Audio Pro vs Technics Audio Systems

Audio Pro offers the Addon T3+ portable speaker at £149 and the C5 MkII multi-room WiFi speaker at £209 in grey or £246.97 in black. Technics, Panasonic's premium hi-fi brand, offers the SA-C600 network CD receiver at £769 in black, white or silver as the centrepiece of a stereo system.

The two brands target different listeners. The SA-C600 combines a CD player, a network streamer and a full digital amplifier in one unit, with a twin power supply, a built-in phono equaliser and access to streaming services and internet radio. It is designed to drive a pair of passive speakers, so the speakers are a separate purchase. Audio Pro's C5 MkII is a WiFi speaker that groups with other Audio Pro speakers, and the Addon T3+ is a portable Bluetooth speaker with a built-in battery. Audio Pro is known for rich sound and Scandinavian styling, but it is aimed at a single room or a portable set-up rather than a hi-fi rack.

Technics suits music lovers building a serious stereo system who want CD, streaming and amplification in one premium unit, paired with passive bookshelf speakers. Audio Pro suits people who want speakers that are ready to use, whether for a living room, a garden or a bag, and who want to add more speakers over time. Buyers on a tighter budget may find Audio Pro a better match, while anyone who wants a proper hi-fi system will need to budget for speakers on top of the £769 receiver.

Bottom line: choose Audio Pro if you want stylish speakers for multi-room or portable listening from £149. Choose Technics if you want a premium CD and network receiver to drive passive speakers, at £769 before speakers.