Yes! Finally manufacturers are back to considering the aesthetic of HiFi equipment again. I'm a fan of having the equipment on display, not hidden behind cabinet doors. Same as speakers being prominent objects in a room, are even better with consideration for their aesthetic. We can have both, very high quality with cool looks.
Now. Finally. We are talking HiFi again. Big VU meters brings me back to 1988. This design is a killer. Technics is a good brand of Panasonic. Great stuff.
After watching your video from a year ago. You reminded me that before good relaxed listening. 1) Be grateful for stuff that 99.998% of the world's people do not have, for what ever reason. 2) Be mindful and do one thing at a time. Works for everything. ( dishes to smoking to shaving, which can all be very pleasant if you choose to focus and relax) 3) Breath and smile 😃 4) Thank your God for putting Steve G. here for us. Only partially kidding. Enjoy being alive ✨️ 😊
I have the mark I version of that amp. One of the best hifi purchases I ever made. Unbelievably good. Clear and and dead quiet. It will take on the characteristics of whatever you pair it with. A grado cart sounds warm, the innous DAC sounds incredibly detailed. And those meters.....
You nailed the review. I currently own the Denon PMA-1700ne and previously owned the Technics SU-G700MK2. The Technics is excellent but the Denon has that certain something that can give you goosebumps with the right recording. The Technics is all about clarity. The Denon reminds me of a solid state amp with a tube preamp section. It all depends on your preference as you pointed out in the review. Great job!
The Denon has mosfet power amp stage, so the best of the best in solid state amps (in my opinion). Other than this, it has way more driving capability (current) in respect to the Technics. Good choice.
Gotta love Technics gear! My first system l had handed down to me from my father was a Technics system. It consisted of an SA-110 receiver, M216 cassette deck, SH-8025 equaliser and an SL-PG100 CD player, and a pair of floor standing 3 way speakers. Later on I upgraded my receiver to an SA-GX170, and an RS-TR272 cassette deck, which I still have but are sitting in my shed. I love how some of the old Technics gear have a signal path diagram, or a frequency response chart on it, it adds a nice neat touch to it! Good to see that Technics is coming back, but unfortunately now their stuff is way out of my price range.
Yes, Steve, your show is terrific. I've learned a considerable amount about audiophilism. Keep up the good work. Besides the stereo equipment reviews, your music choices are very welcomed ingedient. I've purchased some of it for sure!
Great review Steve!!!! I have always felt that Technics never got the recognition they deserves. And I think most people think of Technics as a Average brand. In my opinion, Technics has always been one of the top brands in Audio. I bought Technics Separate Components 33 years ago and they are still working perfect and going strong and I use my Stereo Every day. They have never failed me and they just keep on performing flawlessly. They have always made very high quality equipment, and their speakers are just as incredible as their audio equipment. But I think it is wonderful that everyone had a brand that they Love and that is the beauty of being a human being. Some people would not buy anything other then a Denon, Or a Sony, or Yamaha. But, I felt as a huge fan of Technics I wanted to state my opinion!!!
Love your reviews! This one perfectly describes our experiences with Technics SU-G700 Mkll Integrated Amplifier, using it with all of the premium speaker systems we've evaluated !
My goodness, if I did not already have the Lyngdorf 1120 (all Digital) (but with Room Perfect) I would definitely be investing. I guess we all trust you so your enthusiasm is telling. Thank you
I have been a fan of Technics amps for about 40 years now. I have always been amazed at what I've heard. So rich, full, quick, tight, pleasing, amazing, satisfying, and enlightening musically. They always found away to deliver music that was in my face, with gutteral accuracy, in the most subtle manner. So so real. My ears were satisfied and amazed with every note. Did speakers matter? Yes. Colorless is my kry.
@@brentdolde3327 Had a chance to A/B the 700 and the Lyngdorf 1120 in a good room in London. The 2 amps were very similar sounding to my ears. I guess it makes sense as they're both all-digital. The Lyngdorf really surprised me as it looked Tiny on top of the Technics. I liked the VU meters on the 700, but in the end, the great sound, the Room Perfect and the Beautifully designed App, totally won me over. So, I took home the 1120!
Very interesting review. I haven't heard this particular model but I own the larger Technics SU-R1000 and I love it for my Focal speakers. Technics deserves a bigger reputation for their amps these days. They weren't even on my radar when I was hunting for an amp until I went to a very renowned store in my area and they put me in that direction over some more expensive models from more common high end brands that I was looking at. They ended up being right. I'm also glad that even after focusing on sound I could end up with an all digital class D amp. So much better in functionality and user friendliness than the class A and AB amps I've tested, but if the sound hadn't been there I would have had to accept that.
I concur, mostly, only to say that with the matching SL-G700 SACD player and a longish break in (about 120hrs) the SU-G700MkII's balls drop and matures like nothing I've heard. In fact, it keeps getting better. The sound becomes much fuller, denser and richer and yet loses none of it's incisiveness, detail, contrast, etc. Everything goes up more than a few notches and sounds all the more real. It's a keeper.
I have SL-G 700MK2. In blind audition compared with 33 years old DENON DCD2560GL, 4 from 5 five persons liked DENON more. Though it doesn't have a single capacitor alive neither in power supply section maybe nor in audio cirquitry. Technics is a very good and modern player, but DENON is much more musical reproductor, it is the music itself.
So? You have 5 people in total who prefer the Denon. That means nothing to me, but by all means, go ahead and enjoy it. My Marantz SA15S2 SACD sounded better than a Denon player (newer one than yours) and my Technics SL-G700 Mkl sounds better than the Marantz. It's all a matter of personal taste and not a contest.@@nickolaymiltenov
I have this Amp, had to wait some time after the order, was totally worth the wait. Have gone through many amps before this one, finally have my "End" Amp that I can live with.
Congrats on the coming anniversary Steve. I just really like the fact that you don't often speak about better yiu speak mire about differences and equippment synergies as well as the importance of the content you listen to most. I find it fair and more real world. Here's to going on to a decade.
Steve, I love your insight and am delighted to see you here on RU-vid. I remember reading your work in print in the classic magazines...I still like reading paper. Anyway, as a Technics fan from the beginning( my first receiver was a 20 watt Technics from Walmart) I found your review intriguing . I have to say that the way that you describe this Amp(SU G700 Mk II) goes right along with what I have always considered the Technics "house sound". My ear is very sensitive to muddiness and bloat in the bass and mid bass. For instance I very seldom use "loudness" to me it just adds too much murk. Technics products to me have always had a quickness and clarity in the bass, a heightened transient response, that I love. At present I have a couple of vintage receivers: A Technics SA-400 and a Marantz SR 2000. I love them both, but they are like chocolate and vanilla. The Marantz is cozy and warm, but the Technics just has that clarity and snap...I'll always have that receiver-essential. Thanks for the great content and all the great stuff you have put out through the years!!!
Thank you Steve! - I have followed you (knowing it or not) for many decades through your various positions and employers. It's refreshing to hear your continuing honest reviews. My own "main" speakers are Klipsch (series one) which, after over 40 years, still sound great. I really don't "do" podcasts, so if you drop that, no loss to me. 😀
If you care about toughness you know build quality I can testify to the Denon having it. My modest 2 channel receiver is working perfectly after being completely submerged in the most filthy detritus filled flood water for nearly one whole week! Even the flipping remote is working, although Denon replaced it under the very expired warranty.
As much as i like the look of this unit and the sound I would stay with a traditional class AB amp. Yamaha or Rotel still would take my money at this price. I wish technics would make a new version of the SU8080. Similar power into 8 ohms but not four. Yamaha have successfully gone retro slash modern with their 1000 2000 3000 and 5000 series. I have a Yamaha A 1000 and a CD2000S ... helft and weight and relative simplicity. But the finish and those Accuphase like power meters would persuade many. So much choice today. Everything is a compromise even at the lofty level. Great review as always Steve.
Steve, I've enjoyed your show here since you started. I love the genuine excitement you have for the hobby. And I love the fact that you don't just use standard audiophile gobbeldygook to describe things. I'm also a big fan of your shirt collection. Stick with the wild ones. Keep it up. I'll be watching until you stop making.
Something about this Product reminded me of another review by Technics. Andrew Robinson reviewed the TECHNICS AMPLIFIER! SU-R1000 Integrated Amplifier with a slight difference that took the Turntables signal and converted it to DIGITAL. It seems that Technic has reduced the cost and expanded the functions on the SU-G700 to include CDs, Tape or other sources much like the $10,000 SU-R1000 does with Turntables. The SU-G700 even looks like the 'slightly older' Flag Ship SU-R1000, but at 20% of the Price. ..... I think it would be very interesting if Technics would make a PRE-AMP with all the features and conversions done with their Technology. I wonder if it would make other AMPS Tube or otherwise the better of two technologies? BTW, I stumbled upon a PORTABLE SOLID STATE DIGITAL Hard drive for use of WAVE Files converted off of CDS. And it can provide some of the descriptions you made about 'The Sound' of the SU-G700 and the SU-R1000. For about $100 dollars I think those among you who are interest in the sound of Reviewed items might get a SAMPLE of what Technics delivers. ........ I'm not saying a PSSD is going to be a Technics Amp, but there seems to be some connection.
I have that technics and a japanese 100v denon dp58m. I used a dynavector 10x5 mk2 . Im here to tell you its resolving like you've never heard a record played. The attack even on mm is lighning fast . I like it. I used jbl studio 590. Know its not the loudest amp and a little shy on power. Use a sub for sure.
i totally agree with you, for many years i have not heard Miles Davis but after seeing a documentary about him i went for my old records and started again to listen it´s avant-garde style then it´s 70´s more funk and at the same time psychedelic common efects he used on the trompete. But while you´re using a new integrated amplifier ,i went for my 70´s technics integrated amplifier and i´m using it with some much more modern Mission speakers with 4 ohms impedance wich sound perfect
Ya know Steve you should do a show about class A/B amps, the cheapest to highest price tags integrated amps. I had a Marantz receiver while stationed @ Kadena AFB Okinawa Japan back in 1976, so I'm and fan of A/B chassis amps, tho the Carver Cube was purty cool sounding.
First time i watched your RU-vid Channel. I give nice comment so clearly. Support too. I like marantz brand . It has so clearly voice especially vintage marantz
very interesting. I have the Denon pma 1600ne and it has a sound that seems to be a lot like how you describe the Denon pma1700ne. I wish I could afford the Technics too, but it's an amp that I have to hear in person before i put that kind of cash down.
Thank you so much Steve for your continuing enthousiasm and commitment to music and audio gear. I love your channel and keep coming back for more. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
I almost did not watch this video...I'm happy with my 2A3/45 SET amp. But, it's great that you are open minded Steve. It inspires me to be the same. It is good to know this amp exists. If money was no object, yeah, I would try it. Good tunes as usual. Texture is the thing with Eno.
Having recently completing a recabling my system; coax, XLRs between my LSA Voyager 350 GaN amp, all new power cords and Emerald Physics 3.4s Open Baffle 12" concentric driver with 1" polyester tweeter,. Previously, the bass and overall warmth was akin to your experience with the Technics. BUT, with the new cables I have a fullness and the right amount of warmth that was previously missing, and now very satisfying. You might try a different cables and PC on the Technics
Steve...is it possible that everything you have reviewed over the past 5 years is a winning component? It may seem a little strange to some of us. However, I say it is indeed true. I believe there are no brand new "bad" audio components out there at any price. Are there differences about them? Sure there are differences to the magnitude of 10-15% if I had to guess on a macro basis. If someone can't enjoy music on any playback system, regardless of price, something is wrong in my view. Nice to see the Japanese brands are making a comeback in the high end audio world. Back in the day, my guess is most high end dealers (certainly the ones I knew) would not be caught dead selling the likes of Technics, Yamaha, Denon, etc. These were the mainstream brands of Tech HiFi, Best Buy, et al for non audiophiles. It was all goofy snobbery IMO. Nice job as usual.
So what I think I’m hearing you say Steve is that we are getting closer to bringing the sound of live music including the ambience of the recording studio or club into our listening rooms… Yes, No? PS I’ve got to say I really like the look of your T-shirt today.
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac yes there are many ways to go home because I’m older than you I have been through many of those many ways. Certainly not as many as you. I’d love to own a Deceare 2W but for the fact that I don’t think they would drive my Maggie 3.6 R’s.😢
The only way of getting the sound of a live performance, including the acoustic signature of the recording venue into your listening room, is to apply cross talk cancellation of your 2 stereo speakers.
Another all digital amplifier id the True-Blue Box Cobalt DA. It also converts all Inputs to 192k-24bit, and uses high speed digital gain correction. Power is 100WPC into 8 ohms, and 125WPC into 4 ohms. Inputs are 2 Toslink, 1 usb, 1 MM phono, and 1 line level analog. Doesn't have a headphone output though. Around €1400 from the Netherlands.
Steve I hope you will review the Michi X-5 now in version 2 said to have 95 new parts and a new top of the line DAC; at 8k from specs alone (and I am not into specsmanship per se) it looks to be a buy; I am cross shopping with the Technics SU-R1000 which retails for 10k; the phono section of the X-5 according to Soundstage is outstanding and exceeds the phono stage in the R1000; wish you would compare these too.
Hey Steve, I've got some video ideas for you: Give us recommendations for best speakers for specific genres of music (Classical, Jazz, Pop and Heavy Rock/Metal) under $500.00. Then do the same at the under $1,000.00 price point, at the $1,000.00 - $1,500.00 point, the under $2000.00 point, the under $5,000.00 point, the under $10,000.00 point and again at the over $10,000.00 price point. It would be an ambitious series, but I think we'd all love to hear your suggestions.
What’s the point of an external DAC if the amp converts all analog inputs back to digital again? I know the SL can also output digital but not from SACD, etc. Also, the SL is fully balanced but the SU is not, so probably an overkill in that regard.
Funny how the Technics is much more clear sounding than the Denon amp. Especially when considering that the Denon cartridges often provide a lot of clarity. I think a Denon with a Denon cartridge or the Technics with a Nagaoka cartridge would balance out things a bit more. Or use a Denon cartridge with the Technics amp for maximum clarity!
It’s made in MALAYSIA but it isn’t sold in MALAYSIA 🇲🇾..Why? Why? Technics come on…don’t do this to us. This amp actually studies your speakers and adjust for optimum sound..magic! Your speakers matching ‘headaches’ end with this AMP!
I'm STILL 'Daily Driving' a fully serviced 1989 Technics SU-600 'New Class A' integrated Amp, and though a 'Lowly' 30w per channel into 8 Ohm (4 outputs), those that know, WILL know, that major wattage DOESN'T equate 'Sound quality' (my ex's teenage son is impressed what my setup does (and he's a typical 'I need 10000watts and HUUUUUGE bass!!' type haha). This amp of mine STILL sounds FANTASTIC! Just like the good old days of Pioneer, Sony, NAD etc etc, if you can find a decent/serviced amp of that era, and hook it up some good speakers, it'll show you don't need to spend hundreds/thousands on an amp to get quality sound... 👌👍 😎🇬🇧
agreed ,just a matter of trying one, i had a simple problem on my 90´s integrated amplifier from pioneer a A-90D and while i waited i went for my 75/6 SX-838 also from pioneer a stereo receiver that only used it for 6 monthes and it made all sound more dynamic and the power in watts was beneath the A-90D but the speakers were for the first time vibrating with the bass and it sounded good and loud ,when receiving the A-90D i was almost kind of feeling very bad because it seemed the reverse ,i conected this new and powerfull integrated amplifier and the sound seemed less dynamic a bit more powerfull but it seemed that the new was the one bought in 75 ,and i had also a 79 SA-9500 ,i went for it and even better ,the lesson is learned ,they look good and work perfect but after 1979 it seems that every brand decreased it´s quality ,maybe to make components more afordable to the costumer , i really don´t know but the integrated amplifiers there´s the previous to 1980 and the after 1980 , the refering to the most known comercial brands
I think whoever remastered that Miles Davis album at Sony really messed it up. My CD has digital sounding distortion all over McLaughlin's guitar, like they pushed the levels up too high on everything. I don't remember the distortion on my earlier version of the CD.
Sadly I still have my same amp from the 1990’s I have yet to become happy with my other upgrades yet I still haven’t even bought the preamp and cartridge of my dreams 😂😂.
Hello Steve. Between Rotel RA 1572M2l and Technics SU G700M2 . which one I choose? I need dynamics, clarity, definition, without noise.I have B&W - 706 S2 pair with subwoofer B&W - ASW608.Technics SL 1200 GR, Hana SL, listen Led Zeppelin Jean Michel Jarre, The Beatles, classic Music like Claudio Arrau on piano. And Pink Floyd too 😊. Can you help me? Regards
Steve you gotta test some yacht rock music. Jazz is great and all but nothing beats that flipped-collar white deck shoe without socks feeling of Ambrosias Biggest Part of Me played at a medium volumes.
Is it Techniks or Techniques? I hear people say it both ways. I have the Jack Johnson Box in hdcd. The single Jack Johnson is also hdcd. Sounds awesome. Possibly my favorite Miles cd.
techniques in french , but the brand Technics it´s the same everywhere also you have great taste in music, regarding the format i only have a compilations in cd, the Lp´s in vinyl most of them i have the original version ,some i bought in the 90´s and also recentelly but Miles Davis is best heard in a analog source the vibration of the instruments this if talking about the bands he recorded with ,if only solo with it´s musicians also for the same reason it sounds better in analog source ,the CD sounds good but doesn´t feel like a live recording ( i can´t express myself better than this but the sound was originally captured by microphones and there´s air inbetween the instrument and the microphone(also it´s quality))
I was intrigued with this amp, it was dare I say an amp crush for a while… but seemed like they had delays (supply chain stuff) and I kept researching. Ended up going with the class AB Marantz 40n because I liked the idea of the built in streamer since that is how I listen to music and I heard good things about the Marantz sound. I am happy with my purchase but I am curious how you would describe how they sound different. I am guessing the Denon and Marantz would be similar in sound.
I have a chance to listen to both Marantz and Denon. Actually, they aren't similar. Denon is more dynamic, wider soundstage, quicker, fuller sound; but the Marantz is warmer sound, locked-on center image, a bit stronger in bass. I love them both (Marantz 8006 and Denon PMA 110). You could twist and improve the sound on both Amps. to fit your taste such as playing with different RCA, power cables, a different set of speakers, or the sources.
I was going to suggest HQPlayer to feed the integrated, but after gaining more bass depth,impact, and sense of space in the sound stage after inserting a ddc and running i2s to the dac, Ive come to the conclusion that clocking and noise isolation makes a huge improvment (were ignoring the pcm filtering). There is more presence and weight with the ddc in the chain. I wonder what that topology sounds like at the 20k price point, better filtering, better noise control, isolation, maybe better control over the clocks?
Hi Steve, will you be commenting in the near future about the whole mofi controversy? Also,you briefly mentioned the ortofon cadenza blue cartridge. Will you be reviewing it soon? I’m looking at purchasing a Technics turntable soon (either 1200G or 1200GR,or maybe even the 1500C) and will likely upgrade the cartridge to a moving coil one immediately. Thanks!
No, no comment. I have used the blue for many years has my mainstay cartridge. No review planned. Before you buy a cartridge of that quality, invest in a really good phono preamp. Of the three turntables, the G is worth the difference in price, especially if you’re going to buy a top notch cartridge.
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac thanks for your reply Steve. The 1200G is indeed tempting,even though it’s double the price of the GR (and double the weight). The phono preamp should not be a problem since I already have a Linn Akurate DSM ,with phono input already set for MC cartridges.
I am considering getting the Magnepan LRS+ (on the waitlist). @ Steve - will this work well with the Maggies? I have all your recommendations for the LRS+ on the wait-list. (Schiit Vidar, Rogue Sphinx V3, and Hegel). Would love to get your thoughts on the Technics. Please keep doing what you're doing. I especially love when you reference the music you listen too. Gives me an opportunity to check out new music that I haven't come across. Cheers!
I'm in the market for buying a new integrated amplifier for under £200 - I need lots of inputs like Rotel integrated amplifiers - what would you recommend Steve? I would most likely be buying off eBay for second hand amps. Your show is great congrats on the 5 year anniversary.
Hi Steve, I have the same Technics SU G700 MK II and plan on getting the Jays CD transport, but I was wondering how you connected the two. Jay's has a HDMI OUTPUT, but no HDMI on the Technics. The RCA (Coax) on the Jay's? Thank you, Mike (faithful follower)
Well, that’s in my price range for my eventual upgrade. But it’s not the sound I’m going for. Also, I really don’t like the idea that it digitizes music regardless of source.
7:02 you say describing sound with words is too vague yes but describing sound with a number is very direct to the point yeah 0.050 this number is the key to flat sound if you never heard of this number 0.050 before you have never hear flat sound before
So it's the same as, but with 10-Watts more than, the little Lyngdorf TDAI-1120, but without the room correction or DSP manipulation. That's the real head-to-head.
Surely a seperate DAC does make a difference? If you plug your phone into it through its analogue output, it's not going sound as good as if it was going through a DAC, then into the Technics.
