Technics is a brand well known for their turntables, but they have been branching out to headphones and amps with some interesting new models. The SU-GX70 is a streaming amplifier with every box checked for features. At $2000 there isn’t a massive amount of competition for streaming amps, but for what you get it’s an awesome value that is sure to last you years.
Streaming amps are unique in the fact that they add in wifi streaming, often via an app for control to allow you to access a much larger library of music than you could contain in your home that is also high quality from apps like Tidal. The GX70 offers many options for you to enjoy music from radio, line in or even a built in turntable input you can do it all. So let's dig into the GX70 and see if it’s worth your hard earned cash.
Power - 60w x 2 into 4 ohms
Impedance - 4-16 ohms
Weight - 14.6 lbs
Size - (16-15/16 x 3-55/64 x 14-31/64)inch
Connections - Bluetooth, Airplay 2, FM tuner, Wifi, Ethernet, USB, Phono (MM), optical, HDMI and line level
Warranty - 3 years
MSRP - $1999
Purchase Link - Technics SU-GX70 Amplifier
Fantastic connectivity and feature set
Priced in at around the average of rival models
Clean looks
Excellent App
Compact Design
Front screen is a bit small
Easy to clutter rear connections
Less power than Rivals
Let’s get this unboxed and setup. First impressions pulling this out of the box are the clean looks, but Technics really tried to pull in every feature and connection option they could get their hands on. For real, there are a ton of options here. I will be trying out Bluetooth and Wifi for testing with this review.
Now to get everything setup you have to use 2 apps, first the google home app, I already use it for my Nest thermostat so it’s no issue for me. Then you can use the actual Technics Audio Centre app. Setup is quite painless, the app does a good job of not wasting your time.
I kinda wish with the black unit you would get a black remote to match, but that’s not too big of a deal. The silver remote is easy to see on my black couch and of course makes it harder to lose as well. The volume knob on the front is nearly the same size as the screen and you have some auxiliary inputs to the left of the volume control. It sacrifices some clean lines to give you better connectivity options on the front.
Music apps are music apps for the most part now in the hifi world, but Technics has some great customization in the app for inputs and room calibration. I love being inside of the app and not in some random menu that makes you use the screen. This app was well thought out by people who actually like listening to music.
If you're wondering how it does compared to other options, you can check out the Cambridge Audio EVO 75 or CXA81, the NAD C 700, Marantz Model 40n or the NAD Masters Series M10 V2. The $2000 price range doesn’t have a lot of competition but you will get a lot of bang for buck in this segment.
If you want a bigger screen check out the NAD C 700 and if you want more power check out the Marantz Model 40n. While the GX70 has a more expansive feature set and an arguably better app than them both, it’s not an easy choice at this price point as rivals are all pushing different feature sets.
While I myself prefer large screens on the front I am at least grateful that the GX70 has a screen as some rivals do not. But since this is a streaming amp, the app will likely be your most used form of control and so let's jump into the music. You can also of course run HDMI to the GX70, but you only have 2 channels, so music will be where it’s at. There are pre-outs included, so if you want to upgrade to say a tube amp in the future that is no problem.
Starting out with Never Tell - Everything in my mind the track pulls in smooth vocals with a tech/rock beat. The GX70 stays clean and composed with the sound stage being well defined.
I switched over to some Amaranthe - The Nexus to better hear more vocal range and the GX70 didn’t disappoint. It handles male and female vocals with ease.
Basstrologe - Somebody to Love is a great track for pushing the low end limit of a system and this is where you can start to hear some cracks in the power of this amp. More power isn’t always better, but for bass it often is. Compared to other rivals, the GX70 would benefit from a bit more power, but the sound is well above average so I wouldn’t worry about it too much.
Alex Claire - Too Close is a great track and a long time favorite of mine for really picking at the details of an amp. Highs, mids and lows are tested to a T in this song. The mid range with the GX70 is a real treat here, everything sounded so crisp and warm. Not tube warm, but warm nonetheless.
Speaker choice is key with any amp and I currently have a pair of Episode 6” In-Room Monitors and they put out a surprising amount of balanced bass. While you could get away with towers with this amp, don’t go crazy with some of the bigger options, stick to the smaller tower speakers and you should be golden.
It hits right around the middle of the pack in terms of price for a high quality streaming amplifier, while its massive feature set, well designed app and clean looks really highlight its value. The GX70 does nearly everything right and at $2000 it’s right where it should be for the price.
It has very few cons, I really think a larger screen and a bit more power would make it truly perfect. If you're looking for a streaming amp that will last you years with superb music quality and a timeless look, the GX70 is a top choice in my book.
