My short video about the Technics component tower excited the minds and hearts of my viewers, although not a single word was said in it. To date, it has been viewed more than 250 thousand times, this is still an absolute record on my channel. In addition, they left me a lot of diametrically opposed comments. I think it’s time to figure out this tower and understand what’s so interesting about it. But first, you can look at the video that started it all. By the way, it also contains an example of the sound: So, what’s wrong with that? In my opinion, the answer is obvious - the main feature is an all-in-one approach - and the ability to play almost all media of sound material available at that time: here you have a radio and a cassette player and a turntable for vinyl records and a player for CDs that have just appeared. And not just a player, but a 5-disc changer. In 1991! Yes, This kit was produced around 1990-1991.
Control comes first
This solution, which is not the most common for this price category (and it is also used in the SE-R1 reference series, which is not yet presented in all countries), is dictated by the company’s new approach, which can be freely expressed by the well-known expression “are you checkered or go?”
In other words, Technics is committed to providing you with precise, detailed, and musical sound with confident control over a variety of acoustics—using the methods they choose.
To protect against internal interference, a three-node arrangement was used in the amplifier
To begin with, in order to eliminate the almost inevitable jitter and accompanying noise when processing a digital signal, the company used proprietary JENO Engine (Jitter Elimination and Noise-shaping Optimization) technology. In particular, a special battery-powered clock generator and a precision PWM module are involved here.
The main control lies with LAPC (Load Adaptive Phase Calibration) technology, which adjusts the phase characteristics in real time, continuously matching them to the constantly changing and frequency-dependent impedance of the speakers. As a result, engineers were able to obtain a smooth, powerful signal across the entire frequency range.
Internal partitions increase the rigidity of the already strong case
The Japanese paid special attention to protection from parasitic noise and radiation. First of all, the amplifier case was divided into three almost equal parts, placing in them various circuits and a switching hybrid power supply. Internal partitions also added additional rigidity and vibration resistance to the already robust aluminum body on a double frame and a steel bottom plate.
More noise-reducing circuits and components were added to the power supply, computer input amplifier, clock power supply, and phono input.
However, Technics has not completely forgotten about the variation on the theme of its own AA amplification circuit (and again not to be confused with the operating mode) - it is used in the headphone output. Here, the high PWM signal, converted to analog, is fed to a separate dual-circuit amplifier.
Double cassette deck Technics RS-TR157
- Type: auto reverse, double compact cassette deck
- Track System: 4-track, 2-channel stereo
- Tape Speed: 4.8cm/s
- Heads: 1 x record/playback, 1 x playback, 1 x erase
- Motor: 2 x DC servo
- Tape Type: type I, CrO2, Metal
- Noise Reduction: B, C
- Frequency Response: 20Hz to 18kHz (Metal tape)
- Signal to Noise Ratio: 74dB (dolby C)
- Wow and Flutter: 0.1%
- Input: 60mV (line)
- Output: 0.4V (line)
- Dimensions: 430 x 136 x 290mm
- Weight: 4.8kg
Accompanies any performer
To better understand the capabilities of the amplifier and differentiate its own presentation from the nature of the acoustics, we prepared two pairs of equal speakers at once. Close to the top-end floor-standing models ELAC FS 409 and Monitor Audio Gold 300 5G at the time of testing the promotional price was the same, accurate to the ruble. Both have similar sensitivity characteristics (89 and 90 dB), the same impedance of 4 Ohms and a similar speaker design - a ribbon tweeter, a midrange emitter and a pair of low-frequency drivers.
Speakers that were dissimilar in appearance and character demonstrated a presentation that was close in detail and volume
First, let's test the analog connection and help us with this... the Cambridge Audio Edge NQ digital network player, which has earned us high praise for its high-quality natural sound transformation. Moreover, it only has analog outputs, and we will now use an unbalanced Pre-Out.
To connect the player to the network, speakers and amplifier, we did not use assorted cables, but used the mid-budget and at the same time quite high-quality Nordost Explorer kit, which offers a ready-made solution “out of the box” just for this case.
The variety of inputs involves working with analog and digital devices, but further signal processing is always digital
First, let's offer the audio system a baroque classic in the form of the JS Bach album I often use. Oboenwerke. Alexei Utkin. Hermitage Chamber Orchestra. The speakers from ELAC immediately created a lively and very three-dimensional, almost three-dimensional picture. I compared these works on different setups, and here I noticed a very good balance and clarity of all instruments at the same time as an informatively constructed scene.
But still, I’ll quibble a little - the main character, that is, the oboe, seemed to me too light and not corporeal enough. I changed the speakers to Monitor Audio - and the sound became a little softer, more velvety, but most importantly, the oboe seemed to have found its wooden body and with it warmth and naturalness.
But the overall flow was practically preserved. Still the same stage, the same volume and arrangement of instruments, along with excellent balance. Both pairs of columns displayed equally informative and voluminous displays of other classical genres, be it the large-scale “Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves from Nabucco” by Verdi from the Slovak Philarmonic Chorus and Radio Symphony Orchestra or the overture to “Le nozze di Figaro ossia la folle giornata” by Mozart from another Slovak orchestra Capella Istropolitana.
The device has a separate amplifier of the proprietary AA circuit for headphones with dedicated voltage and current amplification circuits
In both cases, the amplifier provides excellent reproduction of the nuances of the phonogram over the entire wide orchestral range. The only difference is that ELAC play German correctly and meticulously, and Monitor Audio seems to soften this straightforwardness and seem a little more analog.
Let's return to modern times. The composition “Uprising” by Muse is not only replete with deliberately overloaded and distorted sounds, but it is also recorded a little unclearly. But the amplifier didn’t seem to notice this and, with both pairs of speakers, presented the song not just volumetrically, but downright holographically - with soaring vocals and distinct vibrating lows. Once again, the ELACs were brighter and more aggressive, while the Monitors were a little softer and more comfortable.
And here my hunting instinct woke up, and I began to throw compositions to the amplifier that some setups had problems with. Rammstein’s massive “Radio” with its overloaded lows seemed to be taken apart by Technics into details and presented clearly and distinctly. What’s strange is that this time the song sounded harsher and more aggressive in Monitor Audio’s interpretation.
In the instrumental composition “Satin Shores” by Valery Didyulya and Dmitry Malikov, the piano almost always seemed unnaturally glassy, but now it has acquired a long-awaited naturalness. And Def Leppard’s somewhat washed-out song “Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop)” this time appeared unexpectedly bright and distinct.
On the contrary, I chose the electronic piece “The Race” by Yello for its good quality and abundance of stereo effects. And now both pairs of speakers seem to have turned it into a surround sound show. I also managed to hear several previously unnoticed nuances and stereo effects on the remastered CD “Blood Type” Kino from Maschina Records.
Cabinet Technics
- Oak veneer. The cabinet has a glass door. Made in Canada.
- Included: set of wires, remote control
Clearly this is a low cost system. Is there anyone who would not have dreamed of such a tower in 1991? Maybe there is, but you must agree - despite the fact that this is not high-end at all and is unlikely to be super high-quality hi-fi - the most important thing in this system is versatility and accessibility. Yes, availability. The truth is not for you and me, but for the residents of North America, where this particular tower was sold.
I specifically researched the catalogs of electronics stores of those years, trying to find a documented price. I didn’t find an exact set like this, but I did find similar ones. The cost is $800 to $900 for the entire tower. Let's add a couple more hundred for the Technix brand and it turns out that the cost of the entire set is a maximum of $1,200. A college student could easily earn this amount on summer vacation. Especially if you lived with your parents.
Several people from the USA and Canada who OWNED this kit back in the 90s wrote in the comments to the first video. And they only confirmed my assumptions: I think I purchased it at Circuit City for around $1,100 which was a lot for me back then. 1991 or 1992
(I think I bought a taco kit from Circut City, a chain of inexpensive stores in the US, for about $1,100, which was a lot of money for me back then). That's right, it's not a penny, and for that amount you had to work hard, but this is a completely realistic situation. The conclusion is very simple - we have an inexpensive student system . People with money, of course, bought other equipment.
Detailed overview of the tower components Review of the cassette player from the tower
First person
If now we listened to digital recordings with a deliciously prepared analog conversion from Cambridge Audio Edge NQ, which the amplifier then re-digitized, now we will compare this presentation with our own processing from the Technics SU-G700 itself. And the source here will be the native CD/network player Technics Super Audio CD SL-G700, connected via a coaxial interface.
The large volume knob is so pleasant to the touch that you want to put the remote control aside and get up from your chair once again.
I go through the same musical material - and everywhere the same volumetric balanced presentation is preserved, but the sound has become a little lighter, colder and more transparent. Whether this is a plus or a minus is a matter of personal taste. But when choosing an amplifier, you need to keep two things in mind: it can reliably reveal the features of an analog source, and, at the same time, it has its own character when processing an external digital signal.
Overall, I got the impression that the Technics SU-G700 is capable of handling any soundtrack and getting everything out of the recording, regardless of genre. And every time it will be a high-quality, voluminous and effective presentation. By the way, during the entire listening, the volume level was approximately 30–40% of the maximum.
Do you think there are a lot of flattering words? Well, here’s the cherry on the cake - yes, the sound of the amplifier is emphatically correct, but to such an extent that you already want some individual nuances. This machine reminds me of the Asian virtuosos who populate prestigious classical music competitions.
They may have an impeccably correct technique, honed by countless persistent repetitions, but they resemble ideal and therefore similar musical robots. So the Technics SU-G700 seems to offer a mathematical model of a sound that is perfect in its understanding, when sometimes you want something from the heart.
Technics SL-B200 vinyl player
This cheap plastic toy for a hundred dollars has nothing in common with the legendary Technics turntables. However, it has everything that an adult vinyl player should have: a belt drive, a micro-lift, two speeds, a strobe, an auto-return of a rather elegant tonearm and a table rotation speed control. It can be noted that the placement of the turntable in the cabinet is not entirely convenient, but this is exactly what the designers intended.
- Type: semi automatic turntable system
- Drive method: belt drive
- Motor: dc motor
- Control method: frequency generator servo control
- Platter: 304mm aluminum die-cast
- Speeds: 33 and 45rpm
- Wow and flutter: 0.045% wrms
- Rumble: 70dB
- Tonearm: statically balanced straight tonearm
- Effective length: 230mm
- Overhang: 15mm
- Cartridge weight range: 6g
- Dimensions: 430 x 93 x 375mm
- Weight: 3.3kg
Conclusion
This amplifier will appeal to highly demanding audiophiles who demand equally confident and accurate presentation of a wide variety of musical genres. And if you get creative, it’s also perfect for music lessons, small clubs and music lectures. Without a doubt, he will clearly reveal and show all the features of classics, folk art, modern rhythms - and the list goes on.
But avid fans of certain musical styles, as well as convinced audiophiles, may need something more lively and individual. Although, most likely, you will have to look in a higher price category.
Passport details
Number of channels: 2 Output power: 2 x 70 W (1 kHz, nonlinear distortion coefficient 0.5%, 8 Ohm, 20 kHz low-pass filter); 2 x 140 W (1 kHz, nonlinear gain 0.5%, 4 Ohm, 20 kHz low-pass filter) Inputs: Phono MM, 2 x optical, 2 x coaxial, USB-B (PC), 2 x analog linear Outputs: analog linear and Pre-Out; headphones 6.3 mm, 0.75 mW, 32 Ohm Supported formats: PCM up to 32 bit/384 kHz, DSD 11.2 MHz Power consumption: 85 W Frequency response: line input 5 Hz - 80 kHz (-3 dB, 8 Ohm), Phono input 20 Hz – 20 kHz (RIAA deviation ±1 dB, 8 Ohm), digital input 5 Hz – 90 kHz (-3 dB, 8 Ohm) Dimensions (WxHxD): 430 x 148 x 428 mm Weight: 12.3 kg
Original material on the website stereo.ru:
Technics SU-G700 amplifier test: mathematical virtuosity This review has been read 7,245 times
Tuner Technics ST-K50
A regular AM/FM stereo tuner with quite clear functionality and memory for 24 stations. Another interesting thing here is that the tuner is plugged into a power outlet, and the amplifier is powered from the tuner. Thus, turning on the tuner starts all components of the tower.
- Type: Mono/Stereo Tuner
- Tuning Bands: FM, MW
- Tuning Scale: Digital
- FM Tuning Range: 87.9 to 107.9 MHz
- MW Tuning Range: 530 to 1720 kHz
- Sensitivity: 0.95uV (FM), 300uV (MW)
- Signal to Noise Ratio: 70dB (FM)
- Distortion: 0.3% (FM)
- Selectivity: 55dB (FM), 50dB (MW)
- Frequency response: 20Hz to 15kHz (FM)
- Output: 600mV
- Dimensions: 430 x 64 x 290mm
- Weight: 2.3kg
- Finish: black
