Technics SU-G700M2E

The SU-G700M2 is a stereo integrated amplifier from Technics, built around fully digital amplification handled by the JENO Engine, a technology derived from the brand's reference systems designed to limit drift and digital noise. It combines a power amplifier stage, a phono preamplifier and a USB digital-to-analogue converter in a single chassis, making it a central component capable of driving a pair of speakers directly without additional electronics.

Its internal design is based on a three-section separation, isolating the sensitive input circuits from the high-power output stages, in order to reduce interference and distortion. The double aluminium chassis and symmetrical structure contribute to this pursuit of electrical stability. The power supply, referred to as Advanced Speed Silent Power Supply, is inspired by that of the flagship SU-R1000 model and aims to deliver more current to the speakers.

In terms of power, the unit is rated at 2x140 W into 4 ohms (20 kHz, THD 0.5%) and can drive speakers with an impedance between 4 and 16 ohms. The line input has a sensitivity of 200 mV for an impedance of 22 kohms, while the phono inputs accept 2.5 mV/47 kohms in MM and 300 µV/100 ohms in MC, the latter benefiting from low-noise FET technology and four adjustable gain levels to suit different cartridges.

Connectivity includes an MM/MC phono input, two RCA line inputs, an RCA line output, an RCA pre-out output, two coaxial S/PDIF inputs, two Toslink optical S/PDIF inputs, a USB-B input, a USB-A port for updates and 5 V power supply, as well as a front-panel headphone output paired with a dedicated class AA stage with separate circuits for voltage and current. The asynchronous USB DAC handles resolutions up to 32-bit/384 kHz as well as DSD 11.2 MHz.

This type of amplifier is aimed at a user wishing to centralise several sources around a single unit: a turntable fitted with an MM or MC cartridge, digital sources via USB or S/PDIF, and high-end headphones. Its versatile connectivity and comprehensive phono management make it a relevant choice for a stereo system built around a single, upgradeable entry point.