Интегральные усилители — Technics SU-GX70

The SU-GX70 is a network integrated amplifier from Technics, the Panasonic-owned brand, sold in its Grand Class range in silver or black. It puts a streaming section, a DAC, an MM phono stage and an HDMI ARC input into one chassis, and it is the first Technics audio product to take a video-related HDMI ARC connection. US list price is USD 2,499.99 and UK pricing was GBP 1,399.99.

Key specs that matter

Rated output is 40 W per channel into 8 ohm and 80 W per channel into 4 ohm, with a permitted load range of 4 to 16 ohm. Analogue inputs are two line pairs and one MM phono pair, while the digital side offers two optical inputs, one coaxial, HDMI ARC, USB-A and USB-B. Outputs include a preamp out and a 6.3 mm headphone jack. Frequency response is 20 Hz to 20 kHz on phono, 20 Hz to 40 kHz on line and 20 Hz to 80 kHz on digital inputs. PCM is accepted up to 32 bit and 384 kHz, DSD up to DSD512, and an MQA decoder is fitted. The unit measures 430 x 98 x 368 mm, weighs 6.6 kg and draws 63 W.

Engineering and use context

Processing is fully digital from input to output. The JENO Engine, or Jitter Elimination and Noise-shaping Optimization, regenerates the clock and feeds a pulse width modulation power stage. Technics applies the same engine to the HDMI ARC input to limit jitter from the television link, and video data on that port runs at a reduced rate with zero pixel colour values to cut the noise it generates. LAPC, or Load Adaptive Phase Calibration, uses DSP to correct the effect of speaker impedance on amplitude and phase and is run from the remote handset. Under the Twin Power Supply Circuit System name, the amplifier stage has a dedicated supply separate from the rest of the electronics, and uses high-speed switching at about 130 kHz. Pure Amplification Mode switches off the network and HDMI circuits during playback. The front panel is 7 mm thick aluminium with a hairline finish, and the volume knob is solid aluminium.

Pairing

Network playback covers Spotify Connect, Chromecast built-in, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth and internet radio over Ethernet or Wi-Fi, with an FM tuner also on board. Setup runs through the Google Home app and daily control through the Technics Audio Centre app. The phono pair accepts MM cartridges only, and a television connects over HDMI ARC. The wide load rating and power doubling into lower impedance suit most passive speaker designs, and a powered subwoofer or an external power amp can be driven from the preamp out.

Alternatives

The Technics SU-G700M2 is a Grand Class integrated amplifier without streaming, rated at 70 W per channel into 8 ohm, with MM and MC phono inputs and a USB input.