Technics SU-R1000 Integrated Amplifier Review: The Reference Amp Built for Vinyl and Digital Alike
Read Time: Approx. 9 min.
TL;DR:
- Reference-level digital integrated amp delivering 150W x2 into 8Ω and 300W x2 into 4Ω
- The JENO Engine reduces jitter, and ADCT corrects distortion caused by your speakers
- Intelligent Phono EQ calibrates to your specific cartridge using the included record
- Separate power supplies for analog, digital, and each channel keep noise down and separation high
- Inputs include balanced XLR line and phono (MC), two USB, two optical, and two coaxial
Technics' Next Evolution of Digital Amplification
From the very beginning, Technics has been pursuing sound in its purest form. The SL-1200 Turntable made them a household name, but it's their deep-rooted history in digital amplification that has quietly shaped their modern lineup, delivering the clarity, speed, and precision that today's high-resolution music needs.
The SU-R1000 Stereo Integrated Amplifier is Technics' boldest attempt yet, equipped with the next evolution of digital amplifier technology. With an advanced speed-silent power supply with four independent units, a high-grade digital/analog /I/O circuit, and JENO engine (Jitter Elimination and Noise-shaping Optimization), the SU-R1000 is built for performance and precision. Music is conveyed accurately with lifelike realism and organic texture, just as the artist intended. If you've been searching for a reference amplifier that targets noise and distortion, the SU-R1000 is the component up for the task.
PROS
- Advanced intelligent phono EQ with cartridge calibration
- JENO engine, ADCT, and four isolated power supplies give clean, low-noise, low-distortion sound
- Excellent build quality with a double-deck shielded chassis
CONS
- Large and heavy chassis at about 50 lbs, so it needs a sturdy rack and plenty of room
- The premium price tag may deter many listeners (but don't be! It's endgame)
Design
Technics has never been one to prioritize glitz and glam over performance, and the SU-R1000 is another example of that engineering-forward mindset at work. The SU-R1000's uniform, boxy shape might deter some folks looking for a more modestly sized component, but it's not wasted space–it's completely intentional.
The SU-R1000's inner chassis features a double-deck, separated structure. Mounted on the upper deck is the amplification circuit and its power supply circuit. On the lower deck sits the preamp section, comprised of the analog input section, including the phono equalizer, and the digital input section–with dedicated power supply circuits for each. Not only are the upper and lower decks separated, but each circuit block inside the unit is separated by steel shield plates. This might seem excessive, but to me, this is true craftsmanship. Rather than slapping a bunch of circuits inside a chassis and hoping they play nice, Technics intentionally shielded each section to suppress enclosure vibration, minimize interference, and strengthen the unit's overall rigidity.
The entire chassis is aluminum, made of multiple parts rather than one milled piece. The front panel is 10 mm thick, while the side panels and top panel are made of 6 mm-thick alumite-treated aluminum plates. On the bottom sit cast iron high-rigidity insulators with excellent signal attenuation characteristics. When you're buying a reference-level component like the SU-R1000, you want to know it's built to withstand the changing demands of your audio system. The SU-R1000 is just that: a reference-level component built to perform without a single hiccup.
As for the actual design, Technics kept it pretty simple. A dual-needle meter spans the entire bottom half of the front panel, while a power on/off button, 6.3mm headphone output, large volume wheel, and input selection button with a corresponding display round it out. The top panel features four large heat sinks, and the back panel is where things really get interesting.
Analog inputs include: 2x Line, 1x Line XLR balanced, 1x phono (MM/MC), 1x phono XLR balanced (MC), 1x main input, and 1x REC input. For digital inputs, you'll find two optical, two coaxial, and two USB-B. One pre analog output and one rec analog output round out that section, and two sets of speaker terminals allow connection for extra-large diameter speaker cables. The SU-R1000 is available in Technics' signature black or silver finish with just the basics included in the box to get you started: a remote controller, an AC power cord, and a calibration record. Luckily, our massive collection of Dragon Audio Cables provides the perfect place for you to score the cables you may need.
Features
- JENO Engine reduces jitter across the full frequency range for natural, delicate musical nuance
- Active Distortion Cancelling Technology (ADCT) corrects output-stage distortion to drive a wide range of speakers with authority
- Advanced Speed Silent Power Supply with a fixed switching frequency and Super Low Noise Regulator for a fast, quiet power supply
- Four independent power supply units isolate analog, digital, and left/right channel circuits for a high S/N ratio and superb separation
- Intelligent Phono EQ with Accurate EQ Curve, Crosstalk Canceller and Response Optimizer, each switchable on or off
- Cartridge calibration measures and corrects your cartridge’s crosstalk and frequency response using the included Calibration Record
- Full-discrete, fully balanced phono and XLR inputs for high-purity signal transmission
- USB input noise isolation with a ruby mica capacitor and nonmagnetic carbon film resistors to block PC noise
- High-rigidity double-deck chassis with steel shield plates and cast iron insulators to suppress vibration
- Refined Technics design with hairline-finish front panel, iconic dual-needle meter, and machined solid aluminum knobs
The SU-R1000 is a highly advanced component equipped with Technics' latest digital amplifier technology. The goal was not only to make an amplifier that produced the best possible sound quality without any loss of fidelity but also to eliminate as much noise and distortion in the process. Technics employs several key technologies to do so:
- JENO Engine (Jitter Elimination and Noise-shaping Optimization) to reproduce the nuances of music
- ADCT (Active Distortion Cancelling Technology) for expansive sound ambience
- Advanced Speed Silent Power Supply that results in the best performance from the digital amplifier
- Four Independent Power Supply Units for a high S/N ratio and superb separation
- High-grade Digital/Analog I/O Circuit for outstanding sound quality from any input source
JENO Engine
A key part of the SU-R1000 is the JENO Engine. The Achilles ' heel of any digital audio system is jitter, the major cause of distortion thanks to mis-timing in the master clocks used in digital-to-analog conversion. JENO is Technics' original jitter reduction circuit, comprising two key elements: a clock generator and a high-precision PWM conversion circuit. The clock generator provides a precise timing reference, designed to reduce slower timing fluctuations (in the low-frequency range), while the high-precision sample rate converter re-processes the digital audio samples onto a carefully controlled timing schedule. The first tool helps keep the clock steady while the second helps keep the music data lined up with that steady timing.
The precise timing and carefully controlled digital processing preserve the music's detail and dynamic range so you don't miss a single delicate nuance in your favorite tracks.
ADCT
The Active Distortion Cancelling Technology (ADCT) is a newly developed technology by Technics that accurately extracts and removes distortion in the power output stage, which is often generated by a speaker's counter-electromotive force and voltage drops. ADCT extracts distortion by determining the difference between the speaker terminal output and JENO output and then applies correction to the output digital signal, thus correcting the conventional digital amp system. This provides powerful speaker driving force and acoustic energy while offering the superior benefits of a digital amplifier, such as low noise, precise sound image and expansive sound ambience, regardless of the types of connected speakers.
Advanced Speed Silent Power Supply
Pictured: Super low-noise regulator
The SU-R1000 uses a switching power supply system to ensure a stable supply of voltage and current required by the digital amp. A super-low-noise regulator is provided in the later stage to prevent the decrease in regulation resulting from the fixed switching frequency and impedes the mixing of noise components into high frequencies. The result is a high-response power supply that results in the best performance from the digital amplifier.
Four Independent Power Supply Units
In the SU-R1000, four independent power supply units are provided for different circuit blocks for further enhancement of sound quality. Since the SU-R1000 is an integrated amplifier, the internal circuits consist of a pre-amp stage and power amp stage in a mix of analogue and digital circuits. The Phono-EQ section, which processes minute analog signals, is particularly susceptible to any noise transmitted through the power supply line. By implementing separate power supply units for the analog circuits and digital circuits in the preamp stage, Technics ensures no unnecessary noise makes it to the phono EQ section.
Separate power supply units are also used for the right and left channels in the power amp stage that requires large electrical power. With the four independent power supply units, the SU-R1000 prevents power-line-induced interference among the circuit blocks and realizes a high S/N ratio and superb separation.
High-Grade Digital/Analog I/O Circuit
The SU-R1000's phono input section and analog input section feature a full-discrete circuit design. Technics has created a symmetrical circuit layout and performed meticulous tuning. The new circuits prevent interference between the right and left channels and achieve excellent channel separation.
The phono input section and XLR input section employ completely balanced transmission to ensure high-purity signal transmission with minimal noise. The USB input circuit in the digital circuit is equipped with a high-quality ruby mica capacitor and a power conditioner with nonmagnetic carbon film resistors for blocking electrical noise from a PC. The A/D converter incorporates a high-performance chip made by Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM) for high-precision A/D conversion.
Intelligent Phono EQ with Three Core Functions
For the audiophile deciding between a stereo amplifier and a dedicated phono stage, your quest ends here. The SU-R1000 features a phono EQ composed of three parts: an accurate EQ curve, a crosstalk canceller, and a response optimizer. These functions can be turned on/off to suit your preferences, but here's the skinny on each:
The accurate EQ curve, made possible by hybrid analog/digital circuit design, uses a high-gain low-pass filter (LPF) to perform analog processing, while high frequencies are raised after the A/D conversion. The low-pass filter suppresses the bit loss during digital filter processing, and high frequencies are raised with high accuracy in the digital region to achieve a high S/N ratio.
The crosstalk canceller measures and improves crosstalk characteristics unique to each cartridge. The crosstalk characteristic is measured using the crosstalk measuring signal recorded on the calibration record bundled with the SU-R1000. It then performs reverse-correction using the built-in DSP to achieve significant improvement of the crosstalk characteristic. The result is a more precise sound image and a wider sound ambience.
Lastly, the phono response optimizer corrects disturbances in cartridge frequency characteristics. It measures the frequency characteristics of the installed pickup cartridge by using a TSP (Time Stretched Pulse) signal recorded on the bundled calibration record and corrects characteristics disturbance. It corrects the effect of impedance matching between the pickup cartridge and the phono equalizer to reveal the true sound quality of the cartridge.
Dragon Cables
[Bronze Dragon Premium Interconnect Cable, Bronze Dragon Power Cable]
There are a lot of reasons why you need to make sure your audio cables are not afterthoughts.
Our HiFi Audio Dragon Cables bring out more of what you love in your music and audio gear. If you love your headphones but wish they had a bit more top-end sparkle - a Silver Dragon Headphone Cable would be a great option. If your USB cables keep dying - as many stock cables do - then check out our quality USB Audio Cables. We say time and time again that materials matter, and our audio cables and custom geometries actually help to bring out those desired properties in your gear and music. We make tons of custom options for our customers so that you can get the right HiFi Audio cable for your exact needs. If you have any questions feel free to Contact Us and we'll be more than happy to help.
Generally, stock audio cables are manufactured with subpar materials, metals with impurities, poor geometries, and an overabundance of layers to make them look and feel like a fire hose. Inconsistency and lack of quality control in stock cables can lead to poor sound quality and a veiled sound vs. what the musician intended for you to hear and feel from the music. Dragon Audio Cables are handcrafted with the highest standards and made to order according to your specific needs. At Moon Audio, we create a custom cable for you using the highest quality UP-OCC silver or copper conductors that can be manufactured. UP-OCC metals are void of impurities and are optimized for signal transfer and sound quality. We have one of the largest collections of audio and headphone connection options available online and we create limitless audio cable options depending on your specific gear and needs.
Why Dragon Cables?
You’ve heard the saying that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, right? Well, the same applies to your brand new audiophile-grade headphone or other audio components. The weakest link, in this case, is your stock audio cable or the cheap interconnects the manufacturer threw in the box just to get you up and running. Why is the audio cable always an afterthought, when it’s just as important as the rest of your system? At Moon Audio, we use the purest and best raw materials in our cables to unveil your music. We believe that materials matter and your audio cables should have the same care and craftsmanship that manufacturers put into their audio components and headphones. Audio cables are ultimately the connection to your music. The fact remains that cabling is often considered the last priority to that of the main product and a means to cut down the overall production costs. It’s as simple as that. Dragon Cables elevate every note - as if you were hearing your favorite music for the very first time.
Verdict
The Technics SU-R1000 is the last integrated amplifier you'll ever need. It's built for listeners who care more about accuracy than flash, with Technics latest digital amplification technology delivering exceptional sonic results. It tackles jitter, power supply noise, and output-stage distortion one by one, with the JENO Engine, four independent power supplies, and ADCT. It also has one of the most advanced phono sections you'll find in an integrated amplifier. Cartridge calibration with the included record is something most rivals don't offer, and it can make a separate phono preamp unnecessary. So if you were deciding between a dedicated phono preamp and an integrated amp, you no longer have to choose.
To get the most out of the SU-R1000, we recommend pairing it with our Bronze Power Cable for clean, stable power and our Bronze Dragon Premium Interconnect Cable to carry your source's signal to the amp with the same purity the SU-R1000 was built to protect. If you're ready for a reference-grade, do-it-all amplifier for a vinyl and digital system, and enough power to drive nearly any speaker, the SU-R1000 is hard to beat.
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What's in the Box
- Technics SU-R1000 integrated amplifier (implied)
- Calibration Record (confirmed bundled)
- Remote Controller
- AC Cord
- Owner's Manual
Specifications
Dimensions (W x H x D): 430 mm x 191 mm x 459 mm (16 15/16 x 7 17/32 x 18 3/32")
Weight: Approx. 22.8 kg (Approx. 50.3 lbs)
Technics Definitive Design: High-rigidity Cabinet; Three-section Configuration
Power Supply: AC 120V, 60 Hz
Power Consumption: 220W
Accurate Digital Technology: JENO Engine (Jitter Elimination and Noise-Shaping Optimization); LAPC (Load Adaptive Phase Calibration); Advanced Speed Silent Power Supply; Battery Driven Clock Generator; Noiseless Signal Technology; Advancement of Power Supply
Output Power: 150W + 150W (1kHz, THD 0.5%, 8Ω, 20kHz LPF); 300W + 300W (1kHz, THD 0.5%, 4Ω, 20kHz LPF)
FTC Output Power: 150W + 150W (20-20kHz, THD+N: 0.5%, 8Ω)
Input Sensitivity/Input Impedance: LINE: 200 mV/22 kΩ; PHONO (MM): 2.5 mV / 47 kΩ; PHONO (MC): 300µV / 100Ω
Frequency Response: LINE: 5Hz-80kHz (-3dB, 8Ω); PHONO (MM): 20Hz-20kHz (RIAA Deviation +1 dB, 8Ω); DIGITAL: 5Hz-80kHz (-3dB, 8Ω)
Load Impedance: 4 Ω - 16 Ω
Analogue Input Terminal: LINE x2 (LINE 1, LINE 2); LINE XLR Balanced x1; PHONO (MM/MC) x1; PHONO XLR Balanced (MC) x1; MAIN IN x1; REC IN x1
Digital Input Terminal: Optical Digital x2 (OPT 1, OPT 2); Coaxial Digital x2 (COAX 1, COAX 2); USB-B x2 (PC 1, PC 2)
Analogue Output Terminal: PRE OUT x1 ; REC OUT x1
Headphone Output: Yes, Stereo 6.3mm
Support Codec (PCM): Yes (32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8, 384 kHz / 16, 24, 32 bit)
Support Codec (DSD): Yes (2.8 MHz, 5.6 MHz, 11.2 MHz, 22.4 MHz*) *ASIO Native mode only
