BIg Sony 700 ES v Big Technics SU VX-800 & Technics EQ Combo
Having spent a few weeks with the 700 ES , I've been able to go through some of my fave familiar albums. The Sony is good and has gained a reputation as a classic integrated amplifier - a Sony statement piece. It oozes build quality both inside and out. It delivers a nice detailed sound in an unfazed, matter of fact kind of way BUT, it doesnt move me in the way that my Technics SUVX-800 integrated and Technics SH8055 eq combo do. The Technics combo really really spotlights what is going on in each individual recording / coupled with showcasing the qualities of the excellent 2M black, being micro detail retrieval, nuances, layers, separate parts, timbre and texture of instruments, the honesty / individuality of each recording, in a way the Sony alone does not resolve and portray. The overall flavour of the Sony is just not as analogue sounding as my Technics combo, the Technics combo is ace at this. There's more analogue, valve like warmth and more of a sense of realism to each recording that makes the Sony's presentation lean more to the digital side to my ears. The Technics combo has more soul and really latches on / highlights the 'feel' of each track. Really glad I scratched the big Sony ES integrated itch. It's definitely a good amp - I'll be moving it on though. I knew my system was sounding good but I've learned and appreciate even more now just how good. Secondly, I've also realised that 'audiophile snobbery' has to be avoided (I've felt obliged to ditch my eq at times) as quality of internal electrical componentry does not guarantee sonic boxes ticked. It's not what you've got, it's definitely how it sounds at the end of the day. My set up sounds a million dollars to my ears. That said I've had a speaker itch to scratch for some time now. My Mission 752 Freedoms have been a delight but I'd really like to try some big Spendors as an 'upgrade'... More on that to follow ;)
