Integrated amplifiers — Vincent SV-237MKII

The SV-237MKII is an integrated amplifier with a built-in DAC from Vincent, built as a hybrid design combining a fully tube preamplifier stage with a solid-state power amplifier section. This model represents the third edition of Vincent's most successful amplifier ever sold, completely revised inside and out with a more modern appearance and genuinely upgraded connectivity over its predecessor.

Key specs that matter

Three single-ended inputs are provided. Input sensitivity is 300mV with a 47,000 ohm input impedance. Frequency response is 20Hz to 20kHz at plus-or-minus 0.5dB, extending to 50kHz at plus-or-minus 2dB. Rated output is 150W RMS per channel into 8 ohms, rising to 250W RMS into 4 ohms - with the first 10W running in pure Class A mode, widely regarded within the enthusiast community as delivering the most musically engaging character an amplifier can offer. Signal-to-noise ratio exceeds 90dB with distortion under 0.1% at 1kHz, 1W. The preamplifier section uses two 6N1P NOS tubes in a circuit developed by Frank Blohbaum specifically to contribute naturalness, musicality and warmth, while four output transistors in the power section deliver the considerable current needed for demanding loudspeaker loads. The built-in DAC uses a Burr-Brown PCM5102 chip handling 24-bit/192kHz resolution, alongside optical and coaxial digital inputs and a genuinely new Bluetooth 5.0 receiver for wireless streaming. Front panel tone controls include a bypass switch and a Loudness setting that restores dynamics at low listening volumes. At 16.8 x 6 x 17 inches and 45 lbs, this is a substantial chassis reminiscent of classic 1970s-90s amplifier design.

Sound and use context

Expect an amplifier reviewers describe as capable of being "a roaring lion or a purring housecat" - genuinely effortless with difficult loudspeaker loads while remaining free of the noise that can characterise tube circuitry in other manufacturers' designs, delivering naturalness and warmth from the tube preamp stage alongside the dynamic authority solid-state output provides.

Pairing

A stereo preamp output on the rear panel lets a buyer add a powered subwoofer for reinforced bass while the amplifier's own output handles the main speakers, and four pairs of speaker outputs support genuine bi-wiring configurations.

Alternatives

Vincent's SV-500 sits above this model with a fully symmetrical circuit design for even lower distortion and crosstalk, and the flagship SV-737 adds Wi-Fi streaming and higher power, worth the further investment if this model's already substantial feature set still leaves ambitions for Vincent's higher integrated amplifier tiers.