Great Sound Quality but Terrible Design and Usability!
For starters, I’ll say the sound is definitely above average. It has an impressive amount of bass (not wall-shaking but very capable full-sound range) for the size of the unit. I’m not audiophile level but I would say I’m a music enthusiast and have high standards. I wasn’t astounded by the sound, but definitely feel that it’s more than adequate in almost any setting. So from a sound point, it’s probably an 8 or 9 out of 10 at minimum.
Sound quality aside, the rest of this device is just baffling for something with a price tag just shy of $1,000. For starters, it looks nice and somewhat retro but I think they forgot to think about making it usable as well.
TINY LCD: It only has a TINY little LCD screen that tries to pack in a ton of information in an unbelievably small font. Unless I’m standing or sitting within 3-4 feet of it, I can’t read most of the content. If you’re planning on putting it somewhere and then only operating from directly in front of it or within a few feet, you’re not going to have any idea what mode or setting is currently running. When sitting on my bed, I can read anything on the LCD while it’s sitting just beyond the foot of my bed. So I have no idea what is going on unless I physically move over right next to the unit. Maybe they were going so “retro” that they wanted you to go back to the days of standing up to change channels and adjust the volume with an on-board knob. Who knows!
APP CONNECTIONS: I thought that it probably wouldn’t be a big deal because I could just control everything with an app through bluetooth. So I finally figured out how to connect it and found out that you have to hook it up to Google Home which basically gives you a volume dial and that’s about it. You can’t change modes, adjust settings, or any other day-to-day operations. But that’s no different than a dumb bluetooth speaker that costs way less than this device. I was extremely disappointed to find a lack of app support for switching input modes, sound settings, etc.
REMOTE CONTROL: I then thought I’d try out the remote to update things. However, the remote has some really poor layout design and is also frustrating. First of all, it’s about 1 ½ times the size of my iPhone 14. It’s way oversized for what it does. It’s not a lighted remote. So if you’re in the dark and trying to fumble around with the mode switcher, it’s located on a VERTICAL button instead of a HORIZONTAL button. So trying to go between modes requires you to press the TOP to go Right and the BOTTOM to go Left. But it’s sitting by itself in a huge area with nothing to the right and left of it. Why couldn’t they just use a horizontal layout so it was more intuitive to go left / right to navigate the menus? It’s hard to remember which direction the top / bottom does to the menu. And there aren’t specific buttons to instantly jump to a certain mode. You have to cycle through all the modes one by one until you get to the one you want. But as I mentioned earlier, you can’t see what mode you’re on unless you’re standing right next to the unit. So why even use the remote at that point? And several other tiny round buttons are just oddly placed around the remote. It feels like it was rushed together at the last minute without any thought to how people would use it.
VOLUME CONTROLS: Whenever I tried to use this system as an output for a TV, phone, or other external device, I found that the sound would jump many levels by a single press of the TV or phone volume buttons. So it would jump large volume ranges with a single press. So I could never dial in a good “low” volume for night listening. I ended up having to have my phone AND the huge Technics remote on hand to control volume which was just frustrating. I shouldn’t have to use 2 devices to play and control volume with a device of this price point.
MODES: There are a lot of modes (many of which I didn’t bother to even test because of how cumbersome it is to navigate around the menus and inputs. I’m assuming many of them are great but it’s so annoying to switch between modes, I didn’t want to ever leave Bluetooth mode for fear of not being able to find it again by sound rather than sight.
I could probably keep going but it’s just not worth it at this point. From a sound quality perspective, it’s a 4+ star product. For everything else, it’s really a 1-2 star. And that’s astonishing given the price of this item. In all honesty, I’d say the sound quality would be well worth a few hundred dollars. But I wouldn’t ever pay that much for it because of how cumbersome every other aspect of this is. It’s just not something I’d find myself using on a regular basis since it’s just a glorified speaker. I’d be much better off spending hundreds on a Sonos speaker or something that comes with tons of options and better connectivity.
T_Seven
★★★★★
All in One Indeed
A very high quality music system. After connecting to wifi though the google home app, I was amazed at the amount of features this has. I subscribe to deezer and was able to stream from there with no problems, can pull up my favorites, playlists, or flow. Has internet radio built in with many options to choose from, has a dedicated podcast source section, has all the other subscription music services as well. You can play music through the google home app, or over bluetooth, I connected my phone and table, both worked well.
The sound quality is amazing, you should get the technics app for your phone as it offers more control over the sound, it can produce a large amount of bass. The space tune setting is something you need to use depending on where you have this it adds so much. I put this in the center of my room and put some nighttime rainstorms on and while laying in bed, even knowing where the sound is coming from, I couldn't tell, it's very immersive and surrounding. The equalizer settings are a little lacking, I wish you could have a little more control over the sound, but it is enough for most. The sound here is what you are looking for and this has it.
The Happy Lad
★★★★★
nice all-in-one audio system for any home
I got this to listen to classic CDs and enjoy lossless audio and the music I produce. I have been using this for over a month now, and the listening experience is 11/10. The audio system is easy to set up and connect via Bluetooth. The build quality is impressive, and nothing was skimped or overlooked. The audio quality is on par with competitors at this price range. It isn't as mainstream as it is in Europe, but it is definitely worth taking a look at for those in the market for an excellent hi-fi audio system.
Bryan R
★★★★★
An Audiophile Dream When Big Systems Aren't Possible
I’ve had Technics Ottava f All-in-One Music System SC-C65 out of the box for three weeks now and have listened to it in various spaces in my house. While this is somewhat of a niche product (even for an audiophile like myself), I have no doubt that I’ll continue to enjoy listening to music from the Ottava for years to come.
With Hi-Fi equipment, subscribed music services, vinyl records, and CDs in my collection, my wife would like to see some of it leave the shared rooms into my own space. For me, the SC-C65 solves a number of space issues that has kept me from bringing both stereo system and media into my home office without much trade-off to the quality of sound I’m accustomed too. For such a small unit the Ottava SC-C65 is definitely a premium product capable of producing Hi-Fi sound that fills almost any room I placed it in.
There hasn’t been a lot of reviews on the SC-C65 because as far as I can tell it’s a new product from Technics that geared to reach a more global than perhaps their other model, the SC-C70MK2. The only difference I am aware of between these two products is that the SC-C65 includes an AM/FM tuner (used more in the Americans) and the SC-C70MK2 includes an FM and Digital Audio Broadcast tuner (DAB is available more in the Eastern Hemisphere).
1) The Ottava SC-C65 is a heavy product! The Ottava weighs in at 17.6 pounds which isn’t super heavy but it’s smaller size makes it more dense. I was surprised when I lifted the unit by just how much it pulled downward at my arms. The reason for this weight is in part due to the metal design of the casing and the components inside. Guessing here, but I think additional weight than required has been intentionally added for two functional purposes. First there is little ventilation so without opening up the case I suspect there is probably some additional heat sinks to help pull heat away from the electronics. But also, I suspect the added weight is there to reduce the vibration and acoustic resonance associated with built-in speakers when playing at louder volumes as well as heavy bass music. With a subwoofer mounted at the bottom of this 2.1 sound system the added sturdiness and weight is a huge positive when it comes to sound quality.
2) Having Chromecast built-in and the Technics Audio Center app use Google Home for some setup and room-to-room management purposes is a BIG PLUS. I have both Google products and Apple products in my home and like both brands. However, there are some significant advantages to utilizing Chromecast over AirPlay when it comes to music streaming especially when it comes a house full of devices supported by different manufacturers. So much of a difference that I won’t buy any new audio equipment that doesn’t have Chromecast built-in. Apple fans should fear not as the SC-C65 remains fully compatible with AirPlay and you also get iOS device calibration capability that Android users do not get.
3) The more I listen to the Ottava the more I’m impressed with the sound. When I first turned on the unit, I made the mistake of trying to listen to the music playing as if they are near-field speakers. The sound was acceptable close up. However, when stepping several feet away from the SC-C65 it was magic! Away from the unit, you really hear what the Ottava line is designed to do, be a small 2.1 sound system capable of filling the space of the room with audiophile level sound. Playing with Space Tune offers the ability to adapt the sound to the room. I originally thought Hi-Res music would be a waste of features on such a small unit but I’m telling you…what a joy it is to listen to hear music from your favorite streaming services. Oh, and listening to CDs sounds just as good and the Ottava make it fun again to do so.
4) A music streamer’s paradise! Qobuz is now built-in and Roon is compatible with the SC-C65! Thanks to firmware updates, Qobuz (up to 192 kHz) has now been added. Thanks to Chromecast, the unit is also compatible with utilizing Roon (up to 96 kHz). Oh, and this should be obvious but you can also cast to the unit other sources of music from your phone such as Apple Music and YouTube Music.
5) The Auxiliary and Optical inputs allows you to bring other traditional stereo sources into your stereo system. As I write this, I’m currently have my turntable as a music source via the Auxiliary input. My turntable does not have a built-in phono pre-amp so I hooked the turntable to and external photo pre-amp using RCA cables and then from the pre-amp to the SC-C65 using a RCA to Auxiliary “Y” cable. The vinyl records sound almost as good as they do in my full stereo systems.
So what are the negatives of the Ottava f SC-C65? I really wish this unit had RCA pre-outs or digital outputs which would allow me to use the unit as a CD player and Streamer in my traditional stereo system. However, the unit is capable of “casting” to other devices wirelessly so maybe this is just a negative is just for those of us that are “old school” with our wires. The other thing is that despite how impressed I am when listening to the SC-C65 in large rooms it’s not going to fully replace a complete Audio-Video Home Theater, stereo system, or high end soundbar. This device is intended to go in the room where a full stereo system is not possible or for ascetic purposes you don’t want to have bulky equipment/speakers present.
In summary, I’m enjoying having the Ottava f SC-C65 in my home office. While I still enjoy my full stereo system in other parts of the house, the SC-C65 has brought the joy of just having my music in the background while I’m working at the computer. The Ottava is currently sitting six feet behind me while I’m playing some of my favorite CDs as I write this review. I could’t be happier than I am right now listening to my music through this device from Technics. I recommend it to anyone that cares about the quality of sound from such a non-overbearing device like the Ottava SC-65.
S
S.B.
★★★★★
Immersive experience with hi-quality music
This is the first Hi-Fi product I have. But my impression is mostly positive. So, there are some points I want to share:
Sound Quality: I tried different genres without changing the equalizer settings of the Technics app. I only used the app's location setting (wall, corner, etc.) setting. My first impression is that the sound is clear, but the bass makes the real difference. It is deep, providing you with an immersive experience like a good club sound system. I played a CD as well, but my Spotify sound quality (always downloading/streaming at the highest quality) was better than my CD quality. It can be due to CD recording quality from a decade ago. I am not an audiophile, but I can say it provides an excellent listening experience. The sound surrounds you if you sit not too far from the unit.
Dimensions: The product is not very small, nor a huge unit that will take up too much space. It is well made with a metal (I assume aluminum) frame and brushed surface. It is sleek; even touch buttons only look like laser marks, but they are functional. It weighs around 17 lbs (not superlight), so when you move it around, beware of its weight.
Set-up: Basic set-up is easy. Plug the power cord, and turn-on the unit, search Bluetooth device to connect. It can be the quickest way to play your music. But, I connected the unit to my Wi-Fi through Google Home. Unfortunately, the unit does not support Apple Home. The instructions explain how to set up the Wi-Fi connection, but it failed me on the Google Home app a couple of times. It worked, finally. Google Home can be used on iOS devices, and setting up this Wi-Fi is the only way to use the Technics app and to get updates for the device (it automatically updates once you set up the Wi-Fi). So, briefly, setting up a Wi-Fi connection is a bit tricky and may take some time.
So, I still highly recommend this unit if you truly love listening to music from one source with multiple playing options. Its design and material quality are also exceptional.
Michelle L. Beck
★★★★★
Sound quality is decent!!
I’m a girl, so I do not know all of the technical talk, but I will say that the Ottawa All-in-One music system (by Technics) is pretty nice. It looks great (sleek and stylish) and kind of has a retro feel/design (old look with modern touches and technology). You can access via bluetooth or use the CD player. You could use it in a home theater or family room. The sound quality is decent and sounds great with various genres of music (i.e., classic, rock, rap and R&B). It doesn’t take up a lot of room, so can sit it on a book case or credenza. Set-up was not overly complicated and didn’t take a lot of time. And finally, it is a nice product for the home, office or even business. I will probably gift this to my son.
Sound Quality - 4 stars
Look - 5 stars
Setup - 4 stars
Easy to Use (remote control) - 4 stars
S
smopoim86
★★★★★
Incredible clarity and depth for the size.
This speaker reminds me of what the original Bose promised to be but highly refined and stylish. The build quality is exceptional as is the sound quality. The sound quality is good enough to tell the difference between a CD and Spotify. The volume is produces is enough to fill a large room with a depth that would have you looking for tower speakers. The sound quality is truly exceptional, especially for its size.
Setup and connecting to a network was frustrating. I would have rather used the remote to type a Wi-Fi password in on the screen than to use the Google Home app. I believe that it would be beneficial to integrate the Wi-Fi setup into the Technics app rather than sending you to the Google Home app to configure the network.
Once connected to the network, it showed up for AirPlay, ChromeCast, and Spotify. Use after setup is hassle free and works quite well. The Technics app isn't beautiful but it is functional and I've had no trouble with it.
From a value perspective I'd personally not be able to justify the $1000 cost. If you like your premium products and the cost isn't an issue, this is a spectacular speaker and looks great too. After the small frustration of setup, use is easy and enjoyment is assured.
Bright
★★★★★
Sleek, excellent sounding, CD Player that also streams from your favorite devices, but is expensive
This is a very unique product. I wasn't aware of anything like it currently in the tech market. CDs are behind vinyl in gaining a lot of nostalgia, so when I came across this "enhanced CD player," I was intrigued to learn more. I was a massive fan of "boom boxes" as a kid, so I felt like this may be a modernized version of one (even though you can't put this on your shoulder and walk around the neighborhood).
This is not only a CD player, though, it also streams from your phone or other devices - even though its CD tray is the center point. If you remember the units from the 90s and early 2000s, you'd have the CD tray in the middle of built-in speakers on either side. Those were large and awkward but worked well for bedrooms or on shelves or counters in offices. This Technics Premium Class Ottava CD player is a fantastic device for those who still have CDs. But even without CDs, this streaming product sounds much better than expected.
This is a very stylish player. As soon as I unpacked it, I knew that it was quality. Technics have been in the game since 1965 and their stuff. They've designed some of the most admirable devices within the last few years. They have a very modern look but somehow look timeless in doing so. They don't look "futuristic" or overly complicated. I love the look of these things.
As with most modern devices, this one comes with an accompanying app that will help dig into the settings of this device. You won't need it for most of it because it comes with a remote, and you can dig into settings directly on the LED screen and touch buttons. However, you'll want to download the app to set it up and use "Space Tune," which "measures test tones played through a built-in mic to analyze the distance to walls and the effect of reflections, and automatically optimizes the sound field." This works well if you're placing it near a wall or on a shelf where it may be surrounded by other obstructions. I love that they added this software because it allows you to place it anywhere without worrying about the sound quality.
Speaking of the sound quality, this thing sounds excellent.
It will stream Spotify and Tidal "directly" but will play anything from your phone once paired with Bluetooth. It also has "high-quality audio playback via LAN, 3.5mm AUX, Optical, USB-A, and HP," so you can connect this to many different sources. Google Assistant is on board, too, so you can use your voice for commands.
This unit is going in my son's bedroom. He's always wanted his own way of playing music and, up until now, has only had a Google Home Mini, which doesn't exactly wow in the sound department. He has tablets and computers that can stream Spotify to this device, so he'll use the streaming more than the CD player. However, the older he gets, the more he'll get into my CD collection.
This product is quality, sleek, modern, and sounds very nice for its compactness. I just want it to be priced accordingly. That could be due to the uniqueness. If you're one to consider this product before others, you're probably using it as a CD player, in which case, this is a unique product that you won't find anywhere else. It sounds great, looks excellent, and puts use to your old CD collection.
S
SOHO IT
★★★★★
Technics Ottava SC-C65 All-in-One Music System is an amazing sounding piece of art and technology.
Let me start off by saying this looks, feels, and sounds like a bespoke product. The Ottava SC-C65 is in Technics Premium Class product line. Using the same JENO Engine (Jitter Elimination and Noise-shaping Optimization) technology as their top-of-the-line Technics R1 Reference power amplifier. The Ottava SC-C65 uses 3 JENO to produce a rich sounding 2.1 channel configuration. Supplying 30W per channel to left and right with 40W powering the subwoofer. Space Tune gives you control over the subwoofer providing sound correction for placement of the unit. No matter where you place the Ottava SC-C65, near the wall, in the corner of a room, or out in the open the base level can adjust. There is also an iOS device calibration available within the Technics app for more precise sound adjustment. Ottava SC-C65 has built in Chromecast with the ability to send music to other speakers with Chromecast. You can also Chromecast from your phone or other devices and play through the 2.1 speakers on the Ottava. What do you want to hear? If you want to listen to an audio book, just Chromecast or AirPlay from your phone. The Ottava SC-C65 is also compatible with AirPlay 2, Bluetooth Wi-Fi, network playback, CD High-Res with Re-master, USB memory playback and analogue/optical input. Ottava SC-C65 supports a wide range of music streaming services. Did I also mention AM and FM radio? Internet Radio can be sorted by Hi-Quality streams as well as by genres. I enjoy internet radio more than I thought I would. I have a DLNA Media Server (Plex) and music was easy to find and playback on the SC-C65 using the network playback. It worked flawlessly. The front screen on the unit shows the name of the song, time, and source. Plugging a USB drive into the SC-C65 caused the unit to do a quick scan and then all the music files were easily found and playable from the Technics app. You may need a USB dongle if you have a large USB drive and you have the ethernet cord plugged in at the same time. The top of the unit has touch controls, and there is a very nice remote-control unit also. Loading a CD is very easy. The CD drive has no moving tray but a lid that can rotate in either direction. I didn’t get the name of the songs or artist when loading a CD. The display only shows how many tracks are on it and what track is currently playing. The sound quality is excellent for an all-in-one unit. Yes, this sounds better than a Bose in my opinion. It looks much more elegant than a Bose. The Bose is not even close. Ottava SC-C65 reminds me of Scandinavian art. Like a B&O product. Way to go Technics, color me impressed. Technics is more impressive than the unit’s size would suggest. Ottava SC-C65 gives a rich, full sound that is a true lifestyle product with a great design to fit into anyone’s decor. Bass can be as powerful as you want or settled down. There are audio settings for Treble, Midrange, and Bass along with the bass correction using Space Tune.
Installation was a little different than most comparable devices. You need to have Google Home app installed on your phone or tablet and set up prior to installation. Then you install the Technics Audio Center app on that tablet or phone. I chose to not connect the Ottava SC-C65 with an ethernet cable during installation. I used Wi-Fi. I had a problem with another brand (WiiM) that if you set it up using ethernet you could not configure Wi-Fi afterwords but you could always hardline it AFTER setting it up using Wi-Fi. Installation went well. Follow the device instructions. Google Home app sets up the Wi-Fi connection on the SC-C65 and then automatically updates to the latest firmware. Then you open the Technics Audio Center app and finished the settings for the unit. The Ottava SC-C65 is highly configurable. I’m not going to go into all the settings in this review. Technics Highly Recommends using ethernet cable for day-to-day operations and to not use Wi-Fi. I did find commands “sometimes sluggish” through the app when using Wi-Fi, but never did it not work unlike some other companies’ hardware. (Bluesound, looking at you) I did enjoy my user experience better when connected with an ethernet cable. My house is hardwired but don’t be afraid of the Ottava SC-C65 if you have good Wi-Fi only. I can’t say enough good things about the SC-C65. I am enjoying ever moment I get to listen, relax, and play around with this amazing one-of-a-kind Technics Ottava SC-C65 All-in-One Music Streaming and CD System.
