Integrated amplifiers — Vincent SV-237MKII

The Vincent SV-237MKII is a hybrid integrated amplifier that includes its own DAC and uses a valve preamplifier stage ahead of a solid-state power section. It is the third edition of the most successful amplifier Vincent has ever sold, revised inside and out with a more modern appearance and better connectivity than its predecessor.

Key specs that matter

Rated output is 150W per channel into 8 ohms and 250W per channel into 4 ohms, with the first 10W running in pure Class A. The amplifier covers 20Hz to 20kHz within plus or minus 0.5dB and extends to 50kHz within plus or minus 2dB. Signal-to-noise ratio is better than 90dB and distortion stays under 0.1% at 1kHz and 1W. There are three single-ended analogue inputs with 300mV sensitivity and 47,000 ohm input impedance, alongside optical and coaxial digital connections and a Bluetooth 5.0 receiver. The chassis measures about 427 x 152 x 432mm and weighs about 20.4kg.

Engineering and use context

The preamplifier section runs two 6N1P NOS valves in a circuit developed by Frank Blohbaum. In the power stage, four output transistors supply the current needed to drive difficult loudspeaker loads. The internal DAC is based on a Burr-Brown PCM5102 chip and accepts signals up to 24-bit/192kHz. The front-mounted tone controls for bass and treble can be bypassed, and a Loudness switch adds compensation for listening at low volume. The large case recalls the style of classic amplifiers from the 1970s to the 1990s.

Pairing

A stereo preamplifier output on the rear panel feeds a powered subwoofer while the amplifier itself drives the main speakers. Doubled speaker terminals, four pairs in total, make bi-wiring straightforward. Thanks to the digital inputs and Bluetooth, a CD transport, a TV or a phone plugs straight in, no outboard converter required.

Alternatives

The Vincent SV-500 is a step up among the brand's integrated amplifiers, with a fully symmetrical circuit aimed at even lower distortion and crosstalk.