TECHNICS SU-R1000 > Reviews
Stereophile > Conclusion
The Technics SU-R1000 Digital Integrated Amplifier provides nearly everything I could hope for in a contemporary integrated amplifier. It reproduces vinyl and digital files with high levels of transparency, dimensionality, spaciousness, and dynamics. Its various modern technologies actually, obviously work, allowing me to achieve the highest levels of realism I’ve heard in my circa-1865 listening space.
The Technics does not equal my reference Shindo amplification in the areas where they—the Shindo components—excel: tonal and timbral verisimilitude. Nothing else I’ve tried does; that’s why they’re still my reference. But the Technics was superior in every other way. The SU-R1000 is a technological breakthrough and a remarkable integrated amplifier.
TAS > Summing Up
I don’t want to imply that digital sound is taking over, or that tube and solid-state equipment are not still competitive, or that integrated amplifiers will become the wave of the future. I do believe, however, that the SU-R1000 is truly competitive and an excellent buy, even at its price.
One of the potential curses of being a reviewer is that you’d like to keep every really innovative and great-sounding piece of equipment you audition, along with all your existing equipment. One of the benefits is that you realize there is no one right answer, and that even equipment that is decades old can still be exciting and “reference quality” in its ability to let you enjoy your music.
I do believe, however, that the Technics SU-R1000 lives up to all its claims. It is truly innovative, and should help rebut any lingering prejudice against both digital and integrated amplifiers. Accordingly, I’d give the same kind of recommendation that the Michelin Guide gives to its few top-rated three-star restaurants: They are all different, but they are also all “exceptional and worth a special journey.” The SU-R1000 is the kind of product that makes the high end fun!
7review > Conclusion
This amp is going to win itself a lot of friends, mainly thanks to the sheer, unflappable ability it demonstrates across its considerable range of connections. The SU-R1000 is not a shock-and-awe style device which may confuse a few people looking at the panoply of technology that it so clearly incorporates. Instead it’s a continuation of a longstanding design tradition of unforced musicality, but one that uses 21st-century technology to deliver it. If you’re looking for an immensely talented all-rounder, this is a very good place to start.
Fairaudio >
And although I believe that the SU-R1000 should be able to cope with just about any musical genre, I cannot rule out that some listeners with a desire for steam hammer bass and earthquake pulses or romantic high-frequency melting might find the Technics a bit humorless and disciplinarian. On the other hand, lovers of sophisticated electro, classical, vocal music, jazz – but also rock, funk and pop – will not be able to shut up with amazement time and time again. A dream for friends of undisguised sounds and deep insights.
AreaDVD > Conclusion
The Technics SU-R1000 inspires us with an impressive visual appearance. It is by no means obtrusive with its elegant design, but it is definitely worth taking a closer look. Everything is perfectly composed here, and this line continues seamlessly acoustically. Dynamic, homogeneous, neutral and natural are the attributes that best describe the very well-equipped Technics amplifier. The high-quality USB-DAC brings contemporary modernity into play, so that Hi-Res audio files can be played directly from PC or Mac, which also worked without any problems in the case of a MacBook Pro (2020). The noble Japanese takes on the high-resolution audio material calmly, confidently, with fantastic detailing and justifies the high purchase price with this overwhelming playing style.
Twitteringmachines.com > Conclusion
The SU-R1000 was a pleasure to live with, listen through, and look at for as much time as time allowed. But don’t let its retro good looks for you — Technics has filled this integrated amplifier with intellectual capital in the service of music in a manner I’m not so sure is available elsewhere regardless of budget. If effortless power, startling dynamics, and unwavering clarity from digital and analog sources, especially records!, are high on your want list, the SU-R1000 should be very high on that list as well.
Link to product: Technics SU-R1000
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