Integrated amplifiers have become the backbone of the high-end audio category and we were more than just a little impressed with the Vincent Audio SV-737 Integrated Amplifier.
It would be in my system if I was in the market for something to replace my Cambridge Audio Edge A.
There wasn’t a phono stage and that struck me as being a misstep considering the price. It doesn’t change my impressions of it from a sound quality perspective, but it’s something that might matter to prospective buyers.
I have a number of excellent external phono preamplifiers at home and found that most of them worked quite well with the SV-737.
The build quality is superb and it proved to be one of the most reliable and unfussy components I’ve been able to audition in many years. It doesn’t offer an internal network streamer which will turn off some consumers, but it does all of the fundamentals really well.
It drove my Magnepan LRS with ease and the warmer tonal balance resulted in one of the better combinations I’ve experienced so far with these $650 loudspeakers that are exceptional for the money.
The SV-737 is also $3,500, putting it out of reach for a lot of consumers.
But what about $2,500?
The SV-228 builds on the power of its predecessors with the addition of in-demand new features, including a main input that makes it easy to use it as a power amplifier in conjunction with an A/V preamp/processor.
In addition, the SV-228 features a Bluetooth 5.0 input for wireless streaming, maximizing the sonic attributes of audio sourced from portable devices.
Aesthetically, the SV-228 stands out with a VU meter embedded in the front panel, and colored lighting that is adjustable via a rear-panel control. The two-channel meter is controlled by a separate CPU (central processing unit), accurately displaying real-time power output.
Vincent Audio’s SV-228 integrated amplifier features the company’s acclaimed hybrid design, offering the rich, natural-sounding audio associated with vacuum tubes while providing the power and control of solid-state electronics.
In addition to making analog sources sound their best, the SV-228 is up to date with a DAC that handles the latest high-resolution streaming formats, including WAV, FLAC, APE, LPCM and more.
Delivering 100 wpc at 8 ohms, 180 wpc @ 4 ohms, the SV-228 is powerful enough to drive two pairs of speakers without distorting. Two amplifier sections – pre-amplifier and power amplifier – are perfectly matched for maximum transparency.
However, the listener can bypass the pre-amp/amp connection by removing external jumpers, allowing for an external Digital Signal Processor (DSP) for room correction.
The input selection includes three analog and two digital, with the latter connecting to a Burr-Brown PCM 5102 DAC that is specially designed to bring out the best in compact discs as well as WAV, FLAC, APE, LPCM, MP3, AAC, AC3, and WMA files. No matter the audio source, the SV-228 will handle it with ease, with full-range output that brings out the best in high-fidelity recordings.
For further information about Vincent Audio’s SV-228 hybrid integrated amplifier, visit https://pangeaaudio.com.
SV-228 Specifications
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (+/- 0.5 dB); 20 Hz – 50 kHz (+/- 2 dB)
- Nominal Output Power RMS / 8 Ohm: 2 x 100 Watt
- Nominal Output Power RMS / 4 Ohm: 2 x 180 Watt
- Total Harmonic Distortion: < 0.1 % (1 kHz, 1 W)
- Input Sensitivity: 560 mV
- Signal to Noise Ratio: > 90 dB
- Input Impedance: 47 kOhm
- Max. Power Consumption: 350 Watt
- Weight: 15.5 kg
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 430 x 152 x 450 mm
- Hybrid vacuum tube solid state integrated amp
- Vacuum tube preamplifier stage
- Solid state power amplifier stage
- Built-in Burr-Brown PCM 5102 DAC
- Headphone stage
- Inputs: 2 x Stereo RCA, 1 x Coaxial, 1 x Optical, 1 x Stereo Main In
- Outputs: 1 x Stereo Pre-Out, 1 x Stereo Rec Out, 4 x 2 Speaker Terminals
- Tubes: 1 x 6N4, 2 x ECC82
- Playable Digital Formats: WAV, FLAC, APE, LPCM, MP3, AAC, AC3, WMA
- Four pairs of heavy-duty, gold-plated five-way binding posts
- Wireless remote control
- Fuse protected
- IEC power cord
- Color: Black, Silver
ORT
April 13, 2022 at 12:00 pm
Hail and well met, Sir Ian!
Very nice but time for the big but(t) in the room…
I would take the Marantz 40n over this with out hesitation. It looks equally as gorgeous (albeit sans the tubes and the beautiful VU Meters!) and does not only “more” but exactly what I want/need in an integrated amp. It has a phono stage and HEOS (for the music device.services I pay for and enjoy on a daily basis!) built in.
I would also take the LSA VT-70 because it is far more beautiful to my eyes and cost roughly half as much thus allowing this little toad to save money. Or spend more on other stuff, e.g., if so inclined a Marantz NA6006 at $799 (USB – United States Bucks!).
If I could locate one as so far they are sold out at my chosen venue(s).
But the Vincenzo SV-228 is quite the looker. I am such a shallow toad.
ORT
Ian White
April 13, 2022 at 1:15 pm
ORT,
When I was thinking about the Vincent, the Marantz was the natural competitor that popped into my head.
I agree that having the network player, HEOS support, and phono stage (and it’s a really good one BTW) make a huge difference.
The more expensive Vincent has a lot more power than the Marantz. In real world performance based on my time using to drive the PSB Synchrony and Magnepan LRS.
But I could see myself buying the Marantz and being very happy with it. Just don’t use laid back sounding speakers.
Best,
Ian
CTM
April 14, 2022 at 6:21 pm
Hi Ian, Can you elaborate a bit further on that last statement about not wanting to pair the 40n with “laid back sounding speakers”? Would Wharfdale Lintons fit that description? What are some speakers that you think would pair well with the 40n?
Ian White
April 15, 2022 at 12:23 am
CTM,
I’ve only heard the Marantz so far with Bowers & Wilkins and thought the combination was excellent. I asked Marantz about the voicing after I spent a few hours listening and they agreed that the midrange has a definite presence that is better with more neutral sounding loudspeakers.
I really like the Lintons and I really want to hear this combination.
Best,
Ian
Josh
March 20, 2023 at 5:14 pm
As a Vincent SV-500 owner I know this unit is going to sound great. It looks very nice, and I love the VU meters. Is the extra power and VU meters worth $1250 over the SV-500. I guess it depends on your budget, but I am willing to bet they sound nearly the same. They really should have included a decent DAC at this price point for the US market since their DAC is not available here. The Burr Brown PCM5102 is antiquated at this point.
Brian Trossen
July 14, 2023 at 5:23 am
I have owned a Vincent SV-500 for 2 years and am very pleased with it. But am tempted by both the aesthetics and the added power of the SV-228. Any thoughts as to whether the SV-228 would be a materially noticeable upgrade?
Ian White
July 17, 2023 at 2:37 pm
Brian,
Having never heard the SV-500, impossible for me to say. If you read my two Vincent reviews, I really like what they are doing. The build and sound quality are excellent.
Best,
Ian White