Technics SU-GX70 Network Amplifier, $1,999
Hi-Fi Review By Lance Rhinehart
This stunning piece, out of the box, speaks of high-end audio. The tactile aspects of the Technics SU-GX70’s instrumentation are satisfying and appealing to use. The solid, precise action of the volume knob and input selector conveys its bespoke engineering. The weight and the construction of the front panel send a consistent message of well-built materials. To that end, there is an aesthetically interesting combination of old-school audio with high-tech features which made me want to, not only hear it, but to really dig into its capabilities and see why people say that it’s not just a run-of-the mill amplifier.
The very elegance of the SU–GX70 lies primarily in its understated design. The front panel features a clear and informative display that readily shows relevant information. However, the display itself could benefit from a slightly larger read out. Overall, I offer a sincere thumbs up regarding the front panel design because the operational controls are very intuitive and pleasing.
The rear panel is well organized with a comprehensive array of input and output connections, and clearly labeled for ease of use. The binding posts are sturdy and ready for typical wear and tear as expected by any demanding audio enthusiast. Certainly nothing but good things to say here.
I tested the SU-GX70 in a small listening space that was well-suited to the amplifier, given its modest (though very high quality) power output and Space Tune room optimization capabilities. I thoroughly liked that the amplifier performed keenly at lower volume levels, retaining a surprising amount of detail and clarity. With a modest power rating of 40W/80W, the piece delivered a solid punch for my SVS Prime Bookshelf speakers. I speculate that this might not be the amplifier to drive less efficient speakers or in spaces that need a good distance throw, but it certainly has the cookies to move the typical bookshelf and even moderately sized floor standing speakers. The SU-GX70 gives exactly what it boasts in a sincere and trustworthy fashion.
The SU-GX70 extracts a high level of detail while avoiding any discernible noise, resulting in clean, precise sound. The highs definitely did not come across as harsh or artificial in any way, and the mids delivered natural vocals with clear separation of instruments. I would describe the bass response as tight, clean and certainly not boomy, but I did not really expect it from this style of amplifier regardless. Simply put, there is a declarative definition with a very attractive sound stage where the SU-GX70 plays its appropriate role as an unimposing, unbiased advocate of quality sound.
In addition to being a network amplifier with extensive streaming capabilities, the SU-GX70 holds two very interesting and noteworthy features, which are its Load Adaptive Phase Calibration (LAPC) and Space Tune room optimization. The Technics SU-GX70 keeps the signal in the digital domain from start to finish, including amplification. It not only provides pristine amplification, but the LAPC analyzes any given connected speaker and optimizes the SU-GX70’s output for improved speaker matching, with the goal of creating more accurate results. The Space Tune room optimization tailors the speaker’s sound to a specific room or listening environment, which is particularly handy in a small and multi-angled listening space (though it is a benefit in more typical, rectangular listening rooms as well). The Space Tune works in tandem with the Technics Audio Center app. Some have reported that the app functions more smoothly with iOS rather than Android applications, but others report that updates have smoothed out functions for either user. I found no issues after pairing it to my Samsung phone, and I found the app satisfying to use. The LAPC and the Space Tune features make this amplifier especially notable. It takes the guesswork out of the complex task of room balancing, especially if you want high-end sound performance but don’t desire the time-consuming process of tweaking and acoustically-treating your room.
If you are looking for a versatile, high-end amp to command a system that adapts well to a small to medium listening area and has a wide variety of music source capabilities, The Technics SU-GX70 Network Audio Amplifier stands up as prime candidate.