Anyone kinda like those Japanese "statement" amps? (and here's a new Technics)

Technics launches Grand Class SU-G700: The Definitive Integrated Amplifier Fully Conveying the Energy-of-the-Moment Music | News | Technics US
"Technics launches Grand Class SU-G700: The Definitive Integrated Amplifier Fully Conveying the Energy-of-the-Moment Music"
Digital jitter reduction, and PWM (Class D) amplification, with LAPC (Load Adaptive Phase Calibration) to reduce/eliminate the problem of typical Class D output filters affecting the response. And most importantly, big nice looking meters on the front, which has been shown in golden-ear sound clinics to move the sound 27% more towards "sweet" perception, away from "sour."

I've always kinda liked these special Japanese beasts. Including that monster 200 watt/channel receiver from I forget who that a college dorm neighbor owned. That thing had a lot of headroom I must say.

 

I really like what Technics is doing these days. Now if they would only bring down the price of their stuff by $2500.

 

MSRP? It's pretty enough!

 

Loved the old statement amps. Nearest I had was a Sansui AU-717 a few years ago. Lasted about a year and then it failed. Wasn't worth the repair costs so it went.

In their day, fantastic, these days, less practical with the potential servicing costs.

Not quite so keen on the look of this Technics and likewise their statement around solving jitter. That's been done for years, so I wondering if some of that price is aimed at fixing something today's already been dealt with for ages.

 

It has VU meters. VU Meters are like cats: They are cool and they improve everything. It's definitively something I would like to see and try, DESPITE the marketing blurb.

JENO and LAPC: Lots of text that doesn't really explain or says anything meaningful. Well, that's HiFi lingo after all so lets flow with it, whatever.

Switching power supply: OK....so what exactly is the innovation there?

Construction: That's something I can actually trust because it will be obvious the first time I'll see or handle the unit.

2x70W at 8 Ohm: It's pretty much what I would expect from a modern SS integrated stereo amp.

 

It's beauty for sure. Class D I'm not keen on.

 

I see this is $2,500. Not bad for a combination DAC/integrated amp -- if it sounds good!

But on second look, the meters-on-bottom styling is beginning to bother me. It makes the unit look top-heavy. The soft blue light is gorgeous.

 

I wouldn't kick her out of the rack. Would love to listen to her and see how well they've optimized their class D. Betting it would sound quite nice.

 

LOL I saw that jitter reference and thought "what is it 1997 again"?

 

"Energy-of-the-Moment Music" It's the best kind really.

 

Can anyone point me towards a DAC or source that doesn't reduce/eliminate jitter?

Other than that, they used a whole lot of words to say "well built" and "performs well".

 

Yeah, yer right. It's upside down!

 

I seen the SU-C700, SL-C700, the SB-C700 speakers, and the SL-1200GR setup in person at one of my local record shops and she's a real beauty. It also sounds really good as well.

 

In the looks department it doesn't get much better than the latest Yamaha integrateds in silver with the natural wood sides-

 

Black always looks better

 

Stick with LUXMAN for any Japan "high end" south of Audio Note.

 

Utter nonsense.

 

Yes, I like the looks, too. If I were designing it, I think I'd make the meters bigger. They are useless, but they sure are pretty and entertaining to look at. Come to think of it, maybe that means they are not useless, after all.

I seem to remember Yamaha styling like that in the 1970s. I liked it then, too. The elongated selector knobs are nice to work with.

 

The A-S3000 has (much) larger meters but I couldn't find a decent pic of it with the natural wood sides (only piano black).

 

That's because it only comes with black side panels whether you get the black or silver faceplate.

Speaking of which, I wish the silver version had the black VU meters.

 

The next wave will be that instead of reducing jitter they will actually creat "euphonious" jitter...

 

Very true.

I considered the Yamaha AS integrated amplifiers because of the VU meters and the optional black finish. But they were too large for the shelf in the study so I bought a TEAC instead.

 

Does anyone know if that SU-G700 has a phonostage? I see no mention of it, but it seems odd that it wouldn't be included. I must have missed it.

 

Well...but it doesn't have a "Japanese feel" in my opinion. Looks more evil (in a good way) though.

 

Class D blows chunks.