Technics Speaker Technology – Dynamism and Quiescence

Extending even further the limits of sound with the evolution of Technics’ point sound source and linear phase design

Technics speakers strive for accurate driver ‘movement’ and a ‘quiet’ cabinet design that eliminates unwanted vibrations and noise.
By refining our legendary point sound source and linear phase design with both theory and real listening experience, we are pushing the boundaries of sound reproduction.

The 2-way coaxial speaker unit is engineered to achieve vivid sound image localisation and smooth, emotional music playback

Advanced Phase Precision Driver

To reproduce music with enhanced spatial sound expression requires that the wavefronts of sounds coming from the speaker unit are aligned when they reach the listener, regardless of their listening position. With point sound source design, we are able to achieve this goal.

To realise point sound reproduction, we utilised a coaxial configuration and paired it with our original Linear Phase Plug, allowing us to align the phases. The Smooth Flow Diaphragm, with its shallow diaphragm and smooth edges, minimises sound reflection.
The 2-way coaxial speaker unit was developed to reproduce the mid- to high-frequency range. This enables clear sound image localisation and achieves high-quality sound that delivers smooth, emotion-rich music. It is also the next step in Technics’ relentless pursuit of point sound source and linear phase technologies.

Linear Phase Plug

Our original acoustic plug is positioned on the front of the tweeter diaphragm and provides high-resolution sound reproduction and a wide sound stage.The tip of the Linear Phase Plug is made from a high-modulus, high-density brass alloy. This prevents the plug from vibrating unnecessarily due to vibrations from the mid-range unit, thus delivering clear, low-distortion sound.

Cross section of Linear Phase Plug

(1) Corrects the phase shift radiated from the top of the dome-shaped diaphragm.

(2) Delays the speed at which the wavefront advances in the centre (equaliser side) and generates a spherical wave by adjusting the timing of the wavefront on the mid-range diaphragm side.

(3) Guides the spherical wave forward without cancelling out the wavefront

Acoustic Effects of the Linear Phase Plug

Using a design based on CAE acoustic analysis, the Linear Phase Plug eliminates phase shift and produces an ideal spherical wave.

Smooth Flow Diaphragm

When a sound wave travels across an irregular surface, its wavefront is disrupted, which results in the degradation of the frequency. This particularly affects high frequencies with short wavelengths.
The diaphragm of the mid-range unit, which is part of the coaxial speaker unit, has a shallow shape with a smooth edge to reduce sound reflections so that disruption to the sound waves emitted from the diaphragm is minimised, resulting in excellent frequency response, superior phase characteristics and wide sound distribution.
This configuration achieves a wide sound stage and a rich, smooth mid- to high-frequency range.

Minimisation of airflow disruption near the bass reflex port opening to reproduce bass frequencies with low noise and excellent response

Smooth Flow Port (SB-C600)

Conventional bass reflex ports produce a large air current vortex that creates annoying high-frequency noise. Technics has employed an airflow control method used for aeroplane wings to design the cross-sectional shape of the Smooth Flow Port using airflow analysis. This shape has been optimally designed to minimise airflow disruption at the opening and ensures high-quality bass reproduction with minimal noise and superb response.

SB-C600’s bass reflex port (Smooth Flow Port)

Ridged design (fins)

Airflow simulation for the SB-C600 Smooth Flow PortAirflow simulation for the SB-C600 Smooth Flow Port

Airflow simulation for a conventional port

High rigidity and original construction for thorough removal of undesirable sounds

Stationary Construction

This speaker system thoroughly removes the unwanted vibrations and noise that negatively impact sound reproduction.
We have evolved our Balanced Driver Mounting Architecture using CAE analysis, enabling correct modulation of the diaphragm by accurately fixing the speaker drivers’ centre of gravity. We have also improved the cabinet’s overall rigidity so that it does not emit unwanted vibration noise.
The Standing Wave Termination Structure in the SB-G90M2 improves the liveliness of the sound.

Balanced Driver Mounting Architecture

Unwanted vibrations generated by the speaker mount baffle have been further reduced by improving the vent holes using CAE and by allowing the one-piece woofer mount baffle to penetrate the bottom board for higher rigidity.
In addition, the optimised vent holes improve the distribution of sound emitted from the back of the speaker for enhanced response. The coaxial speaker mount baffle is separated from the woofer mount baffle to eliminate mutual interference.
Together, they further enhance the crispness and the three-dimensional presentation of the sound.

Standing Wave Termination Structure

(SB-G90M2)

A resonance called a standing wave is usually generated inside speaker cabinets at a certain frequency, which is determined by the cabinet size. The most common method to eliminate standing waves is to install soundabsorbing material inside the cabinet. However, since this material also absorbs sounds and frequencies other than the one that is generating a standing wave, it can also remove some of the dynamism or vividness from the reproduced sound.
To counter this, we have designed a path for sound at the bottom of the woofer to guide standing waves. Sound-absorbing material is installed at the location along the path where sound travels fastest. This enables the efficient removal of standing waves, which are the cause of resonance peaks, using a minimal amount of sound-absorbing material. Technics has patented this structure, which allows the use of all necessary information to accurately reproduce music so the speaker system can achieve more vivid and natural medium- and low-frequency sound.

High-rigidity Cabinet

We have further improved the rigidity of the cabinet by installing a speaker mount baffle. The SB-G90M2 also features multiple horizontal strengtheners for an even sturdier cross-shaped structure.
With its lowered centre of gravity and the addition of an approximately 40 mm thick base that absorbs the vibrations of the entire cabinet, the SBG90M2 minimises low-frequency vibrations.