Integrated amplifiers — Vincent SV-228

The SV-228 is a hybrid integrated amplifier in the PowerLine series from Vincent and succeeds the SV-227MK in a line that began with the SV-226. Compared with its predecessor it gains a Main input for use as a power amplifier, a Bluetooth 5.0 receiver, and a new front panel with a two-channel VU meter whose backlight colour is changed with a slider at the rear. A separate CPU drives the meter to show real-time power output. Buyers can choose a silver or a black front.

Key specs that matter

Vincent rates RMS output at 2 x 100 W into 8 ohms and 2 x 180 W into 4 ohms. Frequency response is 20 Hz to 20 kHz within 0.5 dB and 20 Hz to 50 kHz within 2 dB. Distortion is under 0.1 % at 1 kHz and 1 W, with noise more than 90 dB below signal. Maximum power consumption is 350 W. The case is 430 mm wide, 152 mm high and 450 mm deep, and it weighs 15.5 kg.

Engineering and use context

The input and voltage stage runs on three valves - one 6N4 and two JJ ECC82 - and hands the signal to a transistor output stage using Toshiba A1941 devices. The preamplifier and power amplifier sections are linked by external jumpers at the rear. Removing them opens the path between the two halves so an outboard processor can be inserted, and the Main input turns the power section into a stereo amplifier for a home cinema processor. Line connections comprise two stereo RCA inputs plus the Main input, giving three analogue sources in total, and the wired digital side offers one coaxial and one optical input feeding a Burr-Brown PCM5102 converter. Vincent lists WAV, FLAC, APE, LPCM, MP3, AAC, AC3 and WMA among the playable formats. An automatic standby function, fitted to meet the Ecodesign Regulation, can be switched off at the rear.

Pairing

Four pairs of gold-plated five-way binding posts allow two pairs of loudspeakers to be connected, and Vincent states the output is sufficient for that. The 4 ohm rating makes lower impedance floorstanders a practical load, while a CD transport, a streamer or a television can feed the DAC through the coaxial or optical port. A stereo pre out lets an extra power amp run in parallel, and a rec out feeds a recorder. Phones and tablets stream over Bluetooth 5.0. No phono input appears in the connection list, which means a record player requires an external phono preamp.

Alternatives

The Vincent SV-500 MK is another hybrid integrated amplifier from the same maker, offered as an alternative to the SV-228.