Technics SU-5 (1982)
A compact stereo pre-main amplifier released by Technics in 1982. It has low noise, built-in tone controls and a direct-connect system for select components.
Overview
The Technics SU-5 is a stereo pre-main amplifier made by Technics (a brand of Panasonic) and released in 1982. It puts out 33 watts per channel into 8 ohms, with total harmonic distortion of just 0.005% at 1 kHz. It was built for compact systems and has phono, tuner, aux and tape inputs, each with its own specified frequency response and signal-to-noise figure. It was originally priced at ¥34,800 in Japan.
Specifications
| Effective power (EIAJ) | 33W + 33W (8 ohm, 1 khz) |
| Total harmonic distortion factor | 0.005% (at 1 khz, rated output -3dB) |
| Frequency characteristic: Phono | 20 Hz to 20 kHz RIAA ± 0.8 dB |
| Frequency characteristic: Tuner, Aux, Tape | 10 hz to 70 khz -3dB |
| Signal-to-noise ratio (IHF-A): Phono | 73dB |
| Signal-to-noise ratio (IHF-A): Tuner, Aux, Tape | 95 dB |
| Residual noise | 0.8mV |
| Damping factor | 30 (8 Ω) |
| Load impedance | 8 Ω ~ 16 Ω |
| Input Sensitivity / Impedance: Phono | 2.5mV/47k Ω |
| Input Sensitivity / Impedance: Tuner, Aux, Tape | 150mV/27k Ω |
| Phono maximum allowable input | 130 mv (1 khz, R. M.S.) |
| Tone control: Bass | ± 10 dB (50 Hz) |
| Tone control: Treble | ± 10 dB (20 kHz) |
| Power | 100 VAC, 50Hz/60Hz |
| Power consumption | 44W |
| External dimensions | Width 315x Height 50x Depth 290 mm |
| Weight | 3.6kg |
Design
The SU-5 uses a bridge type MFB circuit and SLPT technology in the output stage. The volume control is a slide type. An electronic protection circuit guards against overcurrent, which keeps both the amplifier and the speakers safe. There is also a super base switch that boosts low-frequency response. The direct connector system means no pin cords are needed when linking to compatible 315 mm wide components like the ST-5 tuner or SH-E5 graphic equalizer.
Market Value
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ TECHNICS SU-5 Nov 2026 │ ├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ High $229 Latest $146 │ │ Median $146 Trend — │ │ Low $136 Volume ~1/mo │ ├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ $300 ┤ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ $214 ┤. │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ . .│ │ $100 ┤ │ │ ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│ │ vol │█ █ █│ │ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│ │ 2026-02 2026-03 2026-05│ └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
eBay completed sales. Excludes accessories, parts, and non-working units. Hover points for details.
eBay Listings
Recently sold on eBay: $136–$229 (median $146, based on 3 completed sales, past 12 months)
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