Is TECHNICS still GREAT? Technics SU-G700 MK2! HIFI Amplifier Review

The GU700 or the Yamaha S1200?? Ready go! I’m in need of one!

Nice review! But how to connect the Apple TV 4K to the amp? The Apple TV has no Optical out. And the amp does not have HDMI.

What the hell is the point in buying a fully digital amp, if you then need to spend even MORE money to make it stream music. Such a fail. The thing is beautiful, but pointless.

Thank you for the review. How would it compare with the Marantz model 40n in terms of taking only sound into consideration since you have reviewed both ? Thank you

Why would you want to put HDMI into an amplifier? The only purpose of HDMI is to prevent people from being able to make copies of music or videos, and HDMI cards are prone to failure. You don't need video going into an audio amplifier.

Please no HDMI. You should educate your better half that there are hi-end amps and high-end receivers. Most of us who are after squeezing that last ounce of sound nuances simply do not want that in our high end amp. The less circuitry and more direct and discrete path for the signal, the better and higher quality sound. For those wanting HDMI and other connectivity options, there's always something like the Yamaha R-N2000N receiver in similar price/performance range.

The Technics Su series are sort of like Grand Seiko watches and their Springdrive. Very unique and innovative and exquisitely finished.

Technics just has a special place in our 80s Hifi hearts , its the systems we grew up wanting. Probably will buy one even if I regulate it to my garage amp, just cause.

It does have a DAC it also has and ADC as well it’s a combined PWM encoder/decoder which is the same as a DAC. So driving the PWM encoder/decoder with a DAC makes zero difference. So you are correct but also incorrect in the fact that it doesn’t have a DAC, it does

Hey, here's a question for you... Is there such a thing as an external HDMI "converter" that will not degrade sound quality? Or, to watch TV through the system, is it better just to go into optical? ... Another question, why would one need an expensive CD player, like the Technics, or just get a less expensive one and run it through the digital inputs of the Technics (either the su-r1000, or this su-g700...)?

Mr. Robinson, I hope you read this! Thank you very much!

I also posted on your Technics SU-G700MK1 review. I felt it best to also share here for folks wondering how a SU-G700MK2 would push Polk R700's since I have both connected, and that was my biggest question going into this project at home. I sincerely hope that's OK. Thank you.

I bought the Technics SU-G700M2 two channel amp after watching your video(s) and paired with new Polk R700's (also reviewed by you). Then I connected up my near-mint Vintage Technics SL-QL1 Linear Tracking turntable, added in a new OEM (vintage) Audio Technica cart with frequency response of 5-35,000 Hz. Holy Cow! WOW! Dang! Everything you said about both this amp and these speakers speaks the truth, as you would say, "full stop."

I have friends come over that listen for hours and say how quiet, how nuanced, how silky smooth the sound is...and as you pointed out, neutral. I will say, I have never been a fan of neutral myself at all, until now. I actually get all giddy waiting to play a new piece of vinyl...how absolutely controlled, yet dynamic the sound is. Never harsh, never brash, never boomy. Just...sounds...amazing. It's that good. At least for me and my setup. I play a variety of music and this system just owns it. I do customize the tone at times of course because, well that's my taste.

Does this paring call out bad pressings/recordings on records. Oh yeah, for sure. But the flip side is if you have a nice piece of vinyl (recorded from the master tapes)...holy effin cow. I mean...it goes to another level of fidelity, clarity and also, silence!

For those wondering if the Technics SU-G700M2 can push these R700 speakers (which was my biggest concern), the answer is a non-hesitant YES! Not even remotely an issue. Keep in mind how large a room you wish to push these through, as with any setup. I also ran the LAPC again after a 200 hour break in and the sound change was noticeable, yet subtle, and it was better! I am very happy. :) Any questions, feel free to ask folks...

How come the Technics converts everything (inputs) to digital for processing and it does not have a DAC?
Anyway, this technique is not new...Long long time ago, the PC soundcard maker company (Creative) had tried it on their Audigy Sound card. It converts input signal in to Digital and apply some sort of processing to polish, EQ, boosting the signal and advertised it as better than original one.

Finally a Technics with HDMI SU-GX70. Are you guys asked Technics to send you a sample for review?

@robinsonbrand Hmm? "It has a DAC, It does NOT have a DAC?" "It is Class D, it is NOT class D?" "It is NOT designed for a subwoofer. It can take a subwoofer" - I have listened to a lot of reviews on this product and seems to be a lot of conflicting statements?

How does this compare to the Audiolab 9000a sonically?

What would be for you the best association (TECHNICS SU G700 MK2 AMP) with bookshelf speakers high priced or not (closed charge) for a little listening room (best sounds without resonance troubles)! ...thanx in advance

I own Su g 700mk2 and sound is really good . I would say it sounds like good Class AB amp. I have second amp which is Pioneer A-400 conectes to Dynivox s Pro and set of Monitor Audio Gold GS60 speakers and I can tell you both of those amp sound very good . G 700 is more detailed a d a bit more dynamic and tou can hear that we'll whem music is more complicated. Technics is connected to Denon DP-47F with Denon dl-103 cart and PioneerA-400 to Technics sl-j300r turntable with ortofon OMP 30 cart and isi zen phono stage .
Phone stage in Technics is really good , very quiet and very detailed.
For streaming for both amps I'm using Bluesound Node and is a great combo. I love both of those amps .... yes there is a bit of different between them and some music sounds better on A 400 and some better on Su g700. Technics will not play well on bad quality files and it will sound hash but when you feed it with good quality music it will sound d amazing, large and detailed. Some people say it's bright bi5 I would say its play exactly what you throw at it .
Niece review.
Last thing ... its a shame Su g700 doesn't have at least 100w PC

Thank you

Dear Andrew and Kristi, maybe the SU GX70 answers the HDMI question? I would love to know what you think of the GX70.? also how much of the ganfet tech is in the GX70?. and by the way, I remember the first G700 review .. only 3 years and you got 300k+ subscribers.. not even sure if you read comments of old videos.. anyway, regards

R-1000 is 3x the price of SU-G700.

Would this pair with a set of Martin Logan Electromotion ESL's? If not which integrated?

I would love to have one of these Technics amps in my house...

Didn't know anything about this amp sooooo - after this review I'd sure like to learn more. Now, you
mentioned Arcam and their amps really intrigue me (the G Class models). Arcam would do well to get 
their amps out to the (pro) reviewers like yourself.

My dad was an audio head in the 70s with technics n I love the front of theses amps the dials there the same as my dad's old ones

Great vid 👌

Hi pal am from Manchester UK........I have the kef r700 setup beautiful I love to see a great comeback from technics.......but I just bought the n ew denon going from yamaha and the sound from the denon killed the yamaha.......I am now going to buy the audiolab streamer......❤

Hi, I really enjoy the reviews. My biggest compliant of all modern integrated amps are that they don't include pre-out, main--in connections.

You are nitpicking here with the Wi-Fi and network audio. They go to great lengths to isolate every noise and then you want to stick a wireless transceiver in the unit? You should have mentioned that Technics also has a network media player as a separate unit.

Hi, would it give full MQA quality if I dgitally connect a - say - bluesound node?

Quick question. Is the SU-G700MK2 better in terms of sound quality than Yamaha AS-1200 ?

How would the Technics pair with the Wharedale EVO 4.4 towers? Would this be a winner for Rock and Metal music on a turntable?

Does anyone know how to adjust the tone on this thing? A relative has bought one and we have an online manual - but it makes no sense - says to press the On (adjustment)/ Off - there's no button marked that on the remote control. Tried googling - nothing is making any sense.

Hi Andrew and thanks for your review and your work.
What do you think of:
ARCAM SA30 vs TECHNICS SU G700 M2 ??
I don't need HDMI.
Thanks in advance.

Thank you for your insights andrew

I own B&W 7er series and G700 and ipad - this setup provides fantastic results. Any suggestions, questions & ideas?

What speaker cables do you recommend for this Amplifier with B&W 702 S2? I am evaluating Audioquest but not sure what series.

Have you compared it to Yamaha AS1200, and they drive a set of Dynaudio (4 ohms speaker)?

so the mk3 will have more watts ?,thats all it needs

I had the version 1 and it failed me few days ago, exactly a year and a half after I bought it. Used it occasionally and never at high volume. Let's see how good the repair goes.

Maybe if it gets eARC...

When there comes a MK2 for the ST-C700D, I hope Technics doesn't do the same thing as they do for the present "network" radio's. This 950 euro costing thing stopped the internet service. Since the DAB+ module sucks, the machine is here to collect dust...

I am not a big fan of an all in one solution for a stereo amp. I am a purist and want a stereo amp to be a stand alone pure analogue piece of electronics.
This packing in as much peripherals of a digital nature reminds me of the concept of the KTel 3 in one promo. I love Technics but this amp converts an incoming analogue signal back to digital then to analogue again. This colors the sound. and proof is that you did mention it makes records sound more like a CD.
No sir this amp is not for the purists but more for the clueless people who buy it because of it's digital tech.

Great review bro watching this video it’s now on my list of 3 for my next amplifier this technics Roksan Blak or Yamaha 1200

LOL... I have no need for HDMI on a 2channel amp ... I would pay extra for not having it ... 🤠🤷🏻‍♂️

Japanese always have a high quality standard✌️

Do you think that even a really nice DAC like the Denafrips Venus II wouldn't make a difference with this amplifier? I remember you mentioning someone bought a Denafrips Ares II and couldn't hear sound improvement.

Coax in cutting out all over the world with this one. Check other owners reviews. Myself returned two units before getting Yamaha. Try for yourself.

I can find the v1 for sale still. It really seems like getting the older version on sale is better than shelling out an extra $700 for mk2.

If it is true what you say, that the DAC doesn't matter with this amp, that makes for a pretty terrible value proposition. You don't buy a 2000k amp and 2000k speakers to skimp on the DAC. I mean you can but that is just downright dumb. In other words, you don't buy this amp unless you pretty much exclusively use it for vinyl. To bad if you figure out down the road that you actually enjoy streaming some music... or watching movies. The SU-G700 is a BIG pass.

I will admit I do sometimes skip to Kristi's take, that said I love the reviews Andrew