TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE? Vincent SV 237 Mk2
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- čas přidán 14. 05. 2024
- A high bias, Class A, hybrid tube amplifier for less than £2,500. Surely, this is too good to be true. I find out how good it is.
Link to manufacturers webpage:
www.vincent-tac.de/en/product...
UK distributor:
www.missinglinkcables.co.uk
Link to my Patreon:
/ abritishaudiophile
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Time stamps:
0:00 Intro
1:05 Design & features
3:21 Technical insights
9:52 Sound quality
12:57 Setup & partnering equipment
15:49 Conclusion
This channel is by far the most entertaining, professional and trustworthy hifi review channel on yt imo. Always great picks for review and a lot of the time out of the mainstream and a little more niche as I like it.
Agreed. * professional * a lot.
@@johnristheanswer thanks and fixed. Hope it makes you happy 👍 Spell check in my native language makes it hard to write in english sorry.
What makes it trustworthy?
I watch most of the reviewers on CZcams and I noticed they say always good things about the product they reviewing,never a bad thing. It’s impossible to understand what’s what. But this channel is a bit different,I hope Tarum is a honest reviewer and does it for the people,not for money
@@YuengsNwings the information presented in the videos seem balanced and honest.
I'm happy to see Vincent getting some attention from YT reviewers. I bought a Vincent SV-500 for $1000 US just before the pandemic hit and I've recently paired them up with KLH Model 3s. I live in a co-op so I'm not able to blast away at volumes I listened to back in the 70's, but the sound and look of the combo brings back the feeling I had listening to the stereo back in my mis-spent college years.
Happy memories, I am sure. Thank you for sharing 👍
I also have the SV-500, have not given it much use due to change of living situation but moving into my forever home in a few weeks.... Good choice I hope!
@@AdamPotaznik I was in the same situation where I wasn't using it much until I moved out of my old old house into a senior co-op building. It's a great choice for my new place and I hope you wind up liking it too. I've been selling off some extra equipment and a deep vintage fanatic came over and told me how well I'd chosen my modern components. He pointed specifically at the SV-500. It made me feel so good that he was impressed by my modest system.
@@AdamPotaznikI started with Vincent SV-500 went to Vincent 237 Mk ( which I sold it to my buddy ) and then currently listening to Vincent SP-20 Power Amp + Vincent SA-T7 Pre-amp comb with Bluesound Node 2i DAC. Love it
@@williamsparkman1874 They're warm, but I usually have the high end attenuated down one notch at the speaker.
I'm finding that they tend to not play well with overbaked 80s and 90s productions. If the CD sounds harsh, the speakers won't cover it up. I'm kind of tag-teaming the speaker's attenuators and the Vincent's treble control to try to find a nice balance for harsh CDs. The system still reminds me of my 70's set-ups with a really good CD or LP.
Glad you got away for a break and are back safe and sound with us all. Great equipment and review. I am also mesmerized by glowing tubes and flashing lights. Add in a spectrum analyzer and EQ, and I'm sold. Thank you for your time and efforts sharing this with us all. Take care, Sir.
Terrific, I love when you review tube gear, there’s always a new thing to learn. And I’ve always been curious to hear about Vincent products. Thanks!
Tarun! It's such a pleasure to listen to your reviews unbiased and succinctly presented with excellent clarity and superb diction! Keep em coming Tarun!
Thank you kindly my friend 😊👍
Another great review. It's nice that your review products that are tangible as they are affordable and not hard to obtain.
What a beautiful unit! You keep bringing us these future classics. Thanks for sharing. My favorite tube device is my 1936 Silvertone 4485 radio. 3 watts of class A power and it has a visible tube at the top of the tuning dial.
Great Review Tarun
I love how you put things into context with your comparisons.
Tarun, so true to remark that just as component matching/synergy is very real, so are the internally chosen electronic components (and their implimentation )
I think that is why some units can hold back an overall system beyond a certain point.
Glad you had a great time away. 👍🏻
Thanks for another honest and detailed review Tarun.
Hi Tarun, Always enjoy the review and the look at what is inside. The Vincent has been on my radar but being in the USA they are even more niche. I have been looking to pair something with Magnepans and the big transformer is a delight to see. I also like the DAC explanation. Many reviewer do not give this level of detail into the synergy and parts.
Always been super impressed with Vincent Gear, their tubes and class A Bias hits my listening sweet spot! Great review as always!
You always do such a great job, Tarun. I never tire of your content. It’s terrifically well produced. I was very interested in this product until you described how it sounds. I have vintage McIntosh which also excels in providing liquid midrange along with a wide stage. However I’ve never actually heard what I’d call a holographic experience. I’d love to get a hybrid amp that will deliver that. A “Recommended” from Tarun is decidedly luke warm.
It's really nice to see Vincent get some love. I hope you're able to review the SP-T700 and SA-T7MK matching preamp.
I appreciate the suggestion 😊
Thanks Tarun, cool review. Recently changed from Rega Elex-r amp and Exposure 2010s2 cd player to Uninson Research Unico Primo amp and cd player. Couldn't resist them as they were on sale in a local electrical store, ex display and going for a song, £500 each. There's have one tube in each unit and after a bit of cable swapping, I'm loving the sound coming out of my Epos K2 speakers. Running the cd player through a Pathos Converto mk1 dac for an experiment. Subtle differences. Will keep the Pathos hooked up for now. Will be looking into tube rolling soon.
Great channel young man.
I use 6DJ8 dual triodes configured as series regulated push-pull 'SRPP' preamp stages. They drive both valve & solid state power amplifiers equally well.
The SRPP configuration stacks one triode atop the other to make an even more symmetrically linear preamp. They're particularly good at driving lower impedances from 2.5K.
My guess is that the Vincent is using their 6n1p valves in SRPP mode - liquid smooth midrange fluidity is a trademark characteristic of SRPP.
Thanks for l👀king into the Vincent Hybrid amp ~ you've again provided an excellent overview as well as an in-depth assessment of yet another fine audio offering.
I actually have the Vincent SP-32 preamp paired with the R8. It added the richness and body to the mids that I felt the R8 needed. The bass rounded nicely, while the upper frequencies became more fluid without sacrificing detail, clarity or coherency.
Tubes are the PSVane 3L34PH, Raytheon 6SN7GTB, Raytheon 6SL7 VT-229
Speakers are the Philharmonic BMR
I always appreciate that the comment section with Tarun's reviews is so civilized. It's like an intelligent letters to editor with a print audio magazine. This channel is print magazine quality. 🙂
Thank you Michael. That is very kind. It is a great community we have here 😊👍
Great to see a Vincent review thanks Tarun
Thank you 😊
It’s a treat to see one of your videos when I see something newly published by you. I pull out the popcorn maker, some chocolate, and here we go love it.❤️👍🙏🏻 your voice in the description of sound characteristics are simply amazing
P.s. I think you see the most benefit from tubes or valves when it is put in the pre-amplifier stage that’s what I have observed.
I own the smaller brother Vincent SV 227MK, puts 100W into 8 Ohms, paired with a pair Graham Audio Chartwell LS6. Very happy with the combo for a small room. Versatile, beautiful sounding and lovely botton end.
Another well thought review. Thanks Tarum :)
I have the SV-237MK for a little more than a year now and I absolutely love it… even with the stock tubes!
All my (four) pairs of speakers are very difficult to drive (around 85db / 4 Ohm) and the Vincent can make them work beautifully… although on different speaker cables.
Once again your recommendation is spot on.
237mk amazing amp. Tarun should make another review with good dac. The vincent internal dac is quite bad
Thank you 👍
Great review as always Tarun, many thanks!
As for your question, it’s hard to “pin down” a hypothetical location for tubes without understanding the total kit, and current presentation, or goal of adding them, so I’ll answer like this - it depends on what apparent problems exist. If you feel your system is very harsh or bright, I’d go for the location that may have the most significant impact, and in my opinion, that could be the amplifier or pre-amp. If one is mostly satisfied with the presentation, and feels a “hint” of color or smoothness of midrange is needed, then maybe I’d go for a less intrusive position such as the pre-amp or phono pre-amp. I’m not familiar with DACs equipped with tubes but moving to an R2R DAC may have the intended affect, something like the Aeries II 😊.
I also think it’s important to point out that understanding the impact of tubes is task #1. Then applying that knowledge to your presentation, so you have a proper understanding of what the results might be, and more importantly, corrections that cannot be resolved by tubes. For example, if your presentation is the result of poorly mismatched kit and poor room acoustics and setup, well, it’s unlikely the addition of tubes will provide the intended result. Yes, improvements may be achieved, just not at the level one might have expected. As they say, “all disappointment is the result of misplaced expectations,” and very appropriate for all things HiFi 😊
I’m currently searching for speakers and really have my eye set on the S400MKII. I have extremely hard surfaces; lots of tile and glass, so I believe the Buchardts would work well. Finding the proper amp to accommodate them is being researched simultaneously, therefore, if anyone has suggestions, I’m all ears 😊
Thanks again for a wonderful review and hopefully your vacation was restful and enjoyable. Keep up the great work!
Interesting review, Tarun.
It's good to see you back after your holidays.😎
I'm a solid state guy. I've been lucky enough just recently to have purchased a set of Vitus SM 101 monoblock amplifiers with the matching signature preamp. That for me is class A all the way, of course, with the option of selecting class A/B, and I'll never get sick of that class A presentation.
Thank you, Tarun and welcome back. Hard to believe you gave up the joys of an English summer to spend time in sunny Crete.
For me, my first (fantasy) choice would be class A SETs, but I'm one of those who favor the sound of tubes. For those who prefer the sound of solid-state, "good on ya" as they say in the antipodes. Plenty of room in this hobby for a variety of tastes.
My rig consists of a tube preamp and class A monoblocs. A potential problem with this approach is synergy. The Vincent integrated approach is one way to solve this. My solution was/is preamp and monoblocs from one manufacturer.
Oh, so nice to see you reviewing this! I was very curious a couple of years ago them but couldn't find much about Vincent amps. Ended up getting an Advance Paris A12 instead because of a sale. It's a similar concept and I understand AP is much more available in the UK, I think you should take on those too ;) All the best!
Thank you 👍
I wanted to suggest the same thing, I have an Advance Paris A10 Classic, they pair beautifully with my Triangle Comete speakers.
I would love for Advance Paris to be compared to this Vincent integrated.
Hey Tarun, nice review, as always. Lots to love about this amp from the component perspective. Those MKPs are a ‘mare to run in but worth it in the end.
Having been spoiled by the detail retrieval of my Elites, I can’t see this kind of amp making a shortlist for a replacement for my Musical Fidelity. Although, to be fair, I think my budget would need to be much more elastic.
Tubes and class A may be very audiophile, but I don’t miss either in my system. Class A/B and transistors will do just fine for a while longer. 😊
Thanks Tarun. I had the luxury of auditioning the Vincent against the Unico Primo hybrid integrated and I landed on the Primo. Just had more life and realism to me although it was a while ago so I'm reluctant to get too expansive. The Unico was very nicely built and the tubes added their magic. Build quality was excellent. I did find myself annoyed by the small space Vincent allocated to the visible tube and was difficult to change out. As I recall the Unico delivered more depth and holographic sound. Just wrangling the brute around to set it up and return it was interesting. I now have a hybrid tube preamp a Rogue RP-5 with four ECC82 tubes and combine that with two Belles Mono amps. I have evolved into a definite liking for tube preamps combined with solid state amplifiers. Perhaps I'm just done with dealing with large power tubes.
I was waiting for Vincent to send Tarun their SV237 MKll for some time now before I decide to get the Exposure 3510 integrated. And here you are putting your Unico Primo against the Vincent, which I was always curious how that fight would turn out. Aside from the Exposure 3510, I have had my eyes on the Unison Research gear (Unison Primo or Unico Due); you are the closest person I know that has paired this against the Vincent and decided on the Union Research. Thank you for sharing. Tarun's other review on the NVA mono blocks sounds amazing: I think my decision on an amp or integrated has finally been shriveled down to the Unison Research, NVA, Exposure or Vincent. Now it's time to ask Tarun. I usually don't make a move until I hear his reviews because it seems we have a similar ear and above all he's just spot on the description and suggested pairing for me.
It's difficult. Recommend also checking out Zero Fidelity's review of the Primo. He thought little bright when pressed and recommended a certain tube with it. I found it best after some tube rolling. Small things like the stamped metal lid on the Vincent vs the machined anodized aluminum top plate on the Primo seemed to make difference with me. You might want to shop around for used Primos. When I got mine it was an introductory price of $2000. Now I believe $2500 or more. Its a difficult decision. Ive never heard the Exposure but it must be good.
@@markd4292
Hi Fletcher. What speakers do you have your Primo Unico driving? I have a local dealer of Unison Research products and I like to demo the Due, especially that they have a trade in deal and they usually sell open box or floor models for sale. Can't beat that. Right now I have a pair of Sonus Faber Lumina 5. I like them but I do believe and I heard elsewhere that they do like some power in the capacitor department. The Primo Due offers 80,000 microfarads of raw power and are stable down to 2 ohms which mathematically speaking should be great for these speakers (well aside from Tarun's suggestion for the Exposure 3510 - which I am sure will also be a great pairing). I will be buying the Exposure blindly w/o a demo but if I can demo the Due I rather start there first and if I don't care for it I'll get the Exposure. My speakers are rated 4ohms at 89dB. I may upgrade to the Sonus Faber Sonetto 5 or 7 maybe, or I may go in a totally different direction and get the more sensitive Klipsch Forte IV. I am a fan of horn speakers, despite their shortcomings, I just thought the Sonus Faber although not as dynamic as Klipsch got me pretty close to that experience compared to other brands I listened to. Cheers
@@markd4292 Hi Mark. I do indeed hope you like the Primo. It worked for me. I believe I was using Klipsch 16
What a pleasant surprise. I haven't seen this attention to old school build quality in many moons. I had hopes that the unit would blow your socks off, but no. No raves, just an appreciation for the effort put forth to introduce such a good sounding, attractive unit.. Thanks for the great review, once again. Anxiously awaiting the complete absence of your socks.
Love the look of this. The tube window is a fantastic touch.
Wow, what at splendid marrying of different amplifier classes to produce a well sounding unit.
Thank for the technical insight as well.
If memory serves me, the tube on display in the small round window is what directly powers the headphone output. At least, that is what was claimed in an old brochure from Audio Adviser when they were selling previous versions of this model. From what I've seen on various reviews, Vincent is kind of underrated for the quality they produce. Great review Tarun.
Great review as always Tarun..👍🏻👍🏻
Thank you my friend 😊👍
Nice review of a brand that doesn't get a lot of exposure in the reviewer universe. I have had a Vincent SA-31 / SP-331 combo for many years. Both use the tube/SS hybrid design and I like the pre-amp especially. The SP-331 is a really nice amp for Magnepans, in my opinion, though I've recently been letting it play with some Rogers LS3/5As and that is a very nice combo as well. Anyway, thanks for the review.
I love the look of the glowing valves at night. I have a Galion TS120SE and it's a fantastic amp with all my listening in Class a. Keep up the great work Tarun.
Thank you kindly 👍
Excellent unbias review. Vincent was on my short list for a second system that I was building. In the end I went a different direction and choose a Luxman L-509X, but it's very nice to see Vincent getting some review time. Thank you.
I have a vincent but plan to buy the L509x as well- dealing with white noise, replacing tubes etc is too much hassle for me
note: Vincent is a german "brand" but not a "manufacturer". Its product is made by Zhongshan ShengYa (China). Vincent is part of the Sintron Distribution company, same as Dynabox (made in Taiwan). Would not know what was first, the chicken or the egg... But good products at a good price.
Looks like those Shenya pre amps on Ali with 2 grand Mark up.. My Mineva 600GBP 300B amps sounds fine.. I f icon Audio sold it it wud b 2 grand +
That's why I don't trust Vincent , simply because they are claiming they made their own design and it's not true...
I believe that this particular amp (SV-237MK/MKII) is indeed a german design, a work of Mr. Frank Blohbaum.
Welcome back Tarun ! Very nice review. Tubes and Class A "The Holy Grail" but unlike with separates a more affordable grail. This unit sounds like it would do well with non-audiophile (real world recordings) that could use some smoothness without giving up too much in return. No matter what your format(s) are, we all have recordings with great performances and recording quality that could use some help. Early CDs come to mind as well as the original version of Metallica's 'Death Magnetic'.
Thank you. I agree. There is some great music that hasn’t been recorded well 😊
great review!! great channel !! thx brother
I have the Vincent PHO 701 phono stage, which is also excellent for the money. Interestingly it uses a very similar 12 AU7 tube to the 12 AX7 used in this amp. The 701 certainly benefitted from tube rolling, so I'd expect this unit to do likewise...
Love the Volume Control ,
The volume control is so important in amp design even the power switch is so important 'Thanks Tarun
(Looks like Teac volume control )
I am an integrated amp
Enthuist '
Espically now days that speakers have made a huge improvement since the 90s '
Danke! Excellent review, thank you very much for your great work, Tarun!
Danke mein Freund 😊👍
I have the Vincent 237 MK for the last few years and it still surprises me with its sound quality. It brings life to the sound in a way that other amps can’t achieve in my opinion. (at least in this price range) I paired it with the Wharfadale Evo 4.1s and Rega Dac. I finally settled in a system that still gives me pure joy every time I listen to it.
Great 👍
Thanks Tarun for another pinpoint review of an amp i was always fascinated by
Excellent review Vincent is so underated i owned the MK1 of the 237MK also now have the SAT7 pre amp paired with some big 998 monoblocks from Vincent sounds superb also i have the DAC 7 made by Vincent excellent DAC
Unbelievable..first, was wondering where you had got to recently, and secondly, your first review back is of my no. 1 amp in my system. I have the MK version, which is virtually identical except it doesn’t have the DAC/Bluetooth, which I already have in another amplifier, and scored the MK for more than 50% off the retail as they were introducing the MK2. Great review Tarun, and so pleased to see someone like yourself(one of the very best audiophile reviewers on CZcams) giving kudos to this fabulous brand that deserves to be more widely known. Vincent gear is absolutely top notch quality. Kia ora from New Zealand.
Thank you Paul. Much appreciated. You picked up quite the bargain 😊👍
Great work as always from this channel! I have a ifi tube buffer in my solid state system between my dac and integrated amp and I like it alot. I dont know if it’s added reverb, delayed cross feed or what is making it sound so good but I can’t take it out of the signal path now 😂
That is great! Thank you 👍
I've a a full Vincent set of pre+power+cd player for around 12 years. Still impressed by the sound of it. Speakers are monitor Amphion's.
Appreciate the review. Well done.
Thank you 👍
Aaah… the rabbit hole of hybrids! Thanks for the outstanding review! I love your matter of fact approach. I myself started with transistor amps, then got introduced to the tube sound and was sold. But the power combined with the tube sound is just heaven for me. I purchased the unison research unico nuovo and I’ve never looked back. Perhaps an idea to compare or review these hybrid amps? Unison research has a whole line of them!
And a question to top it of, would tube rolling maybe help with the sound?
Blessed are the Nuovo owners, for they know what evil lurks in headphone circuitry.
Very interesting concept/discussion -- cheers
Thanks Tarun for an excellent review. I am curious to know more about your observations when pairing the SV237 with the Venus II. I just bought a Venus II 12th and it seems it may not have been the best of ideas? I've had an older version of the SV237 paired with XT8Fs, and a Hugo 2 for 5 years now, and thought I'd give it a go, even if no matter what I try to upgrade to seems to always fall short. There is something for me hard to describe (fluidity?) in the sound that keeps me going back to this setup, possibly because I am usually doing something else at the same time I am listening to music, and what remains with me is perhaps the emotional connection I make with the music rather than detail recognition. By the way, I learned the sound of the sv237 can improve vastly with a 120 Euro tube upgrade.
In any case, any feedback on the Denafrips Venus II vs the SV237 would be welcome. Any DAC you'd pair with this amp? I thank you in advance for any time you can carve out for this.
Thanks Tarun, another enjoyable review of an interesting piece of kit.
Im pretty sure a tube preamp and solid state power amp will be my end game set up. For now im using my Auralic G1 as a preamp to feed my Naim Nap 250DR power amp, but Id love to try a decent tube preamp. If you, or indeed any of your fine viewers, have any ideas of units that might work well in such a set up, Id love to hear thoughts and suggestions - its just about SQ, the Auralic is likely to the only source component connected.
Always happy when you post a new video, have a great week!
It’s far more expensive but the BHK Signature Preamplifier is one I’m cross shopping. Unlike the Vincent’s, it can do L/R balance and every input can be set to Home Theater Bypass, which are two features I really need.
Great review.
Love the picture with the guy in the hat! 👍
Thank you. That is John Lee Hooker 👍
Tarun, thanks for not just a review but a detailed explanation of this hybrid amp. I would be very interested in hearing your thoughts on another hydrid, the Heaven 11 Billie. It’s a small manufacturer in Montreal, Canada. I own the Billie MK 1.5. They currently make a MK 2. The Billie, to my ears, is a great integrated hybrid.
Prior to buying this amp I had a love/hate relationship with my Forte IV's. Now it's all love and as you mentioned, the Forte"s are lively like the JBL's and a match made in heaven. And I did try a Decware SET amp and Yamaha AS2200 both of which just made an already unforgiving speaker more so, but with the Vincent I get a more powerful/prominent yet somehow softer in character bass with silky smooth mids and highs!
Thank you for sharing 😊
Oh long waited review. Thanks so much Mr. Tarun for reviewing Vincent Amp. Which I currently use. I am a fan of their brand. And I love its sound signature. Perfect match with ADS / Braun Speakers
Thank you You are most welcome 😊
Nice work as usual, I recently opted for a new Heed Abacus S dac, I missed any review you may have on it but am hoping it’s a good fit for my gear, sim audio 340 and YBA cd
Hi Tarun, great review of a very interesting amp. Thank you. Will you bring an update review of the Exposure 3510 integrated?
Another fantastic review!
My only visual criticism is the knobs look too small, especially with the outer ring printed around them, they look like the original ones have been lost and someone found some spares to put on. Also the notorious blue LED’s, green, red and amber are the best.
Thanks a lot for your highly appreciated review! I just have to wait til it's available on Italian market!
Thank you. Much appreciated 👍
Thanks for the review. I am all about warm sounding equipment and am a fan of Castle speakers. Please consider the amplifier pairing with the castle when you do review it and if this vincent fair well.
Kudos to you. I'm always on a lookout for great reviews from your channel.
Thank you. Much appreciated 😊👍
Very nice review and very nice entertainment. Always a pleasure. :)
Thank you kindly 😊👍
Wonderful stuff!!!
Honesty is what sets your reviews apart from the vast majority. You don’t cut any ice when it comes to letting us know it’s strengths and weaknesses. That is what I call fair. The Burr Brown chips are what sets them apart from others. I prefer the Burr Brown phono chip over the one that ordinarily comes on my AGI 511 preamp. It completely changes it into the highest class in resolution and detail. This chip DAC is not bad, but it won’t lick any external DAC like a Venus or a Spring 3 KTE even. Can’t expect that from a simple chip DAC. I prefer the tube rear end rather than the front end as this yields more detail in my experience and more resolution. It is heavily influenced by partnering equipment as well. Speaker choices are very limited with my choice using tubes but having subs made that easier. My EBTs loved the RM9. It was a glorious sound. Best tube amp I have ever heard. Thing is now I would rather not have to fiddle with tubes even though I like their sound, EL34s in particular. They have a sound very easy to love, fluid and transparent with just a touch of sweetness. I prefer a more open and transparent sound now. Resolution which doesn’t hide any flaws, in other words, brutally honest. It separates the real performers from the wannabes. It is harder to make the cut both in individual component choices as well as content as it doesn’t forgive flaws in components or media choices. This can limit what is pleasurable, but I also have a less resolving system in my bedroom just for those media choices that don’t cut the primary system grade. You must find what suits your own ears. They are the ones that matter. Press on Tarun. People notice your way and you are winning over more people everyday. Don’t go changing.
Vincent audio products are very nice. I have a Vincent PHO-700 phono preamplifier paired with a Rega Planer 3 and Ortofon Blue cartridge and it sounds fantastic.
Terrific review marked, as usual, by a clear, technical examination of the amp.
As to your question: we acquired a Rogue Audio Sphinx V.3 three years ago. It is an integrated hybrid amp: Class D power through a tubed output stage, 100 WPC @ 8 Ohms. A Herb Reichert review put us on the trail of the amp and a terrific, home-based hi-fi seller had us over to his place for a long audition with all parties masked. For our money, it's a great, high value amp with a fluid, musical mid-range and excellent grip on the bass.
Thank you. Much appreciated. I need to get my hands on the Sphinx V3 😊👍
Thanks for the review! This may be a dumb question, why didn't they include XLR inputs (and ideally pre-outs) in this integrated amp given its price? Also the digital inputs appear to be "bare bones" coax/toslink.
Gret review yet again Tarun. I run Exposure amplification and generally leave the amp on at all times. What is the case with this amplifier?
Great review! I have the sv700 which is the big brother to this one. Three preamp tubes per channel and switchable full time class A. The sound can obviously be tailored a little by swapping out tubes of course. I must agree I was also surprised at the sound performance of the onboard DAC. I think it only does up to 44.1 but when compared to some expensive stand alone DAC,s I felt a bit short changed by the latter😳
I learned the hard way buying any component based off specs is foolhardy. Especially since we can't even hear the improvements past a certain point anyway.
As of the kast 2 yrs, I have 10 tubes in the pre-amp. It's a game changer. I know what 'lit within' means now. Wished I did it 20 yrs ago. You're awesome Brit. Thanks for your channel.
Thank you kindly 😊👍
Really appreciate your review of a Vincent product. The HiFi store closest to my house (still over an hour away) features their product line, and I haven’t stumbled across any reviews after three years of perusing CZcams and Google searches for other products. Sounds quite appealing to me. I’m a bit mystified by the lack of a speaker switch; it must be an expensive option to install, both in cost and real estate, possibly sound quality as well, since you would have to be implementing the switching after the output stage.
Regarding output power, I’ll have to admit that I am still not able to grasp the relationship between amplifier power ratings and speaker sensitivity, impedance curves, efficiency, etc. except to know that (much) less power is needed to drive efficient speakers, those approaching (or exceeding) 100 dB at 1 meter. Things get a lot more complicated at 85 dB at 1 meter (+/- 2 dB). I have power meters on the output of my power amp, so I can see how dynamic (or not) the recording is, and the ‘level’ of output power. I find that I generally run the amp at the middle of the range, between 0.25 Amps and 2.5 Amps corresponding to between -20 dB and -30 dB on the scale which my analog SPL meter tells me is approximately between 60 dBA and 80+ dBA at my listening position (fast response, 65 to 75 dBA damped [as the power meters are]). So why do I bridge a 250 Watt stereo into 500 Watts per channel? (Wait, the electrostatic speaker guy said that was a minimum for his product [which I have yet to purchase]). Anyway, looks like 10 Watts of power should be more than sufficient for my needs, provided my speakers can use all the power the amp can deliver. Like you, I would like to see four (4) of those capacitors in the power supply, but it might contribute to ‘headroom’ -it is much tougher to tell when the speakers are taxing the transient reserve, except by ears better trained than mine; in other words, I’m not sure how one might instrument it.
Regarding tubes, I have them on the input on one system, but generally don’t use them. I find that under certain conditions, their distortion is unbearable, although I welcome their ability to amplify the signal into the amplifier. (I’m running a Freya+ in the system.). On another system, the preamp is dead quiet solid-state and the output is tube (Rogue Stereo 100) which does provide a marvelous sound stage, but the range is limited on both the bottom and the top end. Since my hearing topped out at below 12 kHz twenty years ago, and is surely even lower now, I don’t miss highs I can’t hear; but I really like the depths achieved by a decent solid-state power amplifier. So . . . I’m planning to purchase a tubed preamp in the near future. Tubes weren’t the main feature sought, but are welcome. I really wanted the balanced connections and especially the processor loop offered by the Rogue RP-7. My thoughts today. Welcome back from vacation. I missed your offerings while you were gone.
Hi Tarin. You're looking well after your nice break. I have been waiting for a decent review of the Vincent for some time. And I kind of expected some of your comments. If and when it's possible, the jewel to the crown of the Vincent range has to be the pre power combination with the very attractive looking mono blocks. If you can get those for review, I think you will find there is a little more kick, but I don't work for them, so it would be great to see if I am right. Thanks again for a great review. I subscribe to many audio channels, because I am a nerd. You are the best.
Interesting reivew. I'm a bit of a detail fanatic so the Vincent probably wouldn't be for me but if I was ever considering a tube option this would be an interesting one to consider.
Thanks Tarun for another insightful review. Where to have tubes in amplification? Well, I remember Paul McGowan championing tubes in the pre-amplifier and a solid state power output. I have a passive pre-amp and tube monoblocks, which certainly works okay for me.
Great. Thank you for sharing 👍
This exists also as a standalone pre-amp and it is a marvel .
I spent a few days auditioning the Vincent 237m2 and I really liked it. It felt muscular and confident, however in the end I didn’t end up buying it. Although the amp sounded great, I felt like it was only really good for a narrow range of speakers/music genre’s. I think that if you know that it’s sound suits your music taste, then fine, you’ll love it, but if you listen to a variety of music styles, I’m not sure that it’s that versatile. For example if you like electronic dance music… it’s not the amp for that really. Loved the tone controls and particularly the loud button. Made low volume listening an absolute pleasure.
Interesting you say it's not great with edm, in my system and imo, that's where it really shines. Feels like a monster in my space lol. Do you mind if I ask what you're pairing it with?
I was auditioning it with a pair of Heco Celan rev3 speakers. Dont get me wrong, it was good... but it just lacked that energy and detail in the upper mid/highs that give it that super fun party sound. With more mellow vocal music, or instrumental, it was devine. My wife, daughter and myself have very different music tastes, and i just didnt feel it was suitable for that diversity. Its the same way I feel about the Buchardt p300 speakers... Beautiful speaker, for particular type of music... just not an allrounder .... but thats just my opinion. @@jakus514
I thought that you must be "on holiday"! 😅
MY GOD! I have never seen this much integrated amp for the money and I agree with you…in the silver it's a stunning museum piece….so it’s is disappointing that it lacks truly exciting sound expectations.
I am a fan of the design approach..I have a tube preamp that I have upgraded significantly all the resistors and capacitors..and a Denefrips Pontus II and a powerful McIntosh solid state amp. I've compared it to nothing 😅 but always look forward to powering it all up for listening and discovering!
Good to see you back with your wonderful tours of the innards and explanations of design! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼😀
Have had my SA-32 Vincent preamp running into my Burson Audio TK monoblocks powering kef ls50 Metas. Heavy bass from the kefs and at 11 o clock, the airy but tiny kefs sound like floor standers. Seperates are delivering but the Vincent is a gem. Got the Fosi v3 with 48v and at 3o clock getting some solid bass. The Vincent pushes good current into the Fosi.
Thank you for sharing your experiences 😊
A modern amp that looks good! Impressive build quality. Splendid review with a look also on construction and internals.
Thank you 👍
Looks promising! How does the sound of this amp compare to the Marantz Model 40n?
I'm looking for a warm, smooth two channel amp to power either the Polk R700 or Q Acoustic Concept 50 speakers (these are on my shortlist after watching a bunch of reviews).
I've currently got an old Yamaha RX-A2040 AV amp powering some Monitor Audio Silver 8 speakers and the 5-7k frequency range has always sounded a little forward and fatiguing to my ear (I tried a similarly priced Yamaha stereo amp originally and it was even worse).
I'm hoping to organise a listen of the Polk R700s paired with a Marantz 40n, but I won't be able to listen to a set of Concept 50s at all unfortunately.
I have an old Vincent SV-129, 50 watts but sounds far larger, great sound from it and was impressed the first time I heard it. Underrated manafactuer that make some classy sounding amps...
Thank you for sharing 😊
Hi Tarun, I agree, you get an awful lot of quality parts for your bucks with this amplifier. I did not hear you mention that you can split the tube pre-amp from the solid state power-amp. (or did I miss it?) That is a lost opportunity. It would have been very interesting to hear the contribution of each component separately.
great stuff,,,, looking forward to the Castle review....
Thank you 👍
Thanks for the highly educational review again Tarun. I could see myself staring at this amp admirably through long listening sessions, but i'm just wondering if you think this would be would possibly be too smooth/warm for matching with a pair of S400 mk2's?
Thank you. The S400 Mk2 is not a particularly warm speaker. On paper, they should be a reasonable match 😊
I just ordered one of these amps ($3000 in the US) based partially on this review and other glowing reviews on CZcams.
Going to pair it with Emotiva T2+ speakers I just bought and a subwoofer (if necessary).
Cool 😎
I have the older 236mk2, I noticed a significant improvement of sound quality when I upgraded the three 12AX7 tubes. I've had my amp for nearly ten years and I have no desire to upgrade, a comparable upgrade would be almost twice the price I originally paid for my amp. Good review mate!
Hi, What tubes did you pick for your upgrade? Cheers
@@itsvladzino3246 The most important thing to me, is that the tubes/valves are electronically matched.
I thought the black quite hansome and part and build impressive but the ears have the final say. Another good job Tarun.
Thank you Tarun. Finally, for me, a much needed review of Vincent Audio. BTW is that my buddy John Lee in the background?
Thank you. Yes, it is 👍
Great Review as usual! I really would like that you try the Unison Research Unico 150, thati is another hybrid integrated amplifier. Once I've listened it coupled to Elac Vela 407, in comparison whit Luxman 507 UXII and Supernait, and to my ears it really standed out in term of "realism" of the event. And it was not "dark" at all, as you found the Vincent. Thanks anyway for your precious contribute to the Hi Fi community.
Thank you kindly 😊👍
Jay of Jay’s iyagi had a very positive reaction to this Vincent amp in case anyone missed it. Good to hear another positive review. Vincent audio seems very hidden on the inter webs for some reason.
Really nice review as always. I wish an integrated like this that is trying to be all things to all people would include an HDMI arc input.
Thank you 😊
Great review again sir.
Eagerly waiting for Exposure mono-block power and pre combination review ❤………….
Thank you. I hope to get to those at some point 👍
This integrated is very choked up by the stock tubes! Rolling in some NOS Sylvania 5751 (12ax7) and Siemens and Halske E88CC (6n1p) opened it up and let it breathe like i couldnt believe. Since then, i havent felt a lack of detail, and im definitely experiencing a holgraphic stage, all while retaining and improving upon its wonderfuly rich tonality :) And thank you from the excellent review as always!
Just make sure you're doing a blind test on the tubes, for your own sake. I got caught on this myself when my very good friend had a go at me for being over-excited about tube-rolling. Let me just say, I ate humble pie for dinner that evening, haha.
In my opinion, tubes in general have a sound. Tube rolling makes differences, but they're quite narrow (unless you get very bad tubes as a stock configuration).
@WSS_the_OG I haven't gone for totally blind, but I have consistently experienced the same sonic differences going between tube to tube, and back again. And I have absolutely experienced myself being prone psychoacoustics, so there's that too 😅 I believe there are fairly small differences between most tubes, but sometimes there are very synergistic matches that really get the unit singing, and just the opposite and it's unlistenable!
You're back to your motherland Africa? We're glad to see you go back.
Vincent builds a nice amp. Sounds really good with my refurbished Ditton 442's.
Hi Tarun , great review , I have the same model in silver finish . But we have an option to upgrade the tubes , I’m pretty sure that you will be impressed. It was a sort of laid back when I have received this as new , after I have upgraded the tubes , it’s much better . And it’s a superb preamp , I’m using it with the exposure super mono-blocks and the Proacs , it’s awesome.
Thanks
Which tubes would you suggest? Thanks!
Hi , You can try - Mullard 12AX7 / ECC83 & Voskhod "Rocket" 6N1P-EV if you can get . I’m using that
@@sujithchandran2832 Appreciated!
Great review. Vincent for some reason is quite underestimated, and the lack of good quality reviews dose not help. Would be great If You could do a SV-228 review some time, and compare it to 237mk2 :)
Very cool like the perk-a-boo window with the lit-up tubes
Me too 👍
Surprised that Tarun finds this particular Vincent amp dark & lacks high frequency extension. I heard a pair of Sigma orchestra 2.2 speakers driven by a Vincent amp (cannot recall which model) and the sound was superb. Very open, transparent, airy extended shimmering highs, huge soundstage & superb bass wallop. Heard the same speaker driven by an Audio Research amp & the sound was absolutely terrible. No highs, loose bass, shouty midrange & small soundstage. Overall very murky & slow as well. Over the yrs i have also heard other Sigma speakers driven by other amps but i have to yet to hear one as good as the Vincent.
This would be my experience too. Just heads and tails better in every respect over the tube SET amp I tried and SS Yamaha, or Denon AVR (as expected and the only I'd characterize as dark). The other integrateds caused my Forte IVs to accentuate the horns (mids and highs) to the point of fatigue but somehow the Vincent strikes the perfect balance and gives an incredibly powerful sound you would expect looking at these speakers. Also has that character that makes me enjoy turning it up but that's not necessary as it sounds amazing (probably best) at low volumes when it runs pure class A. To the contrary of what some have said I find it extremely versatile as well due the loudness button and excellent tone controls. Reminiscent of the very best of vintage amps with powerful and warm but airy, open and detailed sound. Silky smooth and lovely round bass! This amp sounded great with the KEF R300 and Wharefedale lintons I tries as well, but of course the Fote's are in another league and it the Vincent that allowed me to truly appreciate them. It also allowed me to better appreciate my expensive tube dac. Right now though I'm really enjoying the analog out directly from my iFi NEO stream. Everything sounds better with the Vincent!