied physical remote. This is because only the app allows for direct input control for every available input. The physical remote, oddly, only has direct input for CD, FM, and Bluetooth. All other inputs are selected by tediously cycling though sources until the one you want shows up. So, for example, if you were playing a CD but decided you wanted to switch to Spotify, you’d have to cycle though Amazon, Deezer, etc., until you got to Spotify, even if you don’t subscribe to Deezer. A really lazy design. At a minimum there should be a menu option in the app to not show inputs that are unused.

   Since streaming is a key part of this device I think it’s important to note that song selection can be done in either the Technics app or your streaming services app. The exceptions is Spotify which requires the Spotify app. Using the Technics app gives you device and streaming controls in one app, but, for example, Amazon Music, I find it easier and quicker to find music in the Amazon Music app compared to Technics’ app. In this aspect the app feels outdated and laggy. In all cases you can use the buttons on the SA-C600 or physical remote to skip, repeat, and stop streaming music. You don’t need the app for that.

   SOUND QUALITY

   The SA-C600 is beautiful on the inside too as expected given its price tag. It’s punchier than its printed tech specs indicate thanks to Technics taking even its “affordable” audio products seriously. It has lot of its guts was borrowed from its top-of-the line siblings. For example, it’s rated at 60 watts per channel (at 4 ohms) which is unexciting. It certainly caused me some pause when considering it. But here, Technics has designed a system that, to my ears, easily competes with much higher Wpc rated ones. It’s not that I can play my CDs and lossless audio louder, but that I can play it softer and not lose any of the music’s detail or have it muddied by electronic noise. But make no mistake, if I want to step it up, the SA-C600 not only responds to the limits of my modest, and ancient, Polk bookshelf speakers, but I think it allows them to perform at their peak.

   I attribute its clean sound to two of its features, that, I think, are unique to a unit of this kind. First, it shares the same all-digital processing technology as Technics audiophile products. The second differentiator is that it has two discrete power supplies, one for the amplifier, the other for all other functions. As a result, what I hear, when playing a file at a CD or better bitrate is a cleaner sound because the signal due to their being less processing and no extraneous signals invading the amp section.

   Of course, no matter how skillful a piece of audio equipment is, a garbage file, like a 128Kbps MP3, is always going to sound inferior to a lossless one, like a CD (AIFF), FLAC, or ALAC. What I was unsure of was whether the SA-C600 could at least improve the sound of Spotify Free’s heavily compressed 128Kbps files and Amazon Prime music’s slightly better 160Kbps ones compared to the mid-range Bluetooth speakers connected to my Mac. So I dialed up Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” on Spotify and Amazon since that song’s strong bass invites distortion. I also played my own ALAC copy as a baseline. I played each side-by-side on the SA-C600 and then my Mac connected to mid-range Bluetooth speakers.

   To my surprise the Spotify version, while not as clear as the ALAC version (expected), it was more enjoyable and less distracting on the SA-C600 than on my Bluetooth speakers (unexpected). The bass riffs actually had a little energy on the SA-C600 and did not breakup at a respectable, but not a party level, volume. And the Amazon version stunned me, sounding *almost* passible for CD quality. It was lively and the riffs had a true feel even at mid-volume.

   BOTTOM LINE

   Not being able to pair Bluetooth headphones to it is definitely a bummer and a consideration if this is your preferred ways of listening. Otherwise, considering the SA-C600 combines a high-end guts and a built-in CD player with a small form factor, this is small fault. I find the SA-C600 an almost perfect solution for my needs and suspect anyone who appreciates quality audio equipment but only has a small space where traditional sized components would be overkill or undesirable will enjoy it too.

5. 

   xKing – September 5, 2023

   Rated 4 out of 5

   I needed a way to use in-ceiling pair of speakers in my new house and this receiver appeared to be a very good candidate. It outputs 2 channels at 40W per channel, supports almost any streaming service there is (Spotify, Apple AirPlay, Google Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, Deezer) can play regular FM radio, CD disks plus it has a few inputs such as Phono for a turntable (Moving Magnet cartridge only), line in, USB and digital inputs. It’s pretty compact in size so it would be easy to find a place and can display current time on the front display (kinda like a hotel alarm clock-FM radio). Setup process is extremely easy – can be accomplished via WiFi using Google Home or Apple Home apps or just a wired Ethernet connection. First thing it did – it decided to perform firmware update which took it a good 20 minutes. At the end of the update it just displayed “Success” and sat like that (nothing in the manual or quick start guide) until I power cycled it. Internet access unfortunately does not mean it will automatically recognize your CD content.
   Overall – it does a decent job driving a stereo system, it won’t be able to drive a floorstanding speakers, but a pair of bookshelfs or in-ceiling/in-wall speakers – easily. There is also a subwoofer output, unfortunately I could not find any crossover settings so I’m not sure if there is one. Phono pre-amp and built-in CD player add it a nice “retro” touch making this receiver a point of interest for everyone. Unfortunately there are no pre-amp outputs so it’s not possible to upgrade to external amplifier. It does not support SuperAudio CD either (despite “Premium” in the name).

6. 

   mobilelawyer – September 6, 2023

   Rated 5 out of 5

   This is a handsome, compact and versatile amplifier. It offers a digital amp with a very good CD player and FM tuner, which can play back all your local audio files, stored on your network, local disk, USB drive, smartphone or PC. It also offers internet access to streaming services, podcasts, and internet radio stations. It also offers a phono preamp, allowing a direct connection to your turntable. Simply add speakers and you are good to go!

   The main idea behind this package, I think, is to offer a no-compromise compact audio system that could compliment not only your living room, but also a smaller listening space such as an office or bedroom. The amplifier is modestly speced at 60 watts per channel at 4 ohms, and only 40 watts into a more typical 8-ohm load. But the message from Technics is quality of sound reproduction. The digital amp has a dedicated twin power supply circuit, and what is called a JENO Engine (Jitter Elimination and Noise-Shaping optimization). There is a space tune function that allows for specific kinds of room placement, Free, Wall, Corner and Shelf, and which allows separate settings of each speaker, adjusting for installation under different conditions and brings out the best sound quality.
   When unit was out of the box, I completed the initial set up in just a few minutes. The final set up should be performed with the Technics Audio Center app which is available for your Apple or Android smartphone, and which will offer the complete range of customizations to compliment your situation.

   For initial evaluation, I connected a pair of NHT Superzero speakers which sport a decades old tried and true compact design, and which I have listened to off and on for many years. They gave me both instant gratification and a reference baseline to evaluate the sound qualities of the amp. I enjoyed listening to both CDs and the FM tuner. I used the auto scan function to map out my local stations for quick reference. Both DAB and DAB+ are offered on this unit. A simple several foot run of wire is offered to serve as your “DAB Indoor Antenna”. This arrangement picked up most of the local stations I listen to regularly, but I will update it with a better indoor or outdoor antenna to get the full range of stations which are available.

   I found the sound produced by this receiver to be spacious and open, and the Superzeros could be driven to loud, room-filling volume. I also moved the amp into another room to attach a pair of B&W 600 Series Anniversary Edition bookshelf speakers. I have been listening to these speakers for more than a year and have found them to be neutral and revealing. Great recordings are presented in all their splendor, and lousy masters or poor pressings are also revealed for all their respective shortcomings. This move also made my recently reviewed Technics SL-1500C turntable and Ortofon cartridge available for testing with the receiver’s phono pre-amp. The move was quite productive, and I must say that the receiver’s amplifier and phono front end handled my music with aplomb. Imaging and presence was satisfying in all types of music, and the SA-C600 drove the larger speakers with headroom to spare. The sound quality of this receiver is excellent. If you want to connect a sub-woofer as well to better enjoy the lower frequencies, an analog output is also available for that arrangement.

   The volume of different types of music and programming available through this receiver is amazing. To fully utilize it, you should use the Technics Audio Center app on your smartphone. Until I used that program with my iPhone, access to podcasts and internet radio stations was simply not available. Once I connected to the app, it was quite easy to access internet radio stations and podcasts. I was also able to connect to my Synology NAS where a plethora of digital music files are stored. The app offers a graphical and useful way to scan through the file structure and find any song I want to listen to in minutes. USB connections are offered to attach external drives and flash drives which hold your music files. A USB-B connection is offered to attach a computer. I did not try that connection, but it supports USB 2.0 high speed connections, and both LPCM and DSD codecs. Both optical digital and coaxial digital inputs are available. I was able to listen to the audio from my Samsung TV with the optical input.

   The receiver handles all the popular digital codecs: WAV, FLAC, DSD, ALAC, AAC, MP3. Connection to the network can be done via LAN or Wi-Fi. The Google Home app is used to set up Wi-Fi. Chromecast and AirPlay 2 are also available for streaming from your devices. Bluetooth is supported, and I was able to connect my iPhone in seconds, and when I was in range of the receiver, I was always immediately reconnected. Spotify Connect®, TIDAL, and Amazon Music services, and they can accessed directly through the Technics Audio Center App after installation of the native apps on your smartphone.

   The supplied remote gets the job done, but I found myself using the Technics Audio Center app to best control the universe of functions available on this fine receiver. I am still learning what it can do, and I am not aware of any device that can touch its remarkable versatility. It has unmasked a world of audio that I knew existed but has never been so convenient to access. Highly recommended.

7. 

   JayS – September 6, 2023

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Technics is a name that is known in the HiFi community with a long history of great looking and sounding products and the Technics SA C600 helps build on its reputation as being one of the best.

   Before I even start talking about the sound quality and the ease of use I have to mention how beautiful the Technics looks, the look is minimalist with a retro feel that will go great anywhere you place it.

   Now besides the looks of the Technics SA C600 the sound is guaranteed to blow you away, I was awed by how great the music sounded coming from my speakers. Everything from the mids, lows and highs sounded amazing with little to no distortion. While listening to my favorite music (everything from classic, hip hop, instrumentals, country, rock) it felt like I was hearing everything for the first time. Now when this happened I wasn’t sure if what I was hearing was because of the Technics SA C600 or the new speakers I had purchased so I plugged the speakers into a newer amp I had purchased a few months ago and it verified that it wasn’t the speakers.

   Besides the music sounds amazing Technics has done a great job making sure the SA C600 works with everything, it has preouts for optical/ PC/COAX/FM antenna/ Bluetooth and it works a majority of music streaming services. Technics has made sure that you can enjoy your music regardless of how you choose to play it (streaming/disk/record player, USB). The app setup was smooth and Technics has used a good wifi chip so over the air updates can be fast and reliable. The output power is 40W provides plenty of continuous power which should be enough for most of the best speakers on the market.

   I set up SA C600 with google and apple and everything went smooth, my only complaint was that the Space tune feature only works with Apple. Besides using the smart phone/tablets the Technics works without any smart connections and you can use the included remote/screen touch control if you choose. The controls are easily laid out so anyone can use them.

   I feel this is a must for anyone that wants the best audio experience, even connecting this to my TV made everything sound amazing because of the processing of Technics. The SA C600 a powerhouse product that is compatible with just about everything and is able to play any type of music format and when you use services that offer you high res audio the experience become music to your ears.

8. 

   MikeyLikesIt – September 7, 2023

   Rated 5 out of 5

   The last receiver I ever bought was way back in 1976 when I was a college student and it lasted me a good thirty years until I reluctantly sold it in a garage sale. Fast forward to the present day and receivers have certainly come a long way. With the Technics Compact Network CD Receiver SA-C600 by Panasonic, the most notable change is the compact size and gone are all the knobs and dials, replaced by a simple remote control. Built into a very compact unit are the ability to stream music from your smartphone, as well as built-in streaming services like Amazon Music, CD player, and FM radio. The small footprint makes it easy to set up anywhere, such as on a desk, TV stand, or bookshelf. I added a pair of affordable bookshelf speakers from Best Buy and 10” subwoofer and the sound is just incredible. Technics does match a pair of optional speakers to complement the SA-C600. The sound comes across very clean and detailed when streaming over Airplay with my Apple iPhone. Not being familiar with Apple’s Airplay at first, it did take me several attempts and some troubleshooting to get Airplay to work without disconnecting…not a fault of the receiver. It was definitely worth the effort to get the best lossless high-bit streaming quality from Apple Music, which is how I intend to use the receiver most of the time. I may explore some of the other streaming services like Deezer, Tidal, and Amazon Music in the future.

   It has become customary for technology like smartphones, televisions, and audio equipment to require using other applications to experience some of their features and the SA-600 is no different. Much of the initial setup of the SA-C600 can be done through menus using the remote, but I found it necessary to install Google Home to set up Apple Airplay to work. Of course, WiFi and Bluetooth and an internet connection are required to use streaming services. There are the standard inputs for additional audio components, such adding a turntable or external multi-disk CD player, along with a USB port for playing music from a memory stick. It even has an input for sound from your PC or laptop. The SA-C600 can even replace a soundbar for your television using its optical input.

   As mentioned earlier, all configuration and sound settings are done with the remote or via the Technics Audio Center app that you install on your smartphone. One cool feature that can improve the overall sound quality is Space Tune, which defines the listening environment based on speaker placement, etc. I found it really did make a difference as I have my bookshelf speakers on a desktop along a wall. If you really want to dial in the sound shape, you can use an Apple IOS device to completely tailor the sound using its microphone to determine the best setting for your room.

   Last but not least, the Technics SA-C600 receivers design is so simple and elegant, in a non-traditional sort of way. It doesn’t look like most audio receivers. The smoked glass CD player cover looks rich and you can adjust some of the lighting settings to make it look even better. Of course, it’s the sound that matters most and if I can make affordable bookshelf speakers sound good, think how much better it will sound with some high end speakers. After many years, I find myself excited all over again to listen to music come alive with the Technics SA-C600 receiver.

9. 

   TechBuyer – September 7, 2023

   Rated 5 out of 5

   The Technics SA-C600 Network CD Receiver is an amazing device that may be the last CD player you ever own. But its a lot more than just a CD player, its more like a Digital JukeBox because it handles all of your songs in nearly every digital format imaginable from almost any source.

   It’s not quite perfect for 2 reasons, which I struggled with and ultimately decided not to take a star off for, but you should be aware of the limitations.

   1. There are a TON of ***Inputs*** that allow you to connect various digital and analog sources of music to your CD Receiver, phono, line in, PC, coax, sp-dif Optical and radio antenna. However, there are NO ***Outputs*** that allow you to send all that source music to an AV Receiver or Integrated Amp. There is also no HDMI passthrough or input for eARC so there is really just the Opt-In if you want to try and use this Network Receiver with a TV set, which isn’t ideal since there’s no eARC. Thankfully, there is an OPT-IN Auto Play toggle option in the Technics Audio Center under the Gear Icon > Other Settings > OPT-IN Auto Play.

   2. There are a ton of connectivity options, but they are somewhat limited. What I mean by that is the source inputs can be connected to a variety of Streaming services, like Tidal, Spotify, Amazon Music, but the output and streaming is still governed by Apple Home/Air Play or Google Home/Chromecast integration. What this means is, I can’t go into the apps for those services themselves and then choose the Technics as the output, I have to start streaming to Airplay and then choose the Technics as the output. Similarly, I can’t play from Amazon Music, or use Alexa voice commands to start playing on the Technics like a smart speaker. It might seem like no biggy and it is a subtle difference but it is worth noting.

   The build quality and aesthetics are everything you would expect from a high-end piece of audio equipment with a nice metal look and Mid Century Modern Retro look that would fit right in with a Herman Miller Line media console in a Frank LLoyd Wright designed home. Instant classic in your den, office, or dining room with a pair of high quality, minimalist bookshelf speakers. The SA-C600 also has outputs for a subwoofer, but I’m undecided if I want to connect a sub as I’ll mostly be playing music and don’t want or need the bass to overpower the high and midrange of classical and pop I tend to listen to around the house.

   As for the sound quality. Its well worth it! Better than most AV Receivers in the same price range and just a step down from my Arcam SA20 integrated amp. Again, bitrate and source matters and you’ll appreciate the quality from CD, but also the premium streaming services that offer higher bitrates. The app tells you the bitrate and file type for each song.

   Setup was a bit clunky if I’m being honest. As I alluded to previously, you have to go through Apple Home or Google Home to connect to WiFi. I used Apple Home and when I went to add device, there’s no QR code and there’s no automatic nearby detect on the first screen, you have to hit the text that says “Not one of these methods” or something like that and the SA-C600 pops right up. Then Apple Home transfers over your home WiFi info and you’re off to the races. I also have a router in the same media cabinet so I could’ve easily hooked that up but I may end up moving the SA-C600 to the Dining Room so I didn’t want to hard wire it. Also, the App seems limited to certain types of membership, for example, Amazon Music it seems like is limited to Amazon Music Unlimited, I have just Prime Amazon Music and when I went to play a song or sometimes searched for one, I’d get an error. I’ll keep playing around with that and see if it improves.

   Overall the App is pretty neat, at first it seems very barren and antiquated looking but I think they actually went for a retro minimalist style to keep the UI clean and to focus on the music and the SA-C600 options. Its kind of cool when its loading or searching the network for songs, it kind of throttles the needle like an oldschool Analog volume or gain gauge. Cool stuff.

   Really enjoying the SA-C600 and if you’re an audiophile that has some CDs or just someone who loves music and wants a super fancy Streaming JukeBox, then the SA-C600 is an option you should give a close look at!

10. 

    DoctorHoo – September 8, 2023

    Rated 5 out of 5

    The Technics SA-C600 is a beautiful and well engineered network amplifier and receiver with a built-in CD player. The box came with the compact player itself, a remote and batteries, an AC power supply cord, an FM indoor antenna and a user manual.

    This really is a nifty and versatile piece of audio equipment with a ton of support for different audio sources. It supports streaming music services (such as Internet Radio, Amazon Music, TIDAL, Spotify etc.) FM radio, Bluetooth, personal home music servers, CD playback, playback from a USB flash drive, playback from a PC USB connection, and has line in, phono in, digital optical and digital coax connections.

    Output connections include support for stereo speakers and a subwoofer.

    Setup was fairly easy but a little confusing for me. When I first turned it on, I tried navigating to the wireless networking setup using the remote. I found navigating the menus using the remote to be slightly confusing and couldn’t figure out how to set up wireless networking.

    I then went over the manual and discovered that you can use the Google Home app to set up wireless networking. Once you start up the Google Home app, you can set up a new device and after searching for nearby devices, it should discover and list the Technics SA-C600.

    You can then use Google Home to configure the Technics SA-C600 to use your wireless home network. After connecting to the internet, it notified me that there was a newer firmware for it and proceeded to upgrade itself.

    After setting things up with Google Home, you can use any Google smart speaker to stream audio to the Technics SA-C600. For example, you can say, “Hey Google, play Marshall Crenshaw on Technics” and it will start streaming your music to the Technics.

    It also has Chromecast built-in so you can use your phone or tablet to stream from any app that supports Chromecast casting.

    I wasn’t able to use Google Home to control the Technics SA-C600 to play a CD or to switch to another audio source. For that you can use the included remote or use another app called the “Technics Audio Center”.

    With the “Technics Audio Center”, you have full control over the receiver. This app is probably my preferred user interface to the Technics SA-C600. The physical remote is good for quick things like turning the unit on/off, adjusting sound volume and for accessing often used sources such as the CD player or Internet Radio but if you want to access something like the optical in, then the app is quicker.

    There is a setting called Space Tune that allows you to calibrate the sound according to your speaker’s placement. There are presets for Free, Wall, Corner or “In a Shelf” placement of your speakers. There is also an option to use an iOS device to calibrate the device according to your room’s acoustics.

    And of course, you also have the standard options to adjust the tonal balance (bass and treble) as well as a host of other settings.

    I currently have it paired with a Technics SL-1500C turntable and my vintage JBL 2600 bookshelf speakers. This combination makes for a beautiful compact high end audio system. So, after all is said and done, what is the sound like?

    In a word, fantastic. I found the sound to be very pristine, well balanced, and neutral sounding. This is subjective, but I think this is my favorite receiver in terms of sound quality. Listening to my music collection from this system has been extremely pleasurable. I also really like the compact size, looks and aesthetics of this network receiver.

    The built-in CD player is also very nice and I like the design of it as it makes playing a CD similar to playing a record. Instead of a tray that pops out, you load the CD from the top after swiveling the upper lid. All my CDs played without problems and sounded great.

    While this system is mainly aimed at stereo audio listening, I wondered how good it would be for a mini home theater setup so I used the optical digital connector to hook up my Insignia TV to it. After setting the TV’s output format to use PCM, I found the sound to be very crisp and clear with very good dialog clarity.

    Watching “The Tick” from Amazon produced a home theater like experience despite only being in stereo. Overall, I think the Technics SA-C600 would make a decent component in a mini home theater system where the space is too small for a true surround sound setup.

    I think this would be a perfect component for someone who wants to put together a high end audio system but doesn’t have a lot of space. It produces beautiful sound and is very versatile in the audio inputs and formats it supports. I absolutely love this receiver and I can highly recommend it.

11. 

    ITJim – September 9, 2023

    Rated 4 out of 5

    Initial Impressions:

    The Technics SA-C600 is a nice little streaming stereo amplifier with CD player. The CD player is what ultimately convinced me to get the SA-C600. The unit itself is very handsome with its black body, brushed aluminum top, and smoked plastic CD door. The LCD screen is mostly black and white with a few colored icons here and there. The back of the unit has every input I could possibly want. The front panel has a single USB and stereo mini jack. Overall, the unit aesthetics are simple enough that it will fit into any modern-day décor. Sonically, the SA-C600 needed a good day to break in before it found its stride. Power wise, the SA-C600 is best suited for bookshelf speakers with an integrated subwoofer. Tower speakers are simply too much for the SA-C600 to drive reliably. Overall, I like the flexibility, the inclusion of a CD Player, the streaming options, and the integrated FM Tuner. This is a solid addition to my home office.

    Setup:

    The SA-C600 took about 5 minutes to setup from box to CD/FM Radio. Configuration and app setup took a bit longer. For some reason, Wi-Fi setup requires Google Home or Apple Home apps to configure. Once Wi-Fi is setup Google Home or Apple Home is no longer needed. Technics’ Audio Center is the app you want to load on your smartphone to take full control of the SA-C600. Everything can also be configured and controlled from the included remote. The top of the unit has three buttons for power and volume. There are dedicated CD player controls that illuminate on the front of the SA-C600 when the CD player is active. The illuminated touch controls are integrated into the mostly monochrome front facing LED screen.

    For my setup, I have a pair of B&W 705 Signature bookshelf speakers and a MartinLogan 600X 10” subwoofer in a desktop stereo configuration on my office desk. I used a Panamax MR5100 for power protection. For inputs I used a toslink optical digital cable to connect to my gaming computer. I also connected an RCA to a mini stereo cable to the Line Input on the back of the SA-C600 as a hardwired connection to my iPhone. I also connected my iPhone via Airplay but wanted to hear the difference between the two inputs.

    Next, I accessed the Setup menu via the included remote control and updated the SA-C600 firmware. This took about 20 minutes to complete. What did it fix? According to Technics, and I quote, “Improvement of Stability.” So, yeah.

    The manual that ships with the SA-C600 is a bit pedestrian. It does illustrate how to access certain functions. It lacks explanations for the SA-C600’s configuration items and options. It also does not explain any of the individual input setup items or options. Neither the Technics’ Audio App nor Technics’ website provide any additional information. Technics’ website does not provide a longer, more detailed manual.

    Sound:

    SA-C600 is hot on the highs. It was vocals forward with a few tracks that was best illustrated by “Love Shack” by the B-52’s. Luckily, the SA-C600 has proper tone controls. Bass and Treble have a range from -10 to +10 and set to 0 for both out of the box. The tone controls are only accessible via the Setup menu or via the Technics’ app. For my B&W bookshelf speakers, -1 to -2 treble and +1 base works well for most music that I listen too. For FM radio, I set the tone controls to -10 bass and -1 treble. Keep in mind that the tone settings are persistent from input to input. If the SA-C600 loses power, then the tone controls need to be reset. The clock also resets. But the FM presents do not…

    Space Tune is sound calibration presets. For example, your speakers will gain some boost on the low end if they are corner loaded. Which could make them sound boomy. The Space Tune has a corner preset calibration setting that will tone down the lows and boost the higher frequencies. There are four presets and five modes: Free, Corner, Shelf, Cabinet, and Custom. Customer allows one of the four presents assigned independently to each speaker. I found that Free sounded best on my setup.

    The SA-C600 needs a good 12- to 24-hour break in period. I own eight different pairs of speakers. They sounded awful prior to this break-in period. I just left the SA-C600 playing unattended in a room. The goal was to break in the amplifier and not my ears. Once broken it, the unit sounded really good at low to moderate listening levels in my small office. I listen mostly to classical, jazz, vocalist, and talk radio during my workday. In addition to my office bookshelf system, I auditioned a pair of B&W 606 Anniversary bookshelves which also sounded good. Not as good as the 705 Signatures but good enough at the 606 price points.

    Conversely, the SA-C600 sounds like trash on hungry tower speakers. I auditioned a pair of SVS Ultra Towers, SVS Prime Pinnacles, and a pair of B&W 702 s2 Towers. The SA-C600 simply does not have the power to drive these. These are highly capable speakers when integrated with the right gear. The SA-C600 is simply a poor match in this situation.

    I included photos of two of my audition spaces. I did not include a photo of my permanent listening space for personal reasons.

    Power handling:

    Full power: 60 W + 60 W (1kHz, T.H.D. 1.0 %, 4Ω, 20kHz LPF) or FTC Output Power: 40W + 40W (1kHz, T.H.D. 1.0 %, 4Ω, 20kHz LPF). Source, technical specs from manufacture’s website. Measurements like these are useful but for all the wrong reasons. Are manufacturers still playing this game? Moving on…

    Digital vs Line Input vs Line Input:

    Digital content, such as Apple Music over Airplay, sounds great. I do not have subscriptions to Tidal, Amazon Music, Deezer. I did try Spotify. It sounded ok but Apple Music sounded better. I also test Apple Music over RCA connections on the Line Input.

    The Line Input gain is very low compared with all the other inputs. If volume is set to 30 for streaming, then the Line Input must be set to 60 for the same audible output. Beware! The SA-C600 does not remember the last volume setting for any previous input. This means the volume must be decreased before swapping back to streaming, CD, radio, or another source. Otherwise, you will experience that super loud, thin, low fidelity noise I discussed earlier on. Hopefully Technics will address this in a future firmware update.

    The SA-C600 will not make bad CD sound better. If anything, the SA-C600 will reveal their poor quality. Newer CDs, such as Lorenna McKennet’s, “The wind that shakes the barely”, sound fantastic. The vocals were full, and the music textured. Depending on the content, the sound reproduction could come off as crisp and sometimes overly clinical. I picked up on this quickly because I am used to a warmer sounding system. Not bad. Just different from what I am used to. Dialing in my tone controls and integrating my sub-woofer played a big role in balancing out the SA-C600 presentation.

    Finally, fiber optic input from PC. I have nothing to complain about. I watched a movie, listened to Apple Music, watched some Youtube videos, and played a few games. The SA-C600 did not miss a beat, and everything sounded dialed in. I was perfectly happy with the results. If you also chose to connect a PC via Toslink to the SA-C600 then be sure to set the output resolution from Windows so you get the highest quality signal. The SA-C600 will display on the LCD screen what the input source is. By default, my Windows 11 machine’s output was 16-bit 48kz. I changed the highest available. You can find these settings under Windows Settings here: “System/Sound/All Sound Devices/Speakers.”

    CD Player:

    The CD player door swivels left or right. For best results, you will want to use a finger and thumb to slide the door open and closed. Do not press down on the recessed nob or force the door in any way. The door floats above the SA-C600 connecting to the chassis by a single left/right swinging hinge. The player is quiet. The disk can be heard spinning but only within six inches or less. Even then it is very quiet. I did not notice or hear any vibrations with the chassis or the CD door. The CD disk centered nicely and did not show any signs of wobbling during playback. There is an LED light that washes over the top of the disk while playing. The affect can be toggled through the SA-C600’s Setup menus.

    Final thoughts:

    The SA-C600 is a solid two or 2.1 channel Compact Network CD Receiver. My recommendation is to pair the SA-C600 with a solid pair of bookshelf speakers and a subwoofer. The SA-C600 lacks the chops for power hungry towers. The flexibility of the SA-C600 is great. It meets all my needs and then some. The reason I went with the SA-C600 was for the integrated CD player. It saves valuable office space and reconnects me with my CD collection. The chassis is handsome, has good cooling, and the controls are easy to use. The sound quality at low to medium volume in a small room is fantastic after a 12- to 24-hour break in period. There are some issues that Technics need to address through firmware. Overall, I am happy with the SA-C600 and look forward to years of enjoyment.

12. 

    JMan – September 9, 2023

    Rated 5 out of 5

    I had lofty expectations for this techniques SA-C600 CD receiver, and it easily lived up to them. This attractively designed receiver sports a polished contemporary aesthetic. The symmetrical and cleanly designed black chassis is accented by a brushed aluminum top crowned with a smokey grey CD cover. It is a thoughtful design rather than typical cookie cutter, and the quality is evident. The monochrome display is easy to read and has adjustable brightness. Build quality and construction feel excellent. This receiver plays compact discs, streams audio content, plays DAB/FM broadcasts, and has USB A and B ports. It also has a phono jack for connecting a turntable. Sound output options include right and left speaker terminals, a subwoofer output, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The receiver has Bluetooth, ethernet, and Wi-Fi connectivity. I opted to use Wi-Fi to connect to my home network, but the initial app and network setup proved to be a little annoying. I used the basic user guide rather than the one-page quick start guide because I assumed the thicker basic guide would be more comprehensive and helpful. The two apps suggested by the user guide are Google Home or Apple Home. The manual instructs to enter Wi-Fi setup, open Google Home or Apple Home, and follow the app instructions. That’s it. As an iOS user, I naturally tried Apple Home first. I opened the app and clicked add a device but the phone never detected the Technics receiver. The other option in Apple Home was to scan a QR code but there is no code on the receiver. Rather than continue wasting time trying to figure out Apple Home, I opened Google Home which easily found the receiver and allowed me to complete setup and add the receiver to my home Wi-Fi network. After setup, I tried using Google Home to control the device but the app was too bare bones. It also sometimes has trouble seeing the receiver despite seeing other connected smart devices on the network. I decided I would instead use the physical remote and my streaming apps to control the receiver. That’s when I thankfully finally found the QR code link to the Technics Audio Center app printed on the single-page quick start guide. I saw no mention of the app inside the more comprehensive user guide that I used for setup. I downloaded the Technics app and it immediately shot my enjoyment and ease of use levels up significantly. The Technics app offers much more granular control and sound customization than either Google Home or Apple Home. The receiver can be controlled by the physical remote or apps, but if it is powered off, only the physical remote or front panel buttons can power it on.

    Sound quality is the number one priority. This receiver looks good and has nice features, but none of that matters if it sounds bad. No worries there, because this receiver sounds excellent both playing a CD and streaming. It has good loudness, tight impactful bass, clear highs and mids, and a warm yet balanced sound profile. All of this is achieved without any added amplification. I further tweaked sound to my personal preference through the Technics app, but aside from a slight bass boost, it didn’t need much fine tuning. This Technics sounds great across multiple genres right out the box. I’ve played soul, hip hop, jazz, 80’s and 90’s pop, and classical on both CD and streaming. The receiver handles each genre wonderfully and I’m pleased with the overall sound quality and how easily it accommodates my eclectic musical tastes. I won’t go too deeply into sound because much of sound quality will depend on the type and quality of speakers or headphones used. I have the Technics connected to a set of decent quality bookshelf speakers and separate subwoofer. I also use it with a set of Hi-Res wired headphones. Both configs sound phenomenal, but I find myself preferring the headphones for the superior isolation and more immersive soundstage. The Technics Audio Center app has a few sound adjustments as well that helped push my listening enjoyment over the top.

    The biggest impact of this receiver was making me realize was how much I unknowingly missed playing CDs. I have hundreds of CDs that I’ve collected over the years. Although they have been relegated to storage in the basement since the early 2000’s, I always knew one day I’d play them again. I switched to MP3 and other ripped formats decades ago, and subsequently to Hi-Res players and lossless streaming more recently, but I continued buying and collecting CDs over the years to rip for my players and to hopefully physically play one day. That day has finally arrived. There’s something special about playing music directly from physical media that streaming and MP3/Hi-Res file players just can’t match. I assumed it I was because I’m older and was just being nostalgic, but I’ve even noticed some younger adolescents and teens are also getting more interested in playing physical media like vinyl. This receiver gives me the best of both worlds. It plays physical CDs and has a phono input, as well as streaming. The CD compartment access lid manually swivels open to either side to reveal the CD cavity and mount. I can see the CD at all times through the smoke-colored translucent lid. The lid design is neat and eye catching, but I have a couple of minor concerns. The first is the exposed gap between the lid and the receiver top. I included a photo showing the gap. Although the gap is only a fraction of an inch or so, it is large enough for me to clearly see the CD spindle through it. My concern is that dust and debris may eventually intrude through the gap. My other concern is the actual swivel motion. I noticed a large hair-like piece of debris was stuck to the underside of the lid. My belief is that it was caught by the lid while swiveling over the top of the unit. I plan to stay vigilant with dusting and cleaning which should help mitigate these concerns. I may also even invest in some sort of dust cover for when not in use. The CD controls can be operated using either the front buttons, the included remote, or through the Technics app. I’ve noticed that CD’s don’t list album, artist, or track names, but simply track numbers. This is both in the app and on the device itself. I haven’t delved deep enough into the app yet to see if I can link it with a music database service but if not, it isn’t a huge deal. I typically have the CD jewel case handy nearby anyway, especially with a single-disc player. I actually miss playing vinyl even more than discs, but several unfortunate incidents over the years robbed me of my previously extensive vinyl 33 and 45 collection. I’ve begun slowly rebuilding my collection and will likely add a turntable once I’ve accumulated a decent new vinyl collection.

    My comments regarding physical media does not mean that streaming isn’t enjoyable with this receiver. Quite the opposite, that’s actually where this shines brightest. Streaming is still my first choice overall, thanks to massive libraries and ease of access. This Technics is compatible with several popular streaming services, including Amazon, Spotify, and Tidal. I can also stream through Chromecast, Airplay, or over Bluetooth and can fully control and see all my music through multiple apps. The receiver is also Hi-Res capable and sounds phenomenal when playing Hi-Res content.

    I saved the FM radio for last because it was the only thing I couldn’t quite get right. This is not the fault of the receiver but rather my location. It’s tough for anything to get a good signal in that particular spot of the house. I can hear the radio but with mild underlying static. I tried adjusting the antenna several times but couldn’t get rid of the static. There are some additional features to help with interference but I usually listen to internet radio anyhow, so it wasn’t worth fighting to try and achieve a perfect static-free OTA signal. Every local station that I listen to has an internet radio streaming option.

13. 

    softwareEngineer – September 9, 2023

    Rated 5 out of 5

    The Technics SA-C600 has been my favorite compact music receiver since owning it. I currently have it set up in my bedroom against a wall, attached to my BW600 Anniversary speakers and my BW600 8″ subwoofer. With these speakers, the whole look is clean and compact. I absolutely love it. The unit feels heavy and sturdy with clean sharp edges and simple power/volume buttons up top. The rest of the functionality can be done using its touchscreen display.

    The SA-C600 utilizes the fully digital JENO Engine (Jitter Elimination and Noise-shaping Optimization). Basically the JENO Engine transmits and processes audio with reduced jitter and noise, giving you the clearest sound quality. Through my speakers, the sound is very clear, especially at higher volumes. The unit can output 60W, which I assume is max output. There is no RMS rating that I’ve grown accustomed to, but there is a FTC rating which is 40W. FTC power rating indicates power available on a continuous, long-term basis. Depending on your speakers, you can adjust bass and treble using the included remote control. I tried a couple different sets of speakers that I have at home, and of course each set needed a bass/treble tweak here and there. But the SA-C600 definitely delivered, especially at higher volumes where distortion typically begins to happen. It is so good.

    Some of the creature comforts from the SA-C600 is the ability for it to auto-adjust the sound field based on where you place your set up. For instance, if you place your set up in a corner room, there is a “Spacetune” option to select that type of setup location. You can choose from corner [placing in a corner of a room], wall [placing against a wall], free [placing in the middle of a room, perhaps] and shelf [a bookshelf speaker set up]. You can also customize Spacetune to your own liking. While flipping through the options, there is a clear distinction between sound output. I currently have my set up against a wall, so “wall” it is.

    The SA-C600 can take variety of inputs, starting with analog (1) Phono MM (utilizing a secondary power supply just for this), (2) Line In, (3) OPT In, (4) Coax-In, (5) USB Drive, (6) USB-PC (how I get MQA) , (7) FM Antenna, (8) Ethernet-In and finally (9) Compact Disc. Those are just the things you can plug-in, essentially. Then there is the wireless stuff where you can stream high resolution audio. You can either use Bluetooth (AAC, SBC), Airplay 2 or Chromecast using your favorite streaming service. Output is simply to two bookshelf speakers and a subwoofer. Simple.

    I’ve been using mostly the Airplay option just out of convenience…it’s just too easy to use. I’ve also reopened my folder of CDs, and even made new CD purchases here and there. The CD player has a very neat design and I love how the CD bay has a little mood lighting to let you know it’s in play. At some point, I will hook up my PC to take full advantage of the high res music that I currently receive from my TIDAL service.

14. 

    Eric – September 9, 2023

    Rated 4 out of 5

    The Technics SA-C600 is really a game changer for my living room music setup. It sounds fantastic, works flawlessly, and has a very easy and problem-free setup. However, it has got some perplexing quirks that I’m unsure make it the most user-friendly audio receiver is out there. Still, I wouldn’t trade it for anything as it’s the best sounding and, once you know how to use it, simplest way to listen to music both wired and wirelessly.

    Opening the box, there’s not much in the way of parts. You’ve got the receiver itself, with nothing to assemble, the power cable, FM radio antenna cable, the remote, batteries for it, and a basic owner’s manual. The manual is very basic and is mostly there to guide you to the Google Home app, the Technics Audio Center phone app, and a digital download of the full manual. I’m not thrilled about basic manuals that direct you to download full manuals, but it’s increasingly common so I don’t consider it a negative so much as me being an old man yelling at clouds.

    Connecting it is very simple. You’ve got enough connections for two stereo speakers and a subwoofer out, should you have a separate subwoofer. The speaker connections are very easy to use and will accept a variety of sized audio wires from your speakers. In terms of input, there’s several: The FM radio (which is just connecting the cable it comes with), phono in with ground earth connection if you’re not using a pre-amp, line in – either for another device or phono that’s already been through a pre-amp, optical, coax, a front side USB-A and backside USB-B. There’s also a LAN port if you want to hard wire it to your internet instead of WiFi. The optical and coax in are especially nice if you’re going to use this as an audio receiver for your television watching. I wouldn’t personally use this as a main home theater receiver, but I also have the space and a 5.1 surround system for those purposes already. If you don’t have such things, then this is a definite bonus. Physical setup for me was just connecting my FM antenna, record player with ground cable, my two speakers, and the power cable.

    From there you power it on and, in my case, open the Google Home app. If you’re an Apple instead of Android user, I believe you use the Apple Home app for this part of the setup. I was skeptical of setup via Google Home, as it’s been hit or miss involving other products, but the SA-C600 was found right away and it was a very simple process to connect it to my WiFi network and start the process of updating it to the latest firmware, which took under 10 minutes.

    At this point everything was ready to go and you’re able to send audio to it via any android app that has google cast options. Additionally, Spotify saw it as a device on my network and all I had to do was to select the receiver as the playback device. While Spotify / the app casting is open you can hit the volume buttons on your phone to adjust the volume on the receiver. This can also be done on your phone by opening the device from the google home app. I can’t stress how simple and quick it was from first power on to working. Frankly, that’s something of a rarity I find with any internet connected device.

    Let’s talk about the physical properties of the receiver. On the top you have a power button, as well as a volume up and down button. The CD player lid is a clever slide mechanism rather than something that pops up. A magnet holds it in the closed position. When a CD is playing a little light illuminates it. It’s nothing mind blowing, but it’s a nice touch to add a bit of visual to an otherwise plain process of CD listening.

    The front contains a headphone jack and the USB-A port for listening to files from a thumb drive. In the middle is a small screen. The screen, in addition to a red/blue power indicator light, shows your sources, song title information (if playing digital music), volume, and other info. There are touch sensitive buttons for source selection, backward, forward, stop and play/pause. These are all well and fine, but I find the whole screen incredibly small. There’s so much empty space on the front of the receiver that it feels Technics went for the minimum size possible under the guise of ‘minimalism.’ All the textual information feels incredibly cramped and standing just a few feet away is small enough that it’s illegible. Frankly, unless you’re directly next to the receiver, the screen information is practically worthless.

    This brings us to my frustrations with the receiver. Using the app is practically a requirement as the remote control and touch interface on the front screen is just too much of a pain. It’s fully functional and you CAN do everything you need via the remote, but with the display only being a single line of text and the remote not having enough helpful buttons, it’s a chore.

    Whereas I found the screen and touch controls on the unit itself to be small and unhelpful, the remote has the opposite problem: it’s overly large and unhelpful. In terms of source selection, there’s a dedicated CD, radio, and Bluetooth paring button. From there you need to use the select button to scroll, one at a time, every input the machine is capable of. Remember all those input sources I mentioned earlier? You’ll be scrolling through each one of them one at a time as displayed on the unit’s screen – which again can’t be read at a distance. The remote itself has so much wasted space that it could have been either way smaller or at the very least included dedicated source buttons. In my opinion, the remote’s best use is simply to control volume, pausing and playing of music, and turning the device off. It’s worth pointing out here that if you’re casting or selecting the unit on Spotify, the receiver will turn on from standby mode automatically.

    Because the remote is functional, but far from friendly to use, the Technics Audio Center app is your best bet. While I found the app to be far better at getting to every source and setting than doing anything with the remote or unit touch buttons, it wasn’t exactly pleasurable either. The app – which I believe is version 2.0 at the time of this writing – gets the job done, but I found it to be unintuitive and feels like it’s still very much a work in progress. You’ve got full access to all your sources – both connection device and digital music sources – via a direct button instead of scrolling through them. However, the main screen of the app is slightly confusing. You’ve got rows for streaming, device, and home network. On these rows you can adjust the order the icons are in, but you can’t hide any icons or even display them horizontally, so you have access to your favorites without needing to swipe left and right. Having Tidal and Deezer built-in is great, but I also don’t use those apps, so I don’t need to see them all the time. The same goes for my line in, PC, optical, and coax connections. I’m glad they’re there, but I don’t have anything connected to them, so I’d like an option to just hide them.

    It also wasn’t very clear how it all works. There’s built in podcasts and internet radio, but it wasn’t intuitive. Neither were accessing the device settings. Some, like balance, and sleep, were obvious, but some deeper settings like dimmer, auto dimmer, auto off, illumination, standby display and standby mode offer no clue as to what you’re really adjusting. This required using the app with a combination of the digital full manual AND there is a separate online only manual for the app itself. It certainly clarified things and, honestly, the most basic features you’re likely to use you could figure out on your own but that doesn’t mean the app couldn’t be far better designed for ease of use.

    If it feels like I’m being overly negative, I want to clear that all my gripes are purely minor. Combined they do make me consider the value of this down a star from being perfect. They also don’t stop me from recommending this receiver at all. Everything with the app can – and I hope one day will – be fixed in an update. It’s just poor interface design but it does do everything you need it to. The remote and screen are big disappointments as there is so much room for improvement there. It’s just highly cumbersome. For example, to play a record from my connected record player – a purely analog experience that has me standing next to my equipment – involves me scrolling through all the input sources or opening the app on my phone and selecting the phono input. There’s so much blank space on the face of the receiver there’s really no reason why there couldn’t have been some more source selection buttons.

    With the above taken with the grain of salt, the SA-C600 works – and sounds – amazing. This is a fully digital player, and it does an excellent job at making all my sources from digital origin to compact disc to vinyl record (from my Technics record player) sound just great. The ease of the record player being a Google cast device and Spotify Connect device is fantastic. From anywhere I’m in my house, as long as I’m connected to my WiFi, I can start playing music in seconds. Technics makes great mention of its JENO (Jitter Elimination and Noise-Shaping Optimization) Engine. There’s some buzzwords and technical jargon, but I can say from my lay-audio-person’s perspective it does sound amazing.

    I can’t overstate the convenience of all the wireless network options. I’m fully 50/50 on using this receiver as part of listening to my vinyl records and listening to streaming internet music from various sources (I’ve used mainly Spotify and the SiriusXM app). If you’re on the lookout for something to aid you in listening to digital music sources along with some external device sources, this is invaluable. And yes, while there is room to improve on the convenience and usability front, functionally it works exceptionally well and sounds just as great.

15. 

    BIGASN – September 11, 2023

    Rated 5 out of 5

    At first, I thought the Technics SA-C600 was just a high end cd player, but to my delight, I was way wrong. If anything, it feels more like an audiophile streaming receiver with a CD player. Not only can it spin discs exceptionally well, it’s capable of streaming audio over Bluetooth and WiFi which allows you to enjoy services such as Chromecast streaming, Spotify, Amazon Music, and podcasts. There’s also a surprising array of inputs from optical, RCA line-in, FM, and even a high end isolated phono input that’s specially designed to reduce noise. There’s no surround sound or overly complex gimmicks at work here, just high end HiFi with quality components and a focus on recreating good music. It might seem sparse, but the built-in 60w x 2 amp sounded wonderful mated to a pair of Def. Tech BP8 tower speakers. It’s been a long time since I’ve had them in a pure stereo setup, but the SA-C600 made them sing and thump in ways I forgot they were capable of. Vocals and highs were smooth and lifelike with a certain depth and detail for bass and strings. You can feel the energy emanate from Stevie Nicks in “Edge of Seventeen” and there’s no sense of shrillness when Ariana Grande hits her highs. From Prince to Curren$y, to Outkast, to Bob Marley, Rage Against the Machine, Eric Clapton, and even some Garth Brooks, it didn’t matter what kind of music I put on, the SA-C600 shined playing them all.

    And honestly, I kind of thought it was silly to make such an expensive CD player nowadays, but going through my old cd catalog was a ridiculously good time. Especially when it came to playing my old mixed CDs, which felt like eating through a box of gourmet chocolates. I forgot what songs I put on most of them, so each mix was a surprise. There were moment of both pride and embarrassment for younger me, but at least all the songs sounded great through the SA-C600. It was also impressive how quickly the CD player was ready to play burned CDRs. I remember a lot of players being picky about even the brand of disc used, but it didn’t matter what old disc I threw at it, it loaded up and played quickly.

    Unfortunately, I found out my old record player no longer works, so I didn’t get to test the phono input, but I’m excited to try it out soon. Apparently, it has a special noise free amp for the phono input, plus it’s Technics, so I’m sure they gave it some extra attention. Using the SA-C600 is fairly straightforward with inputs to cycle through and a few direct source buttons on the remote. The unit is relatively compact and roughly the size of a medium extra thick deep dish pizza box. It should easily fit on most tables and counters, plus the simple and elegant steel and black colorway should blend in well with most decors. There’s nothing I’d say it does poorly, but I do wish there was more control over the subwoofer LFE output (there’s none) and I would like to see native support for Apple music. But that’s just nitpicking, because I can still stream any music service over bluetooth or Chromecast, and LFE controls are generally available on the sub amp anyway.

    If you love music and the SA-C600 is in your budget, I highly recommend it. Think of it as an audiophile streaming receiver with a high end CD player (that will read anything). It’s been a wonderful addition to my home and brought a new energy to the living room and kitchen. Highly recommended!

    PROS
    – Wonderfully detailed music
    – Sounds great mated to Def Tech BP towers
    – CD nostalgia vibes
    – Audiophile streaming receiver with cd player
    – Built-in bluetooth and wifi has good range
    – Isolated individual power supplies to limit noise
    – Excellent build quality
    – Read all of my burned CD-Rs (and quickly)
    – Digital “remaster” option
    – Looks simple and high end
    – Relatively compact
    – Phono input
    – Can use WiFi or ethernet port
    – Natively streams Spotify, Amazon Music, podcasts, Chromecast, etc..
    – Hidden 5 band EQ
    – Buttons / user interface is responsive

    CONS
    – Doesn’t natively stream Apple Music
    – Cannot adjust subwoofer output level
    – Not recommended for speakers below 4 ohm
    – Android app doesn’t add much

16. 

    ILikeVideoGames – September 12, 2023

    Rated 5 out of 5

    This is a nice, capable feature-rich receiver, that produces nice clean sound. The obvious thing that makes this unique is the included CD player on top. The lid rotates to either side, pivoting on the back hinge. It’s a nice unique way of accessing the CD that makes it feel a bit more modern than traditional slot-load or disc trays of CD players past. It doesn’t provide much for preventing dust from getting in there, so I might be worried about that over time. But I still like its inclusion because it gives a good excuse to dust off the old CD collection.

    The back, in addition to the usual suspects, includes optical and coax digital inputs, to maintain audio integrity from digital sources. It also has a sub-out, which is a nice inclusion; in my experience, not a lot of stereo receivers include a sub-out. Unfortunately, it does not have any settings for a crossover frequency that I could find.

    It does not have any line-level output.

    It supports Ethernet or Wifi connectivity, which enables streaming from Amazon music, Spotify, TIDAL, Deezer, podcasts, internet radio and also Chromecast. You can also connect to Bluetooth, and it supports HD AAC over Bluetooth.

    Once connected to your network, you can also use the Technics Audio Center app (NOT Technics Audio Connect App!!). The app will give you the full functionality of the receiver. Maybe you could do it with the remote and the front display, but certainly would be tedious.

    In the app you can setup your streaming services, and then browse and search music in them. And you can add shortcuts to playlists or songs in your streaming services so you can quickly play them later.

    The app also lets you configure all the settings, though they aren’t particularly well-documented in the app itself. For example, a couple of the toggle settings are “opt-in auto play” or “standby mode”, and it’s not clear what turning those on or off will do. Though, I did discover that turning on standby mode will show a clock on the display when the receiver is off. The clock discreetly moves around the space of the display a bit, presumably to prevent uneven wear of the front display of the pixels.

    Under the display has touch button controls primarily for selecting a source and playback controls. Though you can do some rudimentary browsing of streaming services if you have them setup.

    For “space tune”, where it’s supposed to apply equalization based on room acoustics, requires the iOS version of the app, which is disappointing. However, you can choose from some preconfigured defaults, based on the location of the speakers relative to a wall. I kind of played around with it a bit, but it seems it depends more on the speaker you have connected, on how well it improves the sound based on speaker location. I bet the iOS sound tune works better.

17. 

    TheOffice1234 – September 13, 2023

    Rated 4 out of 5

    PRODUCT
    TECHNICS – SA-C600 PREMIUM CLASS NETWORK CD RECEIVER – SILVER

    MODEL: SA-C600

    AMAZING SOUND – RETRO W/ MODERN BOLTED ON FEATURES

    First, and foremost, the sound is amazing with CD’s from this high end all-in-one receiver. I can recommend it, just for the sound quality. My CD’s have never sounded better. It is ideally targeted to replicate the feeling (experience) of a minimalistic setup with 2 speakers (or 2.1 with a subwoofer).
    If you want the vibe of old school cool with fantastic sound, look no further. It will make you want to get your CD’s out of the basement.

    PRO’s
    – Modern Minimalistic Look and Feel
    – Relatively Compact Size
    – Decent Power Output for the size
    – Large Remote
    – Bright Display
    – Phono Input
    – Built in Network Connectivity and Physical Ethernet Port

    You can look up the specs for yourself, so I won’t repeat them all here.

    BEST FOR TRADITIONAL USE CASES
    – Physical CD Listening
    – Phono Listening (with optional record player)
    – Broadcast Radio Tuning *(NOT HD RADIO)

    If this is how you plan to listen to the SA-C600, then read no further, and run out and buy it!

    MODERN FEATURES AND USER EXPERIENCE (UX)

    Trying to use any modern features / streaming / DLNA / etc from the remote is not a great experience. For example, I have about 500 CD’s and Albums stored on my media server. With the remote, you have to scroll through them all one at a time alphabetically. If you want to listed to Album #499, then that means 499 key presses on the remote.
    Your best bet is to use the app on a phone to fling media at the receiver. But the mobile app is very basic and not very user friendly.

    Ultimately, connecting it to a voice assistant is the only sane way to stream media to device. However, it only supports google and not Alexa (which is what I use). For me to get full use from the receiver, then I needed to connect an Alexa Device to receiver. At that point, then, none of the native streaming features of the receiver are even used. Overall, this was the better solution for me. (Alexa connected).

    SOME MISSING THINGS FOR ME

    I was surprised that the following features are missing / not supported. I don’t take points off as they were not advertised as being included. I only mention them in case they are important to you. These would have made it much more overall useful to me.
    – No Alexa Built In
    – HD Radio (AM or FM) not included
    – DVD Audio format not supported
    – Audio Out / Pre-Amp Out not included
    – HDMI Input (for e-Arc Audio) not included

    I hoped to use the SA-C600 to replace my 25 year old receiver in my rec room, or at least supplement it by driving CD’s and Vinyl though the SA-C600 to my old (but powerful) receiver. But without lineout/pre-amp out, I can’t properly connect it to my old system. With it being only a 2.1 channel system, I can’t drive my existing 7.1 speaker setup.

    I also can’t easily make it the entertainment center of my media setup, since I can’t connect HDMI HD Audio from the TV as the main input. (My TV/Monitor does not have Optical Out).

    It may sound like I don’t like it, and I assure you that is not the case. As a stand alone unit it is fantastic.

    RECOMMENDATION

    For physical media, the SA-C600 is a fantastic , great sounding, high end luxury player / receiver. It is best suited for small to medium rooms with simple 2.1 speaker setup. It is stylish and minimalistic. Pair the SA-C600 with some high end bookshelf speakers and subwoofer and you won’t be disappointed. The Streaming options seem bolted on, and dated. In the end you are best just pairing your phone and streaming from your phone to use these apps, and there is nothing wrong with that setup.

18. 

    cw009 – September 13, 2023

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Hello friends this is my review of the new Technics SA-C600 network CD receiver. This unit is very cool in my opion with its silvery appearance and modern cabinet. Technics did not add a lot of writing and graphics on the case as so many other manufacturers do. As a matter of fact the only writing on the entire case is just their name. No model number or android play stickers or anything else to muddle it up. This is great look in my opinoin, nice and clean. Also Technics added a few extra details to the unit that are just nice touches. Such as a little light that illuminates the CD while it’s playing, Nobody else has built a unit with a light on the disc in a long time. So hats off to Technics for the design elements of the SA-C600.
    Now for the meat and potatoes of this review. Does it sound ok? It more than sounds ok. It sounds great for a new CD player! I spent a lot of hours comparing it to other setups I have. And I can tell you that I’m impressed with the sound quality. It’s clean and open, without being strained. The power level of the SA-C600 is good for driving lots of different speakers. Only very cheap inefficient speakers with say 70db or under may sound weak. But most folks looking at this unit probably have some decent-quality speakers you are wanting to drive. (A side note, this unit sounds shrill on horn speakers. E.g. highs are over-extended)
    The Technics SA-C600 is designed a stand-alone receiver to basically have a full stereo setup anywhere. It only has one set of speaker outputs, but it has a subwoofer output and several inputs for your external devices. It even incorporates a phono input. That was unheard of in small receivers only a couple of years ago.
    I think most folks who buy this are wanting to stream music from their phone or network . The Technics SA-C600 does this quite well. I paired my phone right to it in seconds and started streaming right away. I did not connect this unit to my network, however I’m sure it’s just as easy. Technics thought ahead on this to make it seamless and easy.
    Other quick points on the SA-C600, the power cable is very good quality, as well as the speaker terminals on the rear. These are small details but contribute to the build quality greatly for the end user. And lets me know that these folks care about putting out a product that will last for years and bring great music into your life. Technics is making a comeback in a big way and this unit shows it! Final point, I had to contact customer service at Technics, They were easy to deal with and fixed my issue very quickly. Great customer service!
    Would I recommend the SA-C600 to a friend? Yes, without a doubt. A cool-looking unit that sounds great and gives lots of choices to the user.

19. 

    Balthazar2k4 – September 14, 2023

    Rated 4 out of 5

    The Technics SA-C600 is another in a long line of Technics products that punch above their weight. I have been into two channel audio for decades and I can say this about the SA-C600, don’t let the conservative power rating fool you. I have owned storied electronic brands such as McIntosh, Rotel (Michi), PS Audio, Rega, and Naim, as well as, more elusive brands such as Norma, BAT, and Gryphon. I paired the Technics with my Rossi Fiorentino Certaldo II as they are my current preferred flavor. I am finding I am really into the laid back Italian sound (which is probably why I have owned numerous Sonus Faber speakers).

    The pairing of the Technics with the Certaldos was a superb match indeed. The Certaldo are relatively efficient speakers (~90db) and therefore a good watermark for the average speaker out there that one might pair with this unit. Let’s just say that the 40w the SA-C600 delivered allowed the speakers to sing. They provided punchy, deep bass, organic midrange, and just a touch of air in the highs. I never detected the edginess that sometimes digital amplifiers can project. The sound was very fluid and offered better PRAT than I would have expected. Not quite the warm, analog feel one might get from a Rega amplifier, but certainly better than a lot of Class-D I have heard. Now, the rub here is that I have no idea what this unit sounds like with speakers that are more likely to be paired with it as these are in the $10k class and probably not what Technics imagined. That said, the JENO amplifier technology inside the SA-C600 is a trickle down from their state of the art SU-R1000 integrated amplifier albeit with less output. What Technics is doing here is no joke. It is legit Hi-Fi and I don’t care what anyone says to the contrary.

    The SA-C600 comes with a variety of options for streaming including AirPlay 2, a built in CD player, and numerous digital and analog inputs. This is truly a Swiss Army knife integrated amplifier. It was quick and painless to get connected to my Wi-Fi and CD playback has been awesome. I am not going to put it in the same class as some of my MUCH more expensive transport/DAC combos, but it holds its own better than I could have possibly imagined. It is also controllable from the Technics app, but I really use it more for setting up the SA-C600 than straight control. The only real knock I have with the unit is that lack of Roon Ready certification and why I docked it one star. This seems like a big miss given the target audience I feel like Technics is trying to entice. That said, I added a WiiM Pro to it and I was off and running with Roon streaming.

    It is a powerful combination and the Technics paired to my Rossi has won me over. I prefer the Technics sound to the Cambridge Evo and even the NAD M33 (which is five times the price) and it is now my main system in my bar area of my home. I will be enjoying it for many years to come. Do not hesitate to check it out if you are in the market for a compact streaming amplifier with CD capability. That is a pretty rare combination and the Technics is quite possibly the best… especially in this price range. Just keep in mind if you need Roon Ready you will need to add a transport.

20. 

    Ace254687 – September 14, 2023

    Rated 4 out of 5

    The Technics SA-C600 Network CD receiver has a ton of features, but it seems to be missing something…

    The C600 is more than just an expensive CD player, it’s also a receiver that offers discrete power amplification, a network streaming player including built-in Chromecast as well as Airplay 2. I was a little shocked that this doesn’t offer USB-C input, but it does take USB-B. The Build quality is decent, you can open the CD door by sliding it in a circle. This is nice because you don’t have to worry about a motor breaking. There is also a phono input for connecting a turn table.

    The C600 connects to your network, but only by Airplay or Chromecast. The front of the player has a display with touch controls, but the included remote is way more convenient. I was a little disappointed to find out that the player doesn’t allow you to connect Bluetooth headsets, although it does allow you to connect a Bluetooth music player…

    As far as the performance goes for the C600, I tried a few different sources to see how well it delivers. I tried out the CD player first, and needless to say, it sounded great especially after using Space Tune. This is feature that’s activated through the Technics Audio Center app, where it uses your phone’s speaker to measure your room and measure the correct sound waves. I used a pair of Martin Logan Motion 15 and a Dynamo sub as my speaker set up. The C600 provides 60w per channel, with a total of 2 channels. I’m a little disappointed with the power output, as I think it should have been able to push out more, but it does sound good. Next, I connected my turntable to the phono input to see how well the built-in phone equalizer performs, I was really impressed with this. My vinyl sounded incredible. The C600 seemed to have amplified my listening experience with vinyl in a major way.

    Overall, there are many aspects of the C600 that I thoroughly enjoy. Such as, the build quality is great, the rotating CD tray makes it easy to fit snug in a shelf, the ability to stream with music apps via Airplay and Chromecast, not to mention the superb phono equalizer which makes my vinyl sound amazing. But I definitely think there’s room for improvement, one of the biggest things would be increasing the wattage channel, it definitely feels lacking in that area. Another thing would be to add the ability to connect BT headphones to listen to music. I think if it had those features, then it would really set this unit apart from everything else.

21. 

    YourMainDude – September 14, 2023

    Rated 4 out of 5

    The Technics – SA-C600 is a nice compact, multi-function package. Paired with a Technics turntable and bookshelf speakers, this system should satisfy anyone looking for a capable two-channel audio system that can be set up conveniently.

    Setup of the Technics – SA-C600 is fairly easy but I was disappointed by being forced to use Google Home to get it going and updated with the latest firmware. I would have preferred a WiFi setup option that didn’t require an App. As it were, a firmware update was immediately available and installed – quickly. As far as making connections is concerned, all of that is pretty much rudimentary. I did find the small speaker wire binding posts a bit disappointing too. My speaker cables are all banana plug style and much larger – geared towards more audiophile leaning stuff. Not having any wire around left me limited to testing this Receiver out with a few different pairs of headphones.

    A few things I really like about the Technics – SA-C600 is the full-sized remote control, bright display and deep menu of options. The Technics 1500C turntable with moving magnet cartridge is a perfect match for the Technics – SA-C600. This combination demonstrates a super quiet signal path and plenty of fidelity. The built-in CD turntable is also extremely capable and sounds fantastic.

    With respect to connecting headphones, I am again a little disappointed this Receive doesn’t have a full-sized 1/4 male headphone jack. Luckily the high-end can I do own can be easily adapted – but providing a full-size jack would have seemed more appropriate for a piece of audio equipment designated as being in their “Premium” line.

    Overall I found the sound quality was solid with more middle of the road headphones. My go-to pair are the Sound Magic 151’s rated at 32 ohms. Moderate to slightly loud listening levels were achieved at Technics – SA-C600 volume settings of 40 to 50 on the v-scale without any issues. What didn’t perform very well were a pair of Sony MDR-Z7M2 cans that are spec’d at 56 ohms. Around a v-level of 40 and above, the sound produced became muddled and edging into distortion. I wouldn’t call these super high-end headphones – and they do play nice with all my other components – so I’m not sure what is going on here. Just don’t expect great performance out of the Technics – SA-C600 for anything beyond mid-range headphone material or higher end pairs that are designed at a lower impedance level. The headphone circuit in this thing doesn’t have a wide-band of compatibility from what I can tell, to drive the better cans with any kind of authority. At this price-point – it should.

    As an internet streamer, the Technics – SA-C600 can handle most all the usual suspect service providers, including Chromecasting. No complaints on that area of functionality. More & more people rely on pure-streaming and in this case, this Receiver is plenty capable and should satisfy most everyone.

    There are both Optical and Coaxial digital inputs, so for those that want to ‘tap’ a personal audio player of their choosing, the Technics – SA-C600 can handle it.

    All-in-all, this is a nicely put together, multi-function box – that can be setup in even the most tightly constrained areas. I look forward to hooking up some small bookshelf speakers and setting up a secondary 2-channel music system in the house.

    Pros:
    Compact but feature filled
    Works like a dream when paired with a complimentary performing Technics turntable
    as the phono audio channel is absolutely dead quiet
    The built-in, top-loading CD turntable is responsive and sounds good too
    All the input jacks one would need for a small, 2-channel audio set up
    The full-sized remote is solid and nicely laid out
    Bright, clear and useful front display

    Cons:
    Tiny speaker binding posts
    Mini headphone jack
    Poor headphone ‘drive’ circuitry that starts to sound muddy at higher listening levels and above 40 ohms
    Google Home integration needed to set up properly
    Doesn’t feel entirely “Premium” as the branding suggests – especially at this price point

    I can still recommend the Technics – SA-C600 because, to me, it fills a special niche of the market. It’s a space saving design that looks good, performs well enough and can be set up lots of places a full-sized stack of audio components simply wouldn’t fit in. With a Technics turntable like the 1500C, this Receiver and some good – small – bookshelf speakers – – it seems pretty reasonable that someone can assemble an above average sound sound system for well less than 3000 dollars.

22. 

    Dragonhunter281 – September 15, 2023

    Rated 5 out of 5

    For those who consider themselves passionate about music, sound quality will always be of the utmost importance, equal to that of course the technical hardware found in the various players targeted to such individuals. The ability to listen to your physical copies and lossless collection without the constraints of modern degradations will always be something special. As such, over the past decade I have amassed an extraordinary physical music collection, currently consisting of around 500+ CDs and various collector sets. It has been every bit as rewarding as one could imagine, especially the joys of hearing immediate and profound differences between lossless copies of songs compared to the lossy files that I used to have. Naturally, this substantial effort isn’t worth much if I do not have a player that can supplement such a project. Thus, I was extremely excited to test the much raved about Technics SA-C600 Network CD player. As an audiophile/enthusiast targeted brand, Technics certainly doesn’t need an introduction.With an impressive list of features, including the ability to play CDs, various file formats over USB, and stream your collection over your home network, the SA-C600 is quite impressive. I certainly had high expectations going forward.

    Upon unboxing the SA-C600, the quality of the unit was immediately noticeable. With its minimalistic approach to design, the SA-C600 is absolutely breathtaking in person. The unit itself clocks in at roughly 10 pounds and is extremely well built. On the back of the unit, there are various inputs connections for your choosing such as a coaxial port, RCA ports, an optical jack, and a pair of speaker terminals that are rated between 4-16 ohms. Additionally, I was quite happy that there is an included subwoofer port as I will definitely be experimenting with that later on. Furthermore, the included phono port, along with its own internal power supply, is another huge benefit as you can easily connect any record player to it. Switching to the front of the unit, the SA-C600 has a front USB 2.0 port and a convenient 3.5mm jack for your headphones. On the top of the unit, you will see the CD player. The lid can be opened either left or right and does not require the unit to be on to switch discs. Additionally, during CD playback the SA-C600 features an illuminated section that adds a nice touch, especially in a darken room. Lastly, the front display features touch controls near the bottom of the screen. Thus, most should be completely satisfied.

    Before I discuss my sound tests, I wanted to briefly mention that as with most technical equipment, there are a couple of disclaimers I would like to discuss. As with any high-end audio equipment, sound quality and performance will always be the main topic of discussion.Consequently, however, sound is subjective to each individual; more accurately, it is recognizing that your ability (or inability) to hear certain frequencies and your own personal sound preferences may not be reflected in conclusions drawn by others. Thus, what I have listed here is what I personally observed and should be taken as such. For my setup, I decided to use my Klipsch RP-600M bookshelf speakers. These are rated for a frequency response of 45 Hz – 25 KHz. For power, they are rated at up to 100 watts and have an impedance of 8 ohms. Now while I was certainly aware that the SA-C600 was rated for 60 watts per channel, these RP-600M seemed to have fairly good response so I was curious to see how they will perform. Using X2 Audioquest speaker wire, I connected each speaker to the player via the bottom terminal (RP-600M supports bi amp configuration). Lastly, I tested both USB, CD and Bluetooth playback using my collection. The SA-C600 supports most of the common formats including WAV, AIFF, FLAC, ALAC, MP3, AAC. It also supports DSD up to 11.2 MHz, though it appears only two channels are supported. For USB playback, I only used FLAC files from my collection. Every file was thoroughly scanned via frequency analysis and over a spectrogram to verify that they are of proper quality. Most of my sources were limited to 44.1 KHz / 16 Bit as they are derived from my CDs, but where I could I tested high resolution copies (96 KHz/24 bit or 192 KHz/24 Bit). Lastly, I updated the player’s firmware to the most current version.

    Beginning with CD playback, I wasn’t expecting an immediate reaction to the sound, but I couldn’t help smile at what I was hearing. Perhaps it sounds a bit clichéd, but there are literally no words that could accurately convey what the experience was like. Starting with classical music, hearing new portions of the orchestra I never heard before blew my mind; though at times even the most subtle nuanced were perhaps even more exciting. Soundstage was extremely precise and crystal clear; middle frequencies were perfectly placed. Furthermore, solo parts were up and center and did not bleed into the rest of the orchestra. Cellos and basses were clear and concise at the lower frequencies. Surprisingly, SA-C600 seemed to push my RP-600s more than expected. Even with the drastic dynamic range, I was able to maintain its volume at 30 (max 100); the whole room was adequately filled. Switching to Jazz, the overall sound was lovely detailed. Snares of drums and brass instruments are striking; high frequencies were amazingly clear. I was really impressed at the instrument separation here. As for more bass heavy genres, Rap and Trance were still clear and concise. Despite the more heavily compressed tracks, I was still able to pick out some detail that I never heard before. While a subwoofer would have certainly benefited here, the RP-600M’s were still able to reproduce a good portion of the bass lines, though obviously limited in some parts. Overall, I think most will be completely surprised by the SA-C600. The sound quality was exceptional across all of the different genres that I listened to.

    As for USB playback, the SA-C600 handled all my FLAC files accordingly. I was also greatly pleased that the unit can read FAT16, FAT32 and NTFS. Additionally, I was also glad that browsing folders seemed very responsive. It also appears that the unit also supports gapless playback. All of my files played perfectly and reported the correct frequency and bit depth. As for Bluetooth, the SA-C600 handled everything as it should. One thing that really stood out was that it was extremely loud and I had to turn down the volume on my phone, which typically is not the case. With other accessories, you usually have to max the volume out on your device then set the volume accordingly, but here my volume was barely at 30%! I strongly recommend lowering the volume of your device before playing anything just in case.

    In conclusion, the SA-C600 is an impressive CD player with a wide list of functions that should fulfill the needs of audiophiles. With a sleek modern design, the SA-C600 provides plenty of options for you to get the most out of your music collection. As for sound quality, the unit provided a rich and warm sound that left me speechless in some instances. Furthermore, hearing different things on songs you have listened to for years is quite exhilarating to say the least. The SA-C600 performs exceptionally. Despite the price point, the SA-C600 offers substantial value and deserves an honest look if you are looking for a dedicated music player. Thus, the SA-C600 comes highly recommended.

23. 

    WyldeBlue – September 17, 2023

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Wow…where to begin? I guess I should lead off w/the bottom line before going in-depth; is the Technics SA-C600 really worth the asking price? Honestly, I would say yes whether you have champagne tastes & a bit of a beer budget or already consider yourself a bit of an audio snob w/the ear & gear to back it up.

    DESIGN & FEATURES

    The SA-C600 has a modern industrial look w/minimal readouts & onboard controls for a sleek & uncluttered appearance. There are separate power & volume buttons inlaid into the brushed aluminum top while the front panel features a dense LCD display w/touch-sensitive playback controls for play/pause, stop, skip +/-, & input select. In the middle of the receiver is a swing-out circular cover for the CD tray that slides open (manually) to either side. The drive immediately stops spinning when the cover is opened so you don’t risk any damage to the transport when someone gets hypnotized by the swirling CD label & decides to check it out for themselves.

    The unit feels reassuringly solid though not unwieldy at ~10 lbs. Dimensions are ~13” square & 4” high; the SA-C600 looks compact, but once you start hooking cables up at the rear, it does extend back quite a bit further than it is wide so keep that in mind for placement. The top rear is adorned w/what looks like a heavy duty heat sink, but the construction there is plastic (rather than aluminum), though it doesn’t feel cheaply so.

    Part of the SA-600’s flexibility is that In addition to the CD player, other inputs/functions are plentiful, surprisingly so in fact, w/a 75Ω FM antenna port, USB type B for PC connection, phono stage (MM) w/ground, 10/100 Ethernet jack, line in, COAX & optical inputs, and a subwoofer output. On the front panel is a USB-A 2.0 port as well as a 3.5mm headphone jack. The SA-C600 also supports BT 4.2 & 2.4/5 GHz Wi-Fi.

    The amplifier stage offers 60 W/channel at 4Ω for stereo speakers ranging from 4-16Ω. The architecture is all-digital so there is no DAC; music stays in the digital realm almost straight through to the amplification stage, improving efficiency & eliminating noise & fine detail loss that often accompanies conversion of digital to analog signals. Improving the design further, Technics dedicates a separate power supply to the amplifier & another for control, phono input power, & all the digital processing.

    As a network streamer, the SA-C600 supports Apple AirPlay, Chromecast, native support for Amazon Music, Spotify, Tidal, Deezer, Podcasts, & integration via Google Home & Apple Home apps. File support is extensive w/MP3, AAC, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, ALAC, DSD, & LPCM, at 16 or 24 bits (32 bits for WAV & AIFF), w/sampling freq ranging from 32 to 384 kHz (2.8 to 11.2 MHz for DSD), as well as MQA. The USB reader supports FAT16, FAT32, & NTFS file systems.

    The wand-style remote covers most features you need w/direct access to CD, Radio, & BT inputs as well as a scroll toggle to move through the other inputs. The unit can function on its own as a basic stereo CD receiver without network connectivity though the greatest flexibility & functionality is available if you set up the receiver for network integration (I used Google Home), as well as the Technics Audio Center app which provides a complete set of controls & direct access to source selection inputs.

    SETUP & USE

    Out of the box, the startup screen read “Please wait” so long I thought maybe it couldn’t be set up on my work network (there’s a login & captcha requirement) so I brought it home instead. After a bit more waiting on another power-up, I finally got to a setup screen. BT pairing w/my iPhone was effortless, but network setup via Google Home has always been hit or miss for me. The first time I tried network setup, Google Home couldn’t find it. On the second try, I got a message that said the receiver was made for another country & WiFi might not work properly (???). Eventually I got online & ran a network firmware update which took ~30 minutes to complete.

    The setup menu has a good 24 options & settings to run through, most of which are self-evident, though a few required a little research as they were not covered well in the manual. One was “RE-MASTER” which supposedly up-samples lower-res files/streams, though honestly I never heard a difference on or off when listening to CDs or SD-quality audio streams (maybe it requires very low bit-rate MP3s or something?). The other was “Space Tune.” This setting adjusts the receiver’s frequency response to match the nature of the listening environment & speaker placement w/settings for free-standing, wall, corner-loading, & “in a shelf.” The speakers can be adjusted together or separately to better match the room response curve. Using the Technics app, you can even run a few test tone sweeps using the phone’s mic to optimize frequency response even further for your unique environment. And yes, that setting does make an appreciable difference in the sound.

    Playback for external sources or the CD & radio is pretty straightforward just by selecting the appropriate input, but playback of network streams offers a lot of options & flexibility. For example, if you want to listen to Amazon Music, you can stream it to the receiver from the Amazon Music app via BT or Chromecast & use your phone, the remote, or even Google Home for playback or volume control, or you can use the SA-C600’s internal Amazon Music client to stream directly to the receiver using the Technics app for library navigation, search, selection, etc., though only using the remote for this can be challenging w/only a single line on the LCD display for info/navigation/browsing. The Technics app is a bit less responsive & has a more primitive interface than the native Amazon Music app, but it does the trick & skips using your phone as an intermediary for the audio stream itself.

    OVERALL IMPRESSIONS

    I was pleasantly surprised to find that the SA-C600’s headphone jack wasn’t totally anemic; it drove my Oppo PM-1 & Focal Utopias w/aplomb; the Utopia especially, despite being more difficult to drive, offered an exceedingly detailed & potent listening experience that started to approach what I would expect from a high quality DAC & dedicated headphone amplifier. Granted, I would expect as much from a set of cans that lists north of $3K, but the point is that I didn’t feel like I was being short-changed by the receiver’s single-ended output.

    I set the SA-C600 up in my office w/two Klipsch KSB 3.1s. The result was an engaging, detailed, lively, spacious, & “fun” sound signature w/enough punch down low that I honestly didn’t think a sub would even be necessary. I can only imagine what upping the ante on high-quality monitors from NHT, B&W, Paradigm, KEF, etc. would produce for REALLY critical listening. I pushed the system as far as I could go (once everyone left for the night) before the sound became uncomfortably loud & didn’t notice any clipping or unpleasant harshness. I don’t know if the SA-C600 has the grunt necessary to drive some ultra-resolving, high-impedance, power-hungry speakers that will fill a giant listening area the way a serious set of dedicated separates & stereo floorstanders might, but if you are looking for a dynamic, powerful, & sophisticated upscale audio system for a guest room, office, or any small to mid-sized listening area, you are going to be HARD-pressed to find anything in this price range that outperforms the SA-C600 at this time.

    CRITIQUES

    As much as I can gush about the SA-C600, there are some minor items that rubbed me the wrong way. Despite its audiophile pedigree, there is no support for HD Bluetooth codecs like aptX or LDAC, nor does it offer higher-res optical disc features like SACD or HDCD decoding. Similarly, the network capabilities are extensive, but there is no Alexa integration as of this writing.

    The USB input supports up to a 2TB drive, but the read limit is only 800 folders/8000 tracks. That sounds like a lot, but probably won’t be adequate if your music collection really needs 2TB of space. The receiver also does not support VBR playback so you’re out of luck if you have a lot of VBR files in your digital library.

    The CD motor, spindle & laser pickup seem to be integrated into a floating assembly similar to a laptop’s optical drive. When you load or remove a CD at the center spindle, you can see the entire assembly droop & flex. As someone w/a CD collection north of 3500 discs, I am concerned about the longevity of the drive after being forcibly moved about w/every disc change.

    The inclusion of a subwoofer output is great, but there are no other analog outputs so you can’t set up another listening area or add an external amp. There was easily enough room on the remote for more direct input buttons, but anything beyond the CD, radio or BT requires tedious scrolling of inputs via remote & as I’ve indicated elsewhere, there are a LOT of them! It would be nice to turn off/hide unused inputs so the selection process wasn’t quite so onerous.

    If you listen to music in a darkened room, you can dim or turn off the display, but the touch-panel controls stay illuminated which may be intrusive. Conversely, the remote is not illuminated which makes usability in the dark challenging. It would also be nice if the receiver remembered the volume the last time an input was used as variations in line levels can produce jarringly loud transitions between devices/inputs.

    Finally, I would have loved a proper balanced headphone jack like XLR or 4.4mm, or at least a more robust ¼” jack. As a receiver, I imagine most people will set this up across the room from their listening position, but most high-quality headphones typically include a longer ¼” cable while 3.5mm cables are usually reserved for shorter, more “portable-oriented” situations.

24. 

    vrs99 – September 18, 2023

    Rated 5 out of 5

    The Technics SA-C600 Network CD receiver is a feature-packed, compact premium receiver.

    Included in the box is the receiver itself, an AC power cord, remote, batteries, and an owner’s manual. The owner’s manual is well written and is available online. A major plus in this world of single-page quick start guides.

    The build quality is outstanding with this unit clocking in at around 10.6 lbs. Impressive for a unit which only takes up a little over 1 square foot of space. Brushed aluminum and matte black plastic construction is visually appealing and fits in with almost any environment. Looks fantastic alongside Technics’ SL-1500C Turntable that was just released with this series from Technics. Truly a Dynamic Duo!

    The setup is intuitive with my Android phone and the Google Home app. Receiver supports both 100 base ethernet and 2.4/5 GHz Wi-Fi. I opted for a wired connection. New firmware was detected immediately when the internet was detected and was prompted to update. After setup, the receiver integrates with smart home ecosystems, allowing numerous ways to play music over the internet. Whether it be a direct Bluetooth connection, through Spotify, or a music server. Having a spacious NAS system plays well with SA-C600.

    Receiver utilizes a fully digital amplifier with the proprietary “JENO” engine (Jitter, Elimination and Noise-shaping Optimization). Technics claims that “…this system is less susceptible to signal degradation caused by external noise, ensuring more precise signal transmission. Accurate signal processing not only delivers high-resolution digital audio but also maintains the soft texture inherent in analogue recordings.”

    Audio from this receiver sounds marvelous. Unit has a modest 60 watts per channel into 4 ohms. Plenty of power considering its form factor and for my application.

    Receiver supports a variety of inputs other than Bluetooth/internet. It has an FM radio, phono and line inputs as well as an integrated CD player. Unit even has optical, COAX in, USB-B PC input, and a front facing USB port for a thumb drive. No matter what media your music is on, this receiver supports it.

    The unit has output to stereo speakers and a subwoofer on the rear. 3.5mm jack for headphones on the front.

    IR Remote is intuitive to use, with rubberized buttons and a similar color scheme to the receiver itself. The receiver has 3 physical buttons on top. Power and volume. Dimmable monochrome display on the front is intuitive and informative without being distracting. Play/pause and seek capacitive buttons are located on the front along with a source select.

    Technics Audio Center App grants full control over the receiver through a smartphone. From switching sources to tweaking settings, almost every aspect of the receiver can be flawlessly controlled through the app. UI is very straightforward and easy to use.

    Overall, the Technics SA-C600 is a powerhouse of a receiver with plenty of creature comforts in a small form factor.

25. 

    Bruce – September 20, 2023

    Rated 5 out of 5

    I still have a few (hundreds) CDs laying around the house, and when the
    Technics – SA-C600I was excited to see what they sound like on the device. As a wannabe audiophile who recently switched to purchasing Vinyl, I figured it’d be interesting to test the audio quality of my CDs out as I hadn’t listened to them in awhile. MAN! Using the exact same speakers I use on my record player, I noticed a world’s difference in the audio from the
    Technics – SA-C600.

    To start with what audiophiles would consider the least import factor, design, the
    Technics – SA-C600 looks super smooth. Very modern. It holding the place I usual keep my record player upgraded the overall look in my room. This is the CD receiver fit for a spaceship ride to mars. Simple, but clean.

    Setup was relatively easy for a “wannabe audiohphile,” so I can only imagine the breeze it is for the pros. Connecting the speaker wire supplied with my speakers was super easy. The amount of inputs and outputs on this device is solid, and seeing as the sound quality is as good as it is, I’m interested in purchasing a cable and connecting some of my gaming consoles in through the receiver. Connecting the device to my home network was even easier as I was able to do it via Apple Home, which I really appreciate. A lot of other devices force you into downloading another app you may only use for that one device.

    In regards to sound quality, the Technics – SA-C600 had me hearing sounds I wasn’t hearing anywhere else. The crispness and clarity of it all was amazing, and to be clear, again, I used these same speakers on my record player and I THOUGHT it sounded good, however after listening to the Technics – SA-C600, I stand corrected. The Technics – SA-C600 allows you to stream audio from another device via your home app of choice (I use Apple, some may use Google), but after playing a few CD’s, I find myself in the market to purchase some more of my favorites.

    The only issues I found are minimal. I would have liked to have the ability to input more CDs at once then one. I understand that would probably force a different design and remove the slide off top, I also understand that would probably take other moving pieces within the device that could potentially error out, so it’s a minor gripe. I also wish the device came with more cords. I’m sure super audiophiles have all the necessary connections on hand and available, as a newcomer into the market, I find myself now looking at the inputs and outputs and going down a rabbit hole of possibilities for potential connections, but I’ll have to run out and get those cords to test the connections out.

    As a newcomer into the high-end audio space, the Technics – SA-C600 is a welcoming friend that didn’t scare me away, it did the exact opposite by increasing my interest and forcing me farther down the rabbit hole. Absolute must have for audiophiles, and newcomer wanna be audiophiles as well

26. 

    Mike – September 20, 2023

    Rated 4 out of 5

    I had used a Technics receiver, DAC, and CD player for years growing up and into adulthood, always producing good, clean sound and I was able to get them at a decent price used. This received brings back all of the good memories of that old system but in a compact, modern design and with a massive heatsink on the back end! The setup was easy and quick, there’s not a ton of options for what to connect and where as this unit has only two speaker terminals and most of the rest is either built-in like the CD player (excellent!!!) and the internet & streaming players, or will utilize the phono, optical, digital coax, line-in, or USB. Just enough to connect to everything you want it a compact system to connect to. The only real negatives are that it does only have two speaker terminals, not even and A/B option or for bi-amplifying towers. The power output is very nice, pushing plenty of clean sound throughout the room. I have my Martin Logan Motion towers connected and they are fed more than enough power to crank the music loud enough to head all through the house and outside! The CD tray is very cool, harkening back to some of the odd ’90s designs used on shelf component systems but with a little more of a modern look, LEDs have also gotten substantially better!

    The only really negatives about this fantastic receiver, is that the app is finicky on Android and the optical in only accepts up to 96kHz. That’s okay and sounds great, double the bitrate of what a CD will do, but still exceptional sound for a tidy little unit. I’d recommend it for someone in a home office or study, could be a nice showpiece in a modern living room, too. This is a very sharp looking and clean sounding unit, where all you need is to connect your speakers, follow the setup instructions and enjoy! The only reason I took a star off is for the previously mentioned limitations I came across. iOS may fare better with the app, but hopefully it gets better and more stable with time.

27. 

    Sanman – September 20, 2023

    Rated 5 out of 5

    The SA-C600 is the all-in-one solution for any newbie to the audio game or the audio aficionado. Not only is this packed with features, it is packed with the top notch sound quality. The 60 watt amplifier is more than enough to drive even the most power hungry set of speakers. I parked it with a set of bookshelf and floor standing speakers and both were driven to a level of excellence. Separation was incredible this being a 2 channel stereo system to my surprise, it has sound quality of an high end system.
    I connected it to my network via cate 6e cable which I prefer in any streaming situation for the best resolution. It has WI-FI but if available use Ethernet cable for the best sound quality. You can setup
    With google Home or Apple Home no app was required for setup thank goodness. Connection to a major music services was a breeze as well as our own music server.
    I wasn’t able test the sound quality of the FM radio because I did not have an antenna. I was able to program local channels and will test it at a later date.
    Plugged in a USB thumb drive, it worked flawlessly. I didn’t play too much with the turntable feature at review time but will at a later date.
    The Audio CD is built on the top of the unit with this plastic cover that rotates from left to right or right to left to place the CD into the tray. The sound quality was very preside with fantastic separation. So since I am a SACD (Super Audio CD Collector), I would try an SACD disk, thinking there is no way that I this is going to play in the unit, I was amazed that the sound quality was so nice. I inserted several different hybrid SADC’s, all worked flawless. With two bookshelf speaker and a subwoofer, I was fascinated with the sound quality. I feel that any two speakers you will love the sound quality of the Technics. SA-C600 all in one.
    My final take is if you love the all in on e or are limited to real-estate in your home or apartment, this unit is a keeper. You can’t beat the size and the price point. If it had an HDMI or ARC, it would be hard to beat this unit but you could use a DVD player with line inputs and HDMI out to the tv, this could bea viable solution.

28. 

    Bubbles – September 20, 2023

    Rated 5 out of 5

    The Technics CD Receiver belongs at every party and family gathering. Easy to use, once you get your App downloaded and wifi connected. An update will be needed before starting to play your tunes. You may also connect via LAN.

    Make sure your CD receiver is near the wifi so that you have the best experience connecting. The receiver will walk you through the process once it’s recognized the wifi. Check the booklet for step-by-step instructions or QR code to get you living along. Could be a little complicated for those that aren’t tech savvy, but don’t let that stop you.

    Download the Technics App and Connect to the receiver to listen with your favorite music Apps. You can also control the settings of the equalizer so you fine tune your listening experience.

    The CD player cover opens up sideways, so don’t try to pull it up like a lid. It slides open and you insert your disk and then slide the cover back on before playing.

    You may find your FM or any other channels and then preset them for quick play. The nifty remote control Can allow for quick/flawless control of your music experience. The remote is responsive and light in weight. The control also stands out from your typical Black remote which allows you to find it quicker. It’s silver on the top and black on the back.

    Music was playing quickly and the listening experience was superb.

    You have your jack input for your speakers on the front of the receiver. The CD player has a very sleek design and fits almost anywhere.

29. 

    zaxdad – September 20, 2023

    Rated 5 out of 5

    This Audio Receiver with a CD player built in is great. Even cooler is that it’s on the top of the unit which makes it unique. I have not had a working CD player for many years but have kept my collection just in case. Now I can readily listen to them whenever I want. Just recently I went through them all and realized how much I miss some of the older songs I used to love when growing up.

    The receiver comes with an FM antenna that you can string up for better reception. Besides that and the power cord, it comes with a remote control for use to configure it, change various settings and select the input you want. When I powered it up it walked me through a few steps in order to get it connected to my network using the Google Home app. Simple enough to do. Also important to note is that you can do this similarly with the Apple Home app. Additionally, there is an app called Technics Audio Center that controls all of the things that the remote can do but in a much easier way since the LED interface on the unit may be a bit cumbersome to work through.

    The are a lot of input choices including one for a turntable, an optical connection, an Ethernet port for your home network, coax and FM antenna. As for streaming, it has the ability to utilize Google Chromecast and Airplay as well as pair to a Bluetooth device. Built into the menu system you can stream using Spotify, Deezer, Amazon Music and Tidal, which is my favorite because of their HiRes audio quality. With all of these options, you shouldn’t run into any challenges getting your music the way you want it and from where you prefer.

    Regarding outputs, there are connectors for a set of speakers and a subwoofer. You could use a large or small set but I think the intention for this unit is for a really good pair of bookshelf speakers. The sound is above what I expected and really made me feel the music. I am extremely pleased with this receiver and really pumped about listening to so many of my old CDs.

30. 

    elitegangsta – September 21, 2023

    Rated 3 out of 5

    The Technics – SA-C600 Premium Class Network CD Receiver is a bit of an interesting device. This is a very niche player with a very specific purpose. I want to make this point very clear from the beginning. There are no pre-amps and this devices should server the purpose of either streaming music from a paid service, local network, or spinning a CD. It is a stand alone device and does not connect to an external amp or receiver. If you want to use speakers with this. device that are connected to other equipment, I suggest getting banana plugs and running to pairs of cables so you can easily switch them at the speaker terminals (this is exactly what I did).

    With that out of the way, my setup here consists of the SA-C600, a pair of Martin Logan Motion XT F100 speakers, a premium Tidal subscription and some physical audio CDs.

    Physical setup is easy, just connect speaker wires and power. The rest is best served using the Technics smartphone app as it makes connecting to online services and other things much easier. I found this process to be fine, simple enough, and I ran into no problems. If you were to attempt to set this up using the interface on the device itself, or the remote, it would be an aggravating challenge I suggest you avoid. If all you want is to play CDs, or, connect a phono, you’re up and running almost immediately.

    There is a calibration option where you use your smart phone as a mic, and the device will “calibrate” the EQ to match your room. I found this next to pointless as it did not enhance any of the EQ range beyond maybe 2-3% at most. The built in EQ is equally as worthless, it barely changes the sound stage.

    The CD “tray” at the top is weird. It spins to the side, which makes putting in a CD in tight quarters easier, which I suppose is the reason for it, but otherwise, I found it obnoxious. I would have much rather had a traditional lid style over this swivel style. Regardless, I made it work just fine.

    Connecting Tidal was easy via the app once initial setup was done, all streaming from the Tidal app have to be done from the Technics app and not from the native Tidal app. This was annoying as the Technics app does not display track number and it was hard to tell from some titles what track order I was playing in. It also made searching for albums and music a bit weird. I would have much preferred the native app.

    CD playing is easy, basic controls you’d be used to if you ever used a CD player before. Nothing changes here worth noting.

    Sound quality. This is the most subjective yet important part here. I also want to mention this device claims only 30 watts of power. I was concerned when reading this, however, this had no problem driving my F100s at a volume that was plenty loud for my space at only around 50% volume. So what I am saying here is, don’t worry about the 30 watts, however, I do find it odd this is such a low spec. This device would fail in very large environments as a result. My space where this is used is approx 800 sq feet and it was fine. The sound produced, by the 192khz MQA studio tracks from Tidal sound ultra clean and ultra clear, every single bit of detail can be heard as you’d expect. However. I found the overall soundstage to be extremely “flat”. If you’ve ever put a receiver in “pure” mode, this is what this unit sound like. My F100s are capable of extremely low bass with booming that makes you feel like wind is hitting you face, this device, does not do that at all. Maybe it’s the 30 watts, but I don’t think so. I think it’s simply this thing is evening out all tones for the sake of clarity and if offering next to no post processing of the audio, which from a quality perspective, makes sense, but practically speaking, EQ is very important and this doesn’t deliver a usable EQ for super high end speakers. You must have a subwoofer connected to get even close to proper bass response from this thing.

    Overall, I’m happy with the device, and use it exclusive for music as intended. I go through the trouble of connecting my main front speakers from my theatre to this device for this purpose and I enjoy the clean sound, when coupled with a subwoofer, otherwise, I hate it, despite it’s clarity.

    I think this is an ultra niche product for an ultra niche person, beyond even the audiophile group (which I consider myself to be in). This device has many shortcomings for a modern audio/theatre/stereo setup and the lack of a preamp is nearly a dealbreaker. It’s restricted to Tidal if you want completely lossless audio in the way you’d intend. It has a weird CD tray and all function needs to be controlled via the app. I think most people should pass on this unless it fits some super specific need you have which fits within the conditions mentioned above.