Technics has unveiled its latest turntable, the SL-40CBT Direct Drive, at IFA 2025 in Berlin. The new model is pitched as a high-style option for vinyl enthusiasts, bolstered by Technics proven engineering.
It retains key Technics hallmarks such as an iron-coreless direct drive motor and high-precision S-shaped aluminium tonearm, while introducing Bluetooth connectivity and a fresh, minimalist design.
With selling for £750, the SL-40CBT is likely to appeal to those looking to move beyond entry-level systems.
The SL-40CBT departs from a traditional die-cast aluminium chassis in favour of an MDF wood construction, finished in a choice of Terracotta (our favourite), Light Grey, or Charcoal Black.
The aesthetic perfectly matches the styling of Technics SC-CX700 wireless Hi-Fi speaker, which together make for a fully integrated music system.
It retains key Technics hallmarks such as an iron-coreless direct drive motor and high-precision S-shaped aluminium tonearm…
Plug-and-play performance with premium design
Under the hood, the turntable is equipped with a die-cast aluminium platter featuring reinforcing ribs and a directly mounted motor magnet for stable torque transmission.
Reworked vibration-resistant insulator feet help minimise resonance, allowing more flexibility in placement without compromising performance.
The deck arrives factory-fitted with an Audio-Technica AT-VM95C moving-magnet cartridge, trusted for its versatility and consistency. There’s also a built-in phono stage, allowing it to connect directly to amplifiers, or active speaker systems, without the need for a dedicated phono input.
Significantly, this is the first Technics deck to have Bluetooth functionality, simplifying installation and removing the need for untidy interconnects.
By balancing heritage engineering with convenience and style, we reckon Technics is onto a winner with the SL-40CBT. The pre-mounted cartridge, wireless flexibility, and classic direct drive motor are likely to make this a firm favourite with music fans.
While we didn’t get to hear it in action at IFA, we can certainly attest to its siren call.
The Technics SL-40CBT Direct Drive turntable will be available from September, priced at £750 ($899).
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Danish audio outfit DALI has announced a new Hi-Fi speaker series, which combines advanced acoustic engineering with contemporary Scandi design. Landing globally in February 2026, the Sonik range will comprise seven models covering stereo, home cinema and on-wall applications. The enclosures come a choice of finishes: Black Ash, Walnut, Natural Oak and White, complete with…
Bang & Olufsen has announced two new limited editions of its flagship loudspeaker: the Beolab 90 Phantom Edition and the Beolab 90 Mirage Edition. Part of the brand’s Atelier programme, they’re the latest in a series of highly restricted releases marking the audio brand’s centenary, limited to just ten pairs apiece globally. The Phantom and…
The Luxe Review 
Technics has unveiled its latest turntable, the SL-40CBT Direct Drive, at IFA 2025 in Berlin. The new model is pitched as a high-style option for vinyl enthusiasts, bolstered by Technics proven engineering.
It retains key Technics hallmarks such as an iron-coreless direct drive motor and high-precision S-shaped aluminium tonearm, while introducing Bluetooth connectivity and a fresh, minimalist design.
With selling for £750, the SL-40CBT is likely to appeal to those looking to move beyond entry-level systems.
The SL-40CBT departs from a traditional die-cast aluminium chassis in favour of an MDF wood construction, finished in a choice of Terracotta (our favourite), Light Grey, or Charcoal Black.
The aesthetic perfectly matches the styling of Technics SC-CX700 wireless Hi-Fi speaker, which together make for a fully integrated music system.
Plug-and-play performance with premium design
Under the hood, the turntable is equipped with a die-cast aluminium platter featuring reinforcing ribs and a directly mounted motor magnet for stable torque transmission.
Reworked vibration-resistant insulator feet help minimise resonance, allowing more flexibility in placement without compromising performance.
The deck arrives factory-fitted with an Audio-Technica AT-VM95C moving-magnet cartridge, trusted for its versatility and consistency. There’s also a built-in phono stage, allowing it to connect directly to amplifiers, or active speaker systems, without the need for a dedicated phono input.
Significantly, this is the first Technics deck to have Bluetooth functionality, simplifying installation and removing the need for untidy interconnects.
By balancing heritage engineering with convenience and style, we reckon Technics is onto a winner with the SL-40CBT. The pre-mounted cartridge, wireless flexibility, and classic direct drive motor are likely to make this a firm favourite with music fans.
While we didn’t get to hear it in action at IFA, we can certainly attest to its siren call.
The Technics SL-40CBT Direct Drive turntable will be available from September, priced at £750 ($899).
Amazon enters gallery TV arena with design-led Ember Artline Fire TV range
Amazon is looking to carve itself a lucrative slice of the booming lifestyle TV market, with the announcement of the Amazon Ember Artline Fire TV series. The Ember Artline marks Amazon’s debut in the fast-growing gallery TV sector. The category is currently led by Samsung’s long-running The Frame series. Like its inspiration, the new model…
From stereo music to home cinema, DALI’s new Sonik speaker range can do it all
Danish audio outfit DALI has announced a new Hi-Fi speaker series, which combines advanced acoustic engineering with contemporary Scandi design. Landing globally in February 2026, the Sonik range will comprise seven models covering stereo, home cinema and on-wall applications. The enclosures come a choice of finishes: Black Ash, Walnut, Natural Oak and White, complete with…
Bang & Olufsen enhances flagship Beolab 90 with atelier Phantom and Mirage editions
Bang & Olufsen has announced two new limited editions of its flagship loudspeaker: the Beolab 90 Phantom Edition and the Beolab 90 Mirage Edition. Part of the brand’s Atelier programme, they’re the latest in a series of highly restricted releases marking the audio brand’s centenary, limited to just ten pairs apiece globally. The Phantom and…
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