Vincent SV-500 MK Review
With the new integrated amplifier model SV-500 MK, a worthy and significantly further developed successor steps into the footsteps of the previous SV-500.
by Tom Frantzen
In the SV-500 MK, the objective was to upgrade a proven classic integrated amplifier with hybrid technology for the future and the modern way of music consumption. In the preamp section, two equally robust and affordable double triodes 6N1 and a 12AX7—the American designation for the common preamp double triode ECC83—are at work and are intended to provide the seductively natural “tube charm”. Incidentally, the 6N1 frequently appears in Chinese preamp circuits.
Obtaining replacements for these types of tubes, unlike more exotic components, poses no problem if necessary. From our perspective, it makes absolute sense to equip a hybrid integrated amplifier in the preamp section with vacuum tubes and leave the power to the much more economical semiconductor colleagues. Achieving power with tubes, on the other hand, is a costly and space-consuming affair.
For superb sound, highly reputed Toshiba power transistors were employed in the power amplifier section, which, in a classic high-quality Class-A/B push-pull topology and nominally 2x 80 watts output at 4 ohms, are intended to provide powerful, stable, and fast drive along with rich impulses. They are screwed onto a generous heatsink that contacts the housing. In fact, we were even able to measure more than 90 watts of output power.
At an 8-ohm speaker load, the expected continuous power is around 2x 60 watts, and here too there was a measured “added value”. To ensure this power, a generously dimensioned toroidal transformer and a capacitor bank with a full 20,000 microfarads of capacity were installed, which is good for high impulse reserves. Thus, the power supply should comfortably suffice for the vast majority of applications.
Good Features
A tone control stage, out of fashion elsewhere, provides welcome, fine adjustments when needed that can enhance music enjoyment. Naturally, it is also bypassable, so it can be banished from the sensitive signal path. Unfortunately, as with the predecessor, a balance control was omitted.
Two analog high-level sources can be connected via RCA jacks. Digitally, the German developers provided it with a high-quality D/A converter. Digital streams of all common formats, including Hi-Res, can be received coaxially or optically and processed up to 24-bit/192 kilohertz. The built-in DAC is so good that it hardly changes the pleasantly harmonious sound character of the Vincent with digital sources compared to analog ones.
Compared to its predecessor, Bluetooth was included to play the music library from a smartphone or tablet in the highest quality (aptX HD) over the home system for this transmission path. Even a costly HDMI socket for manufacturers, to connect with the TV entertainment center, is found on the back. Thanks to ARC, i.e., audio return channel capability, the volume during TV operation can alternatively be controlled via the TV’s remote control. Of course, the Vincent also comes with its own metal remote control, which looks as if milled from a block of aluminum. It allows input selection, muting, and naturally the volume control of the Vincent. The on/off switch is located exclusively on the front of the device itself.
The Vincent does not have a phono input for turntables. That would presumably have exceeded the targeted price range. However, a volume-controlled preamp output—for subwoofers, bi-amping, or active speakers—is on board, as well as a Rec Out to operate analog tape devices, for example. We find this very sensible for the sake of flexibility. A jack socket allows the control of good headphones between 32 and 600 ohms impedance. The high-quality speaker terminal allows the connection of bananas, spade lugs, and bare cable ends, thus not imposing restrictions. 12-volt trigger connections also enable the convenience of remote switching on of other connected devices.
Clean Design
A look under the hood is enlightening insofar as it reveals a superbly structured and thoughtfully designed device in which tubes and semiconductors have been combined into a coherent overall result and contribute sonically to a convincing performance. Quite honestly, we would have expected such a sight, if at all, in the next higher price class; this surprised us quite a bit. The rear cold-device connection with integrated fine fuse even opens up a tuning option, because “better” fine fuses, such as those from AHP, can sometimes help the sound for little money—even here without having to open the device and possibly endanger the warranty. But make sure to use identical values if you take this step!
Tracing Ancestry
The immediate predecessor, the bestseller SV-500 “without MK”, was just as big and heavy, and to our knowledge, nothing was changed in the amplifier circuit because it was simply not necessary in terms of sound. However, it had four analog and only two digital inputs and had to do without Bluetooth. The younger brother is a child of its increasingly digitally shaped time. The SV-500 initially cost $1,060 and finally $1,325. Perhaps the remote control was a bit more elaborate, but that was about it.
The successor is clearly better equipped with Bluetooth and HDMI, and the surcharge of $160 is as appropriate as it is expected. The familiar front window from other Vincent components, allowing a view of the tubes, was omitted in this device, but their presence can undoubtedly be seen from above through the ventilation grilles. Of course, the vacuum tubes also make themselves felt in measurements—a tube “distorts” just a bit more. But ultimately, all the measured values are in the green zone.
In terms of sound, the Vincent SV-500 MK benefits compared to other slightly more sober-sounding integrated amplifiers through an extra dose of charm, verve, and colorfulness in performance, which may not be extremely honest, but provides plenty of fun.
Integrated Amplifiers: Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II, Cyrus 3i
Speakers: KEF Q7 Meta, Spendor S3/5, Triangle Borea BR10
Cables: Audioquest, In-Akustik, Silent Wire, Supra
Sound Advantages
That may sound stereotypical, but a tube in the chain pays off. The tuning of the new Vincent even leads to the fact that you find almost unlistenable software, such as 80s best-of CDs, at least tolerable enough to accept them as background music. Everything flows, feels alive, and brims with temperament.
The full-bodied and rich-sounding amplifier creates a spacious and deep stage, which it knows how to fill with vibrant, rhythmically presented sounds. The layering is excellent, but like the abundance of details, not exaggerated—rather pleasantly “creamy”. However, what actually approaches “outstanding” occurs in the midrange, where the human voice resides. Color, microdynamics, and timing become seductive in, for example, Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me”. Your feet will already be tapping along. Purists might be bothered by what could be seen as deliberate, slight beautification, so make sure to listen to see if this is really what you want!
Enough power for underpinning and for a well-sprung, full bass is always available, and the control should suffice for most speakers, even if the measured damping factor appears low on paper. Without any doubt, the Vincent provides a lot of fun—and, above all, music! The new integrated amplifier is now available in silver or black finishes.
The analog FFT spectrum of the Vincent shows the not untypical distortion for a tube device.
Digitally, the Vincent is a tad better. Distortion and noise are okay anyway.
Full-bodied with good bass, fine dynamics, resolution, and dimensionality. Enchanting midrange (vocals)!
Specs
Category: Hybrid Integrated Amplifier (Tube / Transistor)
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 43 × 12 × 38 cm |
| Weight | 10 kg |
| Design | Hybrid (tube input stage + transistor output), Class AB |
| Notable Features | Bluetooth, DAC, HDMI, Headphone output, Bass/treble controls, Pre‐Out |
| Color Options | 2 variants |
| Power Consumption (Idle) | 43 W (very good) |
| Warranty | (Not stated in detail, typically 2 years per region) |
Peak Power @ 4 Ω / 1 kHz: 113 W
Intermodulation @ 5 W: 0.028% (good)
Damping Factor @ 4 Ω: 11 (quite low)
Channel Separation: 51 dB (adequate)
Volume Control Tracking: ±0.5 dB (good)
Upper Frequency Limit: >80 kHz (excellent)
THD @ 5 W: 0.1% (fair)
S/N Ratio @ 5 W: 88 dB (fair)
Two analog inputs (RCA / XLR) rated “very good”
Optional tone controls, pre‐out for external amplifier or subwoofer
No “hard” power switch, no modular expansion
Verdict
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