Technics launches the SL-50C/40CBT direct drive turntable ‐ blending legendary engineering with modern style and convenience for today’s vinyl enthusiasts
Technics today announces the introduction of the new SL-50C/40CBT Direct Drive Turntable. This latest model continues the iconic Technics legacy while introducing a fresh contemporary design and convenient new features aimed at both Hi-Fi users and modern home audio lovers.

The SL-50C/40CBT maintain the classic Technics turntable characteristics, such as the iron-coreless direct drive motor and the high-precision S-shaped aluminum tonearm, while evolving in a new, sleek design and usability to meet the expectations of today’s vinyl enthusiasts. Aimed at both newcomers and those upgrading from entry set ups, the turntables integrate seamlessly into stylish modern interiors, offering high quality performance, simplicity and elegance.
The turntable market is one of the core pillars for Technics’ successful business worldwide. Over the past 55 years, Technics has set standards in this audio category, one of the key features being the ultra-robust direct drive motor, that has made Technics a true legend in the field of turntables.
Technics has become synonymous with premium-quality turntables for both the DJ and hi-fi markets. Constantly striving to satisfy customers, Technics has decided to move beyond conventional turntable design, combining classic features—such as the sophisticated, reliable iron-coreless direct drive motor—with a fresh new visual appearance in order to attract a new type of vinyl music lover. With the SL-50C/40CBT, Technics focuses on music enthusiasts who are beginning their vinyl record journey and who also wish for a premium-quality product that delivers high-fidelity audio.
Key Features and Innovations of the SL-50C/40CBT
-
Superior Sound With Plug and Play Convenience
- Factory-fitted Cartridges: The SL-50C comes pre-fitted with the Ortofon 2M Red cartridge featuring an elliptical stylus, while the SL-40CBT includes the Audio-Technica AT-VM95C with a conical stylus. Both cartridges deliver clear and precise sound reproduction. In addition, the built-in phono equalizer of each turntable is carefully tuned to match its cartridge, ensuring optimal playback quality.
- Built in Phono MM Equalizer: At the same time, the SL-50C/40CBT also offer a built-in, high quality Phono-MM equalizer, allowing the user to connect it to a music system without using a dedicated Phono input for effortless connection and ultimate usability.
- Wireless Connectivity modern living: Enables seamless, wireless audio streaming to Bluetooth® compatible speakers and devices, offering excellent flexibility for placement and playback in any home environment. *Bluetooth® connectivity is available on the SL-40CBT only.
- Factory-fitted Cartridges: The SL-50C comes pre-fitted with the Ortofon 2M Red cartridge featuring an elliptical stylus, while the SL-40CBT includes the Audio-Technica AT-VM95C with a conical stylus. Both cartridges deliver clear and precise sound reproduction. In addition, the built-in phono equalizer of each turntable is carefully tuned to match its cartridge, ensuring optimal playback quality.
-
Refined Aesthetics for Contemporary Homes
Departing from the traditional aluminum die-cast chassis designs, the SL-50C/40CBT features a sleek, minimalist MDF wood construction with a high-quality finish. The turntable is available in three modern colours:
Bold and eye-catching Terracotta, subtle and refined Light Gray or timeless and versatile Charcoal Black.
This new compact form factor not only provides elegant integration into modern interiors but also aligns visually with Technics SC-CX700 Wireless HiFi Speaker System, which is available in matching colours, allowing users to create a coordinated, seamless audio system set up.
-
Technics Grade Audio Performance
While the design has evolved, Technics has ensured that the SL-50C/40CBT deliver the same premium level performance as the brand is renowned for:
- Iron coreless Direct Drive Motor: delivers stable, accurate rotation with high precision control circuitry, preserving musical authenticity of even the most demanding genres of music.
- Die-Cast Aluminum Platter with reinforcing ribs and directly mounted motor magnet: ensures reliable torque transmission and accurate drive characteristics.
- Newly designed S-shaped aluminum tonearm: Offers ultra-precise vinyl groove tracking, preserving subtle nuances and musical dynamics of any vinyl recording. personalization of photos and videos for seamless smartphone integration and social media sharing.
- Optimized vibration resistant insulator feet: Allowing for flexible placement the reworked insulator feet are optimally tuned to provide high vibration resistance, enabling the SL-50C/40CBT to be placed in the best environment within the home without sacrificing stability or sound quality.
- Access more Records with 78 rpm Support: Supports 33⅓, 45, and 78 rpm for access to a wider range of records. *78 rpm playback is supported on the SL-50C only.
- Iron coreless Direct Drive Motor: delivers stable, accurate rotation with high precision control circuitry, preserving musical authenticity of even the most demanding genres of music.
Environmentally Responsible Packaging: In line with Technics’ commitment to sustainability, the SL-50C/40CBT ship in environmentally, conscious packaging. Use of plastic has been significantly reduced by replacing polystyrene foam with cardboard based materials, minimizing the environmental footprint while maintaining excellent transport protection.
For more information please see: www.technics.ca or follow @technics.global on Facebook @technics_global on Instagram or @technics on Twitter.
About Technics
Technics is the brand name of hi-fi audio products owned by the Panasonic Corporation with main residence in Osaka, Japan. The Technics brand was founded in 1965. Driven by a constant strive for innovation and excellence within the audio field, countless legendary hi-fi components have been released by the Technics brand, many of them having set new standards in the audio world.
###
About Panasonic Canada Inc.
Mississauga, Ontario-based Panasonic Canada Inc. is a leading provider of Consumer Lifestyle technologies, as well as innovative Smart Mobility, Sustainable Energy, Immersive Experiences, and Integrated Supply Chain solutions. As part of Panasonic Corporation of North America, Panasonic Canada is the Canadian sales arm of Panasonic Corporation of Japan. One of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers of 2022 and Interbrand’s Top 100 Best Global Brands of 2023, Panasonic is a leading technology partner and integrator to businesses, government agencies and consumers across the region. Learn more about Panasonic’s ideas and innovations at https://www.panasonic.com
Connect with Panasonic Corporation of North America:
LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram