Technics SU-G700M2 integrated amplifier

Right after the true success of the SU-G700 integrated amplifier, Technics  improves it and adds the conventional denomination M2 (MK2 = Mark 2 = Serie 2!).

TECHNICS SU-G700M2: CHASSIS

The SU-G700M2 is offered inside an ultra rigid metal dual chassis divided into three different parts to avoid disruptions.

Moreover, it consists of an internal and an external steel chassis allowing to limit vibrations and noise as to not degrade sound.

The internal chassis consists of a 1.2 mm wide plate and the lower surface consists of a 2 mm wide steel plate. This design improves vibration mitigation performance. This chassis allows to support heavy parts and components while lowering the centre of gravity and makes the amplifier  very stable.

TECHNICS SU-G700M2: FRONT AND BACK PANEL

This integrated amplifier is provided with a magnificent front panel consisting of a 7 mm wide aluminium plate preventing electromagnetic noises. Two superb VU-meters are visible behind a large transparent window. There’s a large volume potentiometer on the centre.

On the back of the device, we can find a phono input (MM and MC), two analogue inputs, two optical, (Toslink) two coaxial (SPDIF) and one USB-B inputs. The WBT speaker outputs are compatible with thick wires, but the connection is better via banana or fork connectors.

TECHNICS SU-G700M2: CHARACTERISTICS

The Technics SU-G700M2 announces a power of 2 x 70 W at 8 ohms per channel and can deliver 140 at 4 ohms! Its Class AA power stage is equipped with a circuit which analyses the speakers impedance behaviour and then individually optimises its own frequency, amplitude and phase behaviours in order to drive Hi-Fi speakers (LAPC) with the highest efficiency possible.

The phono input was especially well-groomed and fully remodelled compared to the SU-G700 previous version. It was manufactured on a differential parallel connection configuration with a low noise FET first stage. The gain is handled by 4 levels which allow to get the best gain depending on the phono cartridge output. To top it all, a low impedance circuit allows to obtain a 100 ohms input and a 63 dB gain, making the Technics Su-G700M2 compatible with a large range of low output MC cartridges .

The Technics SU-G700M2 is also equipped with a Class AA headphone amplifier with distinct circuits for the audio signal voltage and current power supply. The voltage is amplified via an excellent quality operational amplifier. Regarding the current, it is handled by an operational amplifier provided with high-current power supply capabilities.

The PWM signal output is converted into a high-precision analogue signal ensuring optimum headphone  power supply. Therefore, it is possible to reproduce music with limited distortion and an extended frequency range, independently from the headphone impedance load.

TECHNICS SU-G700M2: TESTING AND LISTENING

We have the same neutrality and realism as the previous version.

This Technics amplifier looks very comfortable with speakers, which could make us believe it’s far more powerful than it seems. It makes them move without much effort and offers stunning dynamism!

The soundstage and the openness are remarkable for a product from this price range. We also note a timbre quality that could make us think tubes are present in the preamplifier section. This doesn’t provide colouration but an incredible harmonic presence and richness.

The Technics SU-G700M2 offers a very communicative musicality and we catch ourselves listening to it for hours without being bothered of frustrated.

The quality of the phono input is very pleasant as well as its DAC and headphone output which makes it an audiophile Swiss Army knife at a very competitive price!

The Technics SU-G700M2 integrated amplifier is once more a success. Not only is it superb, it also offers a lot of musicality! Would recommend.

Awards:

Diapason d'Or - 2020