Technics SC-CX700

Traditionally, it's hi-fi separates that have been, and for many people still are, the building blocks of any system.

Streaming system £2399 whf.cm/SC_CX700

But in a world that is becoming increasingly wrapped up in the convenience of wireless, an all-in-one system that shares similar features to this Technics could be the natural, logical choice for many.

Everything you need for your listening journey is packed into the two boxes you see here: drive units, amplification, streaming engine with access to multiple streaming services and enough connectivity options to cater for all your needs. Also, there's an app, so you have all the controls at your fingertips.

It can be a tricky task to integrate all the various elements into something that produces a seamless and satisfying user experience, and that's before you even touch on getting the all-important sound quality spot on.

The Technics SC-CX700 system is priced at a relatively punchy £2399, which makes it a direct rival for the five-star and Award-winning KEF LS 50 Wireless II - the benchmark at this level.

From the front, the Technics SC-CX700 look like a traditional pair of bookshelf speakers with a couple of eye-catching design elements. First is the two-way coaxial driver used in each cabinet, which sees a lightweight 1.9cm ring tweeter placed inside the throat of a 15cm woofer.

Each speaker has a front-firing bass reflex port which helps with positioning.

The second attention-grabber is the colourful 'Dinamica' microfibre material which adorns the sides of each cabinet.

Technics describes it as a "microfibre material with a soft suede-like texture produced in part from high-quality recycled polyester". If strokability was a thing and we star-rated it, the Technics would get full marks. It's satisfyingly smooth to the touch and looks striking, especially the Terracotta Brown finish of our review sample.