Sony vs Technics Bookshelf Speakers

Sony and Technics are both premium brands, but their products suit different setups. Sony's models include the SASW7 wireless subwoofer at £249, the PSLX3BT turntable at £299, the PSLX5BT turntable at £399 and the SARS8.CEJ rear speakers at £449. Technics offers the SCC70MK2 all-in-one hi-fi with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi at £799 in black or silver, and the SB-600E-K pair of passive bookshelf speakers at £999.

Sony's kit is built to extend a BRAVIA Theatre system wirelessly, with the SASW7 adding 100W of bass and the SARS8.CEJ adding IMAX Enhanced rear speakers. Its PSLX5BT adds Bluetooth vinyl playback. Technics concentrates on sound within its own system. The SCC70MK2 has a floorstanding design, JENO Engines, Space Tune room tuning and iOS device calibration, while the SB-600E-K pair uses a two-way bass reflex design and needs an amplifier. Sony's rear speakers and subwoofers need a compatible Sony system, while the Technics all-in-one works on its own.

Sony suits TV-first households that want to add wireless bass or surround to a BRAVIA soundbar, and vinyl listeners who want a Bluetooth turntable. Technics suits music lovers who want premium sound at home, either as a complete system or as passive speakers to pair with a high-quality amplifier. Casual listeners will find Sony's kit simpler to live with, while Technics suits people prepared to pay for performance. The gap between the SCC70MK2 at £799 and the SARS8.CEJ at £449 is £350, but these products do different jobs. Anyone who wants a self-contained system should note that the Technics all-in-one needs no further kit, while the Sony products build on a BRAVIA setup that is already in place.

Bottom line: choose Sony if you already own BRAVIA kit and want wireless bass, rear speakers or a Bluetooth turntable from £249 to £449; choose Technics if you want premium sound from an all-in-one at £799 or a premium passive pair at £999.