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Technics Network Audio Amplifier SU-GX70
The definitive living room audio center that enables seamless enjoyment of video, audio, and music through next-level integration using Technics’ full digital technologies.
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 Digital Amp, JENO Engine (Jitter Elimination and Noise-shaping Optimization)
- Twin Power Supply Circuit System
- Ideal Impulse Response through LAPC (Load Adaptive Phase Calibration)
- Pure Amplification Mode
- High-quality Audio through Low-impact HDMI Video Output
Jitter Elimination and Noise-shaping Optimization
Full Digital Amp, JENO Engine
The SU-GX70 uses a fully digital amplifier that incorporates Technics’ renowned digital audio technology. Its digital transmission system processes signals fully digitally in all stages from input to output. Compared to analogue transmission, this system is less susceptible to signal degradation caused by external noise, ensuring more precise signal transmission. Accurate signal processing not only delivers high-resolution digital audio but also maintains the soft texture inherent in analogue recordings.
Further, a JENO Engine has been used in the HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel), which has been installed in a Technics product for the first time. This helps to reduce any degradation in sound quality caused by jitter during the transmission of digital audio signals (S/PDIF), ensuring unparalleled levels of clarity in TV audio.
High-quality audio components have been used in various other locations, too. For example, chip film capacitors have been used in place of power supply noise-reduction capacitors and signal path coupling capacitors.
(Load Adaptive Phase Calibration)
Ideal Impulse Response through LAPC
Speaker impedance changes with each frequency and a power amplifier is required to drive speakers without being affected by the speaker’s characteristics. However, conventional digital amplifiers are connected to speakers through a low-pass filter at the output stage, so they are even more strongly affected by the speaker impedance characteristics. Also, although the amplitude characteristics of conventional amplifiers
due to negative feedback were improved, the phase characteristics could not be enhanced.
We thus developed a speaker impedance adaptive optimization algorithm that performs correction to the ideal impulse response through digital signal processing by measuring the frequency amplitude-phase characteristics of the amplifier with the speakers connected. This technique enables flattening of the frequency characteristics of amplitude and phase, which had previously not been achieved by amplifiers, while also delivering a sound with rich spatial expression.
Twin Power Supply Circuit System
The design of the power supply is extremely critical in audio systems containing amplifiers, digital circuits and other such components. To eliminate any adverse effects on the amplifier, the SU-GX70 is equipped with a dedicated power supply for the power amplifier circuits that is independent from all other circuits. As such, the same electrolytic capacitors installed in high-end models have been used in the dedicated amplifier power supply and the power amplifier components.
Further, by using the shortest possible connection between the power supply and the power amplifier, the SU-GX70 ensures low noise and low impedance. Elsewhere, the connections between the speakers and power amplifier use non-magnetic brass screws.
The SU-GX70 uses a high-speed switching power supply of approximately 130 kHz. By increasing the switching frequency, noise interference on the music playback bandwidth is reduced. This enables highly responsive power supply for music signals and powerful speaker drive capability.
High-Quality Audio through Low-impact HDMI Video Output
For the SU-GX70 to receive audio signals through the HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel), due to the specifications, video signals must first be output from the SU-GX70. However, the output of these signals can cause unwanted noise.
As such, the video signals are output from the SU-GX70 at a lower rate, and the digital value of the color of each pixel is set to zero. This ensures low-load operation between the HDMI transmitting/receiving devices, preventing any unwanted noise generation from the video signals.
This also reduces any impact on sound quality. Further, transmitting the signals from the TV to the JENO Engine via the shortest possible route minimizes any further impact from jitter. This is a mechanism unique to Panasonic/Technics as HDMI licensors.
Pure Amplification Mode
In Pure Amplification Mode, shutting off the power supply to the network and HDMI circuits removes any noise from the device or antenna. This ensures music playback with even better clarity.
Analogue Input Using Discrete Amp Circuits
The discrete amp circuit used in the SU-GX70 was redesigned and adapted from the circuit used in the SU-R1000, and the same symmetrical layout has been used.
Further, other high-quality audio parts of the same grade as those used in the SU-R1000 have also been adopted, such as low-noise FETs, thin-film resistors, film capacitors, and electrolytic capacitors.
In this way, analog input has been fine-tuned to every detail.
Space Tune™ for Optimal Adjustment of Sound Quality
The SU-GX70 is equipped with the “Space Tune” function, which enables the adjustment of sound space according to the room environment and installation location so that anyone can enjoy superb music reproduction.
By using the “Technics Audio Centre*” app for tablets/smartphones or by selecting a setting from the four presets—“Free,” “Wall,” “Corner” and “In a Shelf”—using the main unit according to the installation location, the user can achieve the most suitable sound quality for a specific acoustic environment.
Furthermore, the “L/R Custom” feature lets the user enter the setting independently for the left and right speakers when the speakers are set up in different installation conditions. This brings out the best sound reproduction in any installation conditions.
* Available for iOS devices only
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Professional Reviews 90/100
Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
88/100
Build Quality
90/100
Features Connectivity
95/100
Value for Money
91/100
The SU-GX70 combines clean, rhythmically agile sound with a remarkably complete streaming hub: HDMI ARC, phono, hi-res USB, AirPlay 2 and Chromecast all reside in one refined chassis. hi-fi+ admired its effortless detail and precise imaging, while SoundStage Solo found exceptional punch, dynamics and holographic focus. Space Tune and LAPC add welcome speaker-room finesse.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Clean, detailed and rhythmically engaging presentation with precise imaging and strong dynamics.
Exceptionally comprehensive one-box connectivity, including HDMI ARC, MM phono, USB, streaming services, AirPlay 2, Chromecast and pre-out.
LAPC and Space Tune can improve bass control and accommodate challenging speaker placement.
High-quality, compact construction with refined fit and finish.
&
Cons
Gentle voicing lacks the bass weight, large-scale authority and ultimate punch of more powerful rivals.
App-based setup can be cumbersome, with occasional dropouts and a two-app initial configuration.
Headphone output may lack clean power for demanding planar headphones.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 88/100
The SU-GX70 is widely described as clean, detailed, rhythmically engaging and easy to listen to, with a smooth to slightly warm overall balance. Its principal trade-offs are a gentler sense of scale and weight than some rivals, plus a presentation that can sound somewhat forward or less emotionally stirring with certain recordings.
Transparency Resolution
91/100
Reviewers repeatedly praise the Technics' clarity, low-level detail and clean, dark presentation. Tracking Angle heard impressive transparency and precisely delivered transients, while Sound Advice found it revealing of both rock dynamics and subtle recorded ambience without becoming harsh; StereoNET, however, felt fine detail could become slightly rounded or opaque when examined closely.
Tonal Balance Musicality
88/100
Its sound is generally considered smooth, well balanced and pleasingly musical, with Sound Advice calling it warm, generous, rich and weighty, and What Hi-Fi? enjoying its sweetness and genial character. Other listeners heard a more presence-forward signature or felt it could be a little polite and lacking the final degree of soul, weight or vocal grit.
Dynamics
87/100
At sensible levels, the SU-GX70 earns considerable praise for timing, microdynamic expression, attack and composure. Several reviewers found it played louder than its 40W rating suggests, but Audiophilepure and Stjernholm Reviews both encountered compression, hardness or insufficient headroom in larger rooms, with less-sensitive speakers or at very high levels.
Soundstage Imaging
87/100
Image focus and instrumental separation are strong: hi-fi+ called the imaging excellent, while SoundStage Solo heard striking specificity and a holographic quality. The stage is more precise than expansive, though, and some reviewers found its forward character could flatten venue depth or make the presentation feel slightly recessed.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
90/100
The compact chassis, brushed aluminium fascia, crisp display, etched branding and substantial binding posts receive consistently positive comments. Sound Advice calls the build impeccable, and StereoNET reports precise fit, finish and positive switchgear action, though SoundStage Solo found the volume control unusually stiff.
Features Connectivity
95/100
This is an unusually comprehensive one-box system, combining network streaming, Wi-Fi/Ethernet, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Bluetooth, HDMI ARC, USB-B computer audio, USB-A playback, digital inputs, MM phono, FM radio, pre-out and a headphone socket. Reviewers also highlight useful LAPC and Space Tune calibration facilities, although the app, small display and headphone output draw occasional criticism.
Value for Money
91/100
At roughly $1,999.95, reviewers generally see the SU-GX70 as a compelling and well-equipped purchase rather than a stripped-back amplifier. Sound Advice calls it an excellent buy, StereoNET says it offers an awful lot for the money, and The Absolute Sound describes it as budget friendly; prospective buyers with large rooms, demanding speakers or power-hungry headphones should account for its output limits.
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- The Music Room — online and in-store — Erie, Colorado, United States (website)
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