Technics SU-GX70

[gjm]

This could be interesting.

Network Audio Amplifier SU-GX70

A heavily featured streaming amplifier that combines the sonic genes of Technics Grand Class components with a wealth of source functions, including video connectivity, the SU-GX70 Network Audio Amplifier easily integrates into the home hi-fi system with the inclusion of an HDMI ARC port. Full...

us.technics.com

No details around the amplification solution or what DAC is used, but I can't help drawing comparisons with the NAD M33 (albeit without the bells and whistles).

 

[JSmith]

Quite low on power @1% THD... very bare spec's, doesn't fill me with confidence at this point;

Output Power
40W+40W(1kHz,T.H.D.1.0%,8Ω,20kHz LPF) / 80W+80W(1kHz,T.H.D.1.0%,4Ω,20kHz LPF)
FTC Output Power
30W + 30W ( 1kHz, T.H.D. 1.0%, 8Ω, 20kHz LPF ) / 60W + 60W ( 1kHz, T.H.D. 1.0%, 4Ω, 20kHz LPF )
Load Impedance
4Ω-16Ω
Frequency Response
PHONO (MM): 20Hz - 20kHz ( RIAA DEVIATION ±1dB, 4Ω ) / LINE:20Hz - 40kHz ( -3dB, 4Ω ) / DIGITAL: 20Hz - 80kHz ( -3dB, 4Ω )
Input Sensitivity / Input Impedance

Network Audio Amplifier SU-GX70

A heavily featured streaming amplifier that combines the sonic genes of Technics Grand Class components with a wealth of source functions, including video connectivity, the SU-GX70 Network Audio Amplifier easily integrates into the home hi-fi system with the inclusion of an HDMI ARC port. Full...

us.technics.com

JSmith

 

[JktHifi]

no screen/display at the front, still need smartphone as source.

 

[gjm]

no screen/display at the front, still need smartphone as source.

No display? Who cares? It's an amp, not a TV!
OK - I'm being unfair. I may not be fussed about such things but I appreciate others like and use them.
Fewer bells and whistles.

Smartphone as a source? It supports WiFi, Chromecast, AirPlay and Bluetooth. And all the usual analogue and digital inputs?

 

[gjm]

Quite low on power @1% THD... very bare spec's, doesn't fill me with confidence at this point;

Network Audio Amplifier SU-GX70

A heavily featured streaming amplifier that combines the sonic genes of Technics Grand Class components with a wealth of source functions, including video connectivity, the SU-GX70 Network Audio Amplifier easily integrates into the home hi-fi system with the inclusion of an HDMI ARC port. Full...

us.technics.com

JSmith

Power is a bit lower than might be expected. One of the reasons why I'm keen to learn what the amplification stage is.

 

[JktHifi]

No display? Who cares? It's an amp, not a TV!
OK - I'm being unfair. I may not be fussed about such things but I appreciate others like and use them.
Fewer bells and whistles.

Smartphone as a source? It supports WiFi, Chromecast, AirPlay and Bluetooth. And all the usual analogue and digital inputs?

But it says A Network Audio Amplifier. It means that you need to sacrifice your smartphone. It could harm your smartphone because it will be gnawing

 

[Freeway]

Looks like a spitting image of the SU-G30, yet at half the original cost. Outside the case anyhow.
Although less power, 40 vs 50 watts, the G70 adds a pre out, another analogue in, HDMI, and some room placement (correction?) presets.
Technics seems to use their own proprietary D/A conversion, not a DAC chip.
I have thought that if Technics could market a G30 for under two grand they would have a hit. If the GX70 sounds as good, perhaps they have?

 

[Middle Earth]

I have one on the way
Reviving this thread

 

[kiwitaz4]

I have one on the way
Reviving this thread

View attachment 368616

Any thoughts?

 

[Middle Earth]

Any thoughts?

I think it is an incredible component and kudos to Technics for the technology
Not powerful at 40 watts 8 ohms and 80 watts 4 ohms
I have a black one and they are down to $1,500
Have not seen any testing for it
I have a tube system with a turntable all analog
For a digital system this is interesting
The digital amplifier is not class A or B or D as I understand it
The digital amplifier will immediately take any analog signal and digitize it and convert it back to analog in the output stage
I have set my stand alone DACs aside for my third class A/B system as the digital amplifier does a fantastic job with digital to analog conversion
So
Need a good/great streamer get this
Need a DAC get this
Need an excellent MM phono stage get this as Technics really got this right
Need some room correction get this
For $1,500 it is an insane value
I don’t believe it will be a SINAD ASR champion but it sounds great to me
The subjective reviews are glowing but that matters for nothing here
In my opinion it is the best single component solution for a smaller/medium space digital system
Just add some sensitive speakers

 

[Iluzun]

So I went ahead and ordered, expecting next week. Gonna try the phono and match to Zu DW2’S.
I’m hoping the flexibility of the unit to help match impedance and what seems a relatively low dampening
factor will pan out. I’ve heard the Technics rooms at prior audio shows and they always had a unique
sound. If needs, I can try its eArc in a different position where I currently run the SMSL AO300.
Maybe even the bedroom. I’ve 3 or 4 sets of monitors I could throw at it and a couple small floorstanders.
A Topping PA7+ is sittings aside awaiting the results. I like those units flexibility but I’m searching for a bit
more ‘character’…

 

[Iluzun]

The GX-70 is a very nice piece of equipment. It’s easily slid into service playing cd’s off of a SMSL PL-200 in transport mode and its phono input
thru an AT 60th Anniversary table w.Nagaoka cart, sounding great with both. Fast, clear, well sorted, punchy, and easy to use, it’s an easy listen.
No problem hooking up a pr. of Rel off the speaker binding post, dead silent. The post only take bare wire or spades, never seen that b4.
Feels like about twice the power of its modest ratings and I’m driving 5 driver floor standers with no problem. Hdmi eArc sounds very nice and ive
set aside the AO-300 which I like a lot for now. Still getting to know my way around but so far there is not much not to like, seems like an easy
piece of equipment to live with that can adapt to various rooms and speakers. Surprised it hasn’t received more attention here as the sound is very good.
I look forward to throwing some other speakers at it, but for now I’m just enjoying its playback. Streamer amps seem a growing segment and this guy
should definitely be a consideration…

 

[vAudioArchitect]

The GX-70 is a very nice piece of equipment. It’s easily slid into service playing cd’s off of a SMSL PL-200 in transport mode and its phono input
thru an AT 60th Anniversary table w.Nagaoka cart, sounding great with both. Fast, clear, well sorted, punchy, and easy to use, it’s an easy listen.
No problem hooking up a pr. of Rel off the speaker binding post, dead silent. The post only take bare wire or spades, never seen that b4.
Feels like about twice the power of its modest ratings and I’m driving 5 driver floor standers with no problem. Hdmi eArc sounds very nice and ive
set aside the AO-300 which I like a lot for now. Still getting to know my way around but so far there is not much not to like, seems like an easy
piece of equipment to live with that can adapt to various rooms and speakers. Surprised it hasn’t received more attention here as the sound is very good.
I look forward to throwing some other speakers at it, but for now I’m just enjoying its playback. Streamer amps seem a growing segment and this guy
should definitely be a consideration…

@Iluzun so its been 8 months now since you picked up the gx70, what are your thoughts on it now?

Have you by any chance had the opportunity to test SPL with a meter or your phone @1m or other distances?
Is there a sub out or high-pass filter on the gx70.
I've been interested in getting one to pair with a pair of Sourcepoint 8's

your feedback is greatly appreciated.

""Cheers
G

 

[Iluzun]

Hi, sorry 4 the late reply. Yes the GX-70 is still functioning in my setup. The eArc is essential w/a 75” Samsung mini led
our main view. Currently I am only using it as a preamp out to a Yamaha A-S2000’s amp in. I suppose besides the eArc I use the
Internet radio tuner the most, which sounds excellent. I also run a 500g Sandisk ssd into the front USB-A port that sounds very good.
The preouts could be used to signal your subs and I’ve not level tested but have easily used a half dozen different speakers w/no problems.
I use the Yamaha ‘cause it’s got balanced in for my reclocked cd transport/dac. Everything that goes into the Technics gets 384k and though
very good, my SMSL vmv dac does 512k, so a bit better. I’m not using the phono currently for similar reason but I thought it very good.
Last night I had KRFC from Fort Collins tuned, both ZZ Top & AC DC (not my normal fare) came thru the Andrew Jones designed Elac 3way, floorstanders
sounding way excellent and fun. Clear, hard hitting, punchy as all get out. Kef LS-50s also are amongst the best for tv viewing as dialog is clear and
articulate. The little coax really shine fed thru the eArc. I think it would likely match well with the source point 8’s. Let us know if you go in that
direction. Good luck…

 

[vAudioArchitect]

Hi, sorry 4 the late reply. Yes the GX-70 is still functioning in my setup. The eArc is essential w/a 75” Samsung mini led
our main view. Currently I am only using it as a preamp out to a Yamaha A-S2000’s amp in. I suppose besides the eArc I use the
Internet radio tuner the most, which sounds excellent. I also run a 500g Sandisk ssd into the front USB-A port that sounds very good.
The preouts could be used to signal your subs and I’ve not level tested but have easily used a half dozen different speakers w/no problems.
I use the Yamaha ‘cause it’s got balanced in for my reclocked cd transport/dac. Everything that goes into the Technics gets 384k and though
very good, my SMSL vmv dac does 512k, so a bit better. I’m not using the phono currently for similar reason but I thought it very good.
Last night I had KRFC from Fort Collins tuned, both ZZ Top & AC DC (not my normal fare) came thru the Andrew Jones designed Elac 3way, floorstanders
sounding way excellent and fun. Clear, hard hitting, punchy as all get out. Kef LS-50s also are amongst the best for tv viewing as dialog is clear and
articulate. The little coax really shine fed thru the eArc. I think it would likely match well with the source point 8’s. Let us know if you go in that
direction. Good luck…

Thanks for the feedback much appreciated, atm I’m also looking at an Advance Paris preamp as an option, still a bit of research to be done as soon as I create a short list - lol

Baby steps.

 

[Gremlins]

It seems that room correction is only available for iPhones, but not for Android, why?

 

[deniall83]

Currently looking at one of these amplifiers as an all-in-one unit for my system. Speakers are JBL L82 8 ohms and a sensitivity of 88dB. I live in an apartment so loud listening is not really possible. However, I want something capable. My listening position is around 2.5m from speakers. Would this have enough power?

 

[Iluzun]

Currently looking at one of these amplifiers as an all-in-one unit for my system. Speakers are JBL L82 8 ohms and a sensitivity of 88dB. I live in an apartment so loud listening is not really possible. However, I want something capable. My listening position is around 2.5m from speakers. Would this have enough power?

A beautiful choice! The amps clarity is great at all levels, mine now in a bedroom hooked to a Sony lcd, pulling in distant ‘radio’ feeds for night time listening. The
GX-70 is too good to ever let go as it’s so capable as so many different uses. You’ll be able to measure/calibrate those JBL in room and choose an optimal
position, or not. You could add a turntable, or not, same w/another amp and stream to it. It’s a cool unit that deserves more copy…

 

[Gremlins]

Hi,
I changed my hifi set up this year and now run a technics su-gx70 on 89db with lowest 3.6 ohms tower speakers
My hifi is in my living room of 25 sqm and this amp runs the speaker perfectly, even at high volume

I know the amp is rated with low watage, but trully you can suck every watts out of this amp without distorsion..its crazy tech ..never i felt of lack of power, trully

I have no doubt it will ease on your jbl, at least for your appartement and if you don't expect clubbing volume...

I am used to amps rating from 15w to class D 500 w ...
In my experiences, i 'ever '' needed'' so much power and was often happy with 30 to 80w

This technics is a real nice piece of gear, and affordable for what it offerts

Go on without any doubts

 

[deniall83]

Hi,
I changed my hifi set up this year and now run a technics su-gx70 on 89db with lowest 3.6 ohms tower speakers
My hifi is in my living room of 25 sqm and this amp runs the speaker perfectly, even at high volume

I know the amp is rated with low watage, but trully you can suck every watts out of this amp without distorsion..its crazy tech ..never i felt of lack of power, trully

I have no doubt it will ease on your jbl, at least for your appartement and if you don't expect clubbing volume...

I am used to amps rating from 15w to class D 500 w ...
In my experiences, i 'ever '' needed'' so much power and was often happy with 30 to 80w

This technics is a real nice piece of gear, and affordable for what it offerts

Go on without any doubts

Have you used any of the room correction features?