Technics SA-C600EB-K Premium Class Network CD Receiver- Black

For ages, I was looking for an integrated amp with Phono capability and correct speaker wattage to be used with my pre-existing B&W (Bowers & Wilkins) 100w Speakers and Sony PS-HX500 turntable. I was using a Technics 5.1 amp and separate Technics CD player, however, these were from the early 90's. Although the CD player is as good as it ever was, the Amp started giving problems with the power switch - hence the look out for a new one. Initially, I came across the Technics SA-C100 but after checking the Technics web site found that Amazon sold this version, the Technics SA-C600. In essence, they appear both the same but this model can play MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) music files. For non-geeks out there, these files are supposed to represent the actual studio master copy with a quality far higher than is produced from a standard CD. There are two ways of playing them through this unit, either purchase an MQA CD that I've found can cost anywhere between £25-£100 or pay a streaming service. I use the the HiFi Tidal service. They mostly use FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) files but do have a section for MQA files.One of its best selling points is the carbon footprint. I have gone from an old Amp and CD play totalling 250 watts down to 46 watts with this unit.As far as my turntable goes, it's the best I've ever heard from it! I have a go to 12" vinyl record (Maria McKee - Show Me Heaven) that I used for testing which has always sounded lispy on all my previous amps but not with this, it's just perfect, of cause it also helps to have descent speakers.Not only do you get DAB+ and FM for local radio, there is also internet radio; I never seen such a long list of stations!To note: To get anywhere with streaming services, these are controlled with a Technics App via your mobile phone. The App at first glance looks comprehensive but is very intuitive. You can adjust tone controls or even turn the Amp on or off with your phone. Also to be clear, this model does not have its own speakers - you have to supply your own. It pushes out 60 watts per channel. Technics does an amp and speaker deal but that pushes the price to nearly double.

I chose this because it is compact and got good reviews. It sounds fab - clear, punchy, energetic and realistic. It's also very versatile, playing almost any source (including vinyl if you have a deck). So I'm really happy with the way it sounds and plays.It's pretty minimalist in appearance with only a few controls on the unit. It comes with a remote control (silver, although the unit itself is black) which seems to be generic as many of the buttons are superfluous. Using any streaming service (Deezer, Spotify etc) requires you to use the app on your phone. Then if you want internet radio you have to install the technics app. Each app has its own architecture, so you spend a lot of time hunting about. It's a shame that the operation is so inconsistent and disjointed because it is frustrating.