technics

Technics is a brand of audio equipment developed by Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., now known as Panasonic. Introduced in the 1960s as a premium line of high-fidelity consumer electronics, Technics earned its reputation through durable turntables and other audio components. The name Technics is derived from the Greek techne, meaning craft or art, with the -ics suffix forming the brand identity.

The Technics product range has included turntables, amplifiers, CD players, cassette decks, and loudspeakers. The most famous model is the SL-1200 series of direct-drive turntables, first launched in the 1970s, which became widely used by professional DJs and in clubs for their torque, stability, and reliability. Over the decades, Technics has released modern vinyl-friendly turntables as well as digital-ready hi-fi components.

Panasonic reduced Technics activity in the 2010s, and the brand was revived in the mid-2010s with new premium analog and digital audio products, including updated turntables and integrated systems. The revival positioned Technics as a high-end sub-brand within Panasonic's audio portfolio, appealing to both audiophiles and professional users.

Separately, the term technics is used in English to refer to techniques or methods employed to accomplish a task, and appears in fields such as philosophy of technology, music production, and art. The word traces to the Greek techne and is distinct from the brand usage of Technics.