Panasonic

The European tech scene is welcoming back an old pal, as Panasonic revives its Technics high-end audio brand in the region, using this week's IFA tech trade show in Berlin to crow about two new hi-fi system series.

The new gear represents the first new hi-fi products under the Technics name in six years. The Technics brand was once a fixture of the European audio scene, most frequently spied on DJ decks or on massive sound systems.

Taking the lead in the brand's reintroduction are the R1 reference class system and the C700 system. The R1 series comprises three components: the Stereo Power Amplifier SE-R1, the Network Audio Control Player SU-R1, and the Speaker System SB-R1.

Meanwhile, the C700 series, which Panasonic dubs a "premium class" array of gear, includes the Stereo Integrated Amplifier SU-C700, the Network Audio Player ST-C700, the Compact Disc Player SL-C700, and the Speaker System SB-C700.

The new equipment will go on sale in Europe in December, Panasonic said Wednesday, and will eventually spread to other regions.