Integrated amplifiers — Vincent SV-737

The SV-737 from Vincent is a stereo integrated amplifier built on a hybrid circuit, with valves in the input section and transistors at the output. Its bias keeps the first 10 W per channel into 8 ohm in Class A before the output stage moves into Class AB. A digital board with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turns it into a one-box system, and a later SV-737MK version also appears in the Vincent range. The US list price was USD 3,499.95.

Key specs that matter

Rated output reaches 180 W per channel into 8 ohm and 300 W into 4 ohm. Frequency response is 20 Hz to 20 kHz within 0.3 dB and 20 Hz to 50 kHz within 1 dB. Distortion stays below 0.02 percent and noise sits more than 90 dB below the signal, with 300 mV input sensitivity. Six RCA line inputs and a main-in socket handle analogue sources, while a pair of optical and a pair of coaxial S/PDIF inputs feed the converter. The chassis measures 430 x 165 x 430 mm, weighs 21 kg and draws up to 590 W. Vincent paints the casework either silver or black.

Engineering and use context

Five valves are fitted - two 6N1P, two 6N2P and one 85A2 voltage reference tube. Digital conversion relies on a Burr-Brown PCM5102 chip, and the network module plays WAV, FLAC, APE, LPCM, MP3, AAC, AC3 and WMA files at 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz with 24-bit depth. Bass and treble adjustment is included, next to a 6.3 mm headphone socket. The main-in input bypasses the preamplifier stage, so the power section can serve inside a home cinema chain, and a record output and a preamplifier output are fitted at the back. Four pairs of speaker terminals are provided, which makes bi-wiring straightforward. Two 3.5 mm jacks complete the rear panel. Vincent backs the amplifier for two years on parts and labour, while the valves get 90 days. Bluetooth reception works in addition to the four S/PDIF inputs, so a phone or tablet can stream without cables, and the Wi-Fi module brings network playback without a separate streamer.

Pairing

With its large power reserve, the SV-737 has headroom for low-sensitivity floorstanders in a room of about 20 m2 as well as for easier bookshelf models. Records need an outboard phono box here, since none of the inputs is listed as a phono input. An active sub or a second stereo amp can hook up through the pre-out sockets, and headphone listening needs no extra box thanks to the front socket.

Alternatives

The Vincent SV-237MKII is a smaller hybrid integrated amplifier in the Vincent range, aimed at owners who need less output power.