VINCENT AUDIO SV-500. Hybrid integrated amplifier. 2 x 50 W at 8 ohms and 2 x 80 W at 4 Ω

The third edition of the successful SV-237 model is presented with a revised design. As you can see, the chrome elements on the front panel have disappeared. The "new" SV-237 looks more modern and elegant at the same time. Also the entrances have been "modernized". The SV-237 MKII now has a built-in Bluetooth 5.0 input. So you can easily transfer your music from any mobile phone or tablet to the amplifier.

Also, like its predecessor, digital music signals can be sent to the amplifier via optical or coaxial cable. Burr Brown's integrated D/A converter module (PCM 5102) works with a bit rate of 24 bits / 192 kHz and can therefore process high resolution music files. The SV-237 MK II integrated amplifier uses hybrid technology. For Vincent, hybrid means "the best of both worlds".

Two 6N1P NOS tubes work in the preamp section, adding naturalness and warmth to the sound. To improve dynamics and final amplification, 4 transistors are used in the power amplifier section. These deliver up to 250 watts (RMS) of power per channel.

The circuit concept of the predecessors was already optimized for a very good signal-to-noise ratio. High-efficiency speakers can also be used without any problem in the SV-237 MKII and without the noise that is often caused by the use of tubes.

The versatility of the digital inputs is maintained, with one coaxial input and one optical input. These inputs are more suitable for everyday use and offer more possibilities for connections. Frank Blöhbum's unique circuit has not changed.

Under the direction of Frank Blöhbaum, who is the developer of Thorens electronics and the TAC Auto-Bias control of tube amplifiers, the circuit design has been completely revised and improved. Therefore, in the output stage section, a phase reserve of 90° has been achieved by making several changes. This phase reserve provides a much better transient response to complex loads (loudspeakers). Since the amplifier virtually always operates during normal operation in the transient oscillation state (music represents transient pulses), the improvements can be heard in an elementary way. Musicality and sound are much better than its predecessor. Even the most difficult loudspeakers can be easily handled.

The preamplifier section has been installed in the second stage with 6N1P tubes. The higher voltage level provides better signal stability. This results in a higher spectral purity of the signal which causes a further improvement in the fine details of the sound. Here, the valve-like musicality is maintained and an analytical coldness never comes to the sound. Another advantage of the improved circuit design is a greatly improved signal to noise ratio. It results in excellent reproduction quality also on high efficiency loudspeakers such as the Dynavox Impulse series. Enjoy an explosive live performance as a result of excellent dynamics. Also, the volume control can be handled precisely. Therefore, the volume level can be precisely set by remote control.

Technical characteristics:

Frequency response 20 Hz - 20 kHz (±0.5 dB) / 20 Hz - 50 kHz (±2 dB)

Rated RMS output power / 8 ohms 2 x 150 watts / Rated RMS output power / 4 ohms 2 x 250 watts

Rated Output Power Class A / 8 Ohms 2 x 10 Watts

Harmonic distortion < 0.1% (1 kHz, 1 W) / Input sensitivity 300 mV

Signal-to-noise ratio > 90 dB / Input impedance 47 kOhm

Max. Power consumption 563 watts

Inputs 2 x Stereo RCA, 1 x Optical 1x Coaxial, 1 x Bluetooth

Outputs 1 x stereo pre out, 1 x stereo rec out,

4 x 2 speaker terminals, 2 x 3.5 mm jack (power control)

Valves 1 x 12AX7, 2 x 6N1P

Playable Digital Formats

WAV, FLAC, APE, LPCM, MP3, AAC, AC3, WMA

Weight 20.4kg

Dimensions (width x height x depth) 430 x 150 x 435 mm