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).
Cambridge Audio is back on the turntable bandwagon with Spira, a stylish deck that combines straightforward vinyl playback, with Bluetooth connectivity and upgrade potential. Available in five colours, it’s aimed at vinyl newcomers building their first Hi-Fi system and established fans looking for a designer upgrade, and arrives ready to play, with a pre-fitted Audio-Technica…
From AI-powered disaster planning to investable wine, CEATEC 2026 offers a glimpse of Japan’s next wave of innovation. Taking place at Makuhari Messe, near Tokyo, many of the innovations extend beyond traditional consumer electronics. Japan’s flagship technology exhibition has increasingly become a showcase for new business models, emerging luxury experiences and technologies designed to reshape…
There’s a musical Happening at Haycock Manor Hotel and everyone is invited. Premium audio distributor Absolute Sounds is hosting The Happening at the venue in Wansford, Cambridgeshire, on October 17 – 18, and it promises to be quite a show. High-end audio demonstrations will take place alongside live music, specialist talks and experiences centred on…
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).
Colourful Cambridge Audio Spira Bluetooth turntable wants to win over vinyl newbies
Cambridge Audio is back on the turntable bandwagon with Spira, a stylish deck that combines straightforward vinyl playback, with Bluetooth connectivity and upgrade potential. Available in five colours, it’s aimed at vinyl newcomers building their first Hi-Fi system and established fans looking for a designer upgrade, and arrives ready to play, with a pre-fitted Audio-Technica…
From fine wine assets to AI eyewear, these are the standout Innovations at CEATEC 2026
From AI-powered disaster planning to investable wine, CEATEC 2026 offers a glimpse of Japan’s next wave of innovation. Taking place at Makuhari Messe, near Tokyo, many of the innovations extend beyond traditional consumer electronics. Japan’s flagship technology exhibition has increasingly become a showcase for new business models, emerging luxury experiences and technologies designed to reshape…
The art of high-end audio: What to expect at Absolute Sounds Haycock Manor musical Happening
There’s a musical Happening at Haycock Manor Hotel and everyone is invited. Premium audio distributor Absolute Sounds is hosting The Happening at the venue in Wansford, Cambridgeshire, on October 17 – 18, and it promises to be quite a show. High-end audio demonstrations will take place alongside live music, specialist talks and experiences centred on…
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