It is not clear whether the cheaper Technics is a digital amp or a class D amp. I will use these terms because it is very clear. A digital amp takes the analog signal and coverts it to PCM though an A2D converter and then converts it to PWM. A class D amp takes an analog signal and converts it directly to PWM. The only way I found out the larger Technics amp was a digital amp was to read the very clear review I linked to.
Many would not want their analog signal (using their multi thousand $ DAC or phono stage) to go through an A2D converter).
George, please use your sleuthing capabilities and find out for us if the Technics converts analog to digital first or not. I just sent Technics an email asking them. I also asked Technics if the SE-R1 is even sold in the US as it is not listed on the US portion of the website. It is listed as sold in Japan.
I finally got a response from Soundigital and they said they are $800 and have warehouse stock in Florida. You would have to contact a Soundigital dealer to buy it. This amp uses 12 volt power and has rca inputs only. Someone should buy it and mod the heck out of it. Would be a fun project.....I am not volunteering.