Интегральные усилители — Vincent SV-500 MK

The SV-500 MK is a hybrid stereo integrated amplifier from Vincent that uses vacuum tubes in the preamplifier stages and solid-state devices for the output stage. Compared with the earlier SV-500 it adds HDMI and Bluetooth connectivity, while the US price is USD 1,499.95.

Key specs that matter

Rated power is 2 x 50 W RMS into 8 ohm and 2 x 80 W RMS into 4 ohm. Frequency response is 20 Hz to 20 kHz within plus or minus 0.5 dB, THD is below 0.1 percent at 1 kHz and 1 W, with S/N beyond 90 dB. Input sensitivity is 420 mV at an input impedance of 47 kohm. Inputs comprise two stereo RCA, one optical, one coaxial, one HDMI and Bluetooth 5.0. Outputs include a record out, a pre out, one pair of speaker terminals, two 3.5 mm power control jacks and a front headphone socket. The unit measures 43.2 x 11.7 x 37.3 cm and weighs 10 kg. Finishes are black and silver.

Engineering and use context

Valves fitted are one 12AX7 and two 6N1, all replaceable by the owner. Vincent biases them for long life and conservatively estimates about ten years of service. The built-in DAC is rated for 32 bit and 384 kHz and plays WAV, FLAC, AIFF and APE files. The HDMI input supports the Audio Return Channel, so a television can send its audio to the amplifier through one cable. Independent bass and treble controls and a mute function are provided, and an infrared remote is supplied. Because the tubes sit only in the preamplifier stages, the output stage remains solid state and the tube count stays small, which keeps replacement simple. The pre out and record out make it possible to connect a recording device or a bigger power stage later without replacing the integrated unit. Digital sources are handled internally, so a CD transport, a TV set and a mobile device may all reach the DAC without an extra converter. The rear panel carries five-way binding posts. The two power control connections let the amplifier switch other Vincent components on and off together with it.

Pairing

With its moderate power reserve, the SV-500 MK is suited to bookshelf or moderate floorstanding speakers of reasonable efficiency in a room of around 20 m2. The pre out can supply a powered sub or a stronger power amplifier, and the HDMI ARC input makes the unit a simple hub for a stereo television setup alongside disc and network players on the RCA inputs.

Alternatives

The Vincent SV-237MKII is another hybrid integrated amplifier within the Vincent catalogue that also combines tubes and transistors.