Named as the greatest value at CES by The Absolute Sound Editor-in-Chief Robert Harley
Listed in The Absolute Sound 2012 High-End Audio Buyer's Guide
"Editors' Choice" Award, The Absolute Sound, 2008
"Editors' Choice" Award, The Absolute Sound, 2007
"Editors' Choice" Award, The Absolute Sound, 2006
Enhanced and Upgraded MKII Model
Hot on the heels of its award-winning acclaim in the audiophile press, Vincent's SV-236 hybrid vacuum tube integrated amplifier is enhanced and upgraded as the new, more powerful SV-236 MKII.
"Almost Surround-like Imaging"
The Vincent SV-236MK was honored by its inclusion in The Absolute Sound 2012 High-End Audio Buyer's Guide, which praised its "deep, powerful solid-state bass and tube-fueled delicacy shimmering detail, and almost surround-like imaging."
The MKII improves on the stellar performance of the original SV-236 by increasing the power delivery from 100 watts-per-channel at 8 ohms to 150-watts. Improvements in the power supply, including new voltage stabilization circuitry, contribute to the improved dynamics.
Other enhancements include optimized circuit layout and the addition of premium parts in critical areas that improve tonal characteristics, including top-of-the-line German-made WIMA capacitors. The overall result is a sonic signature closer to a 100-percent vacuum tube design, but with all of the advantages of solid-state technology.
Last, but certainly not least, the SV-236 MKII uses an upgraded, more robust chassis derived from the SV-234 integrated amp.
"Ridiculously Easy to Recommend"
"The SV-236MK brings real high-performance sound to the real-world audio enthusiast at a real-world price," reports Michael Fremer in the April 2009 issue of Stereophile. He calls it "ridiculously easy to recommend. It's the kind of component that gives me - and should give you - hope for the future of this great hobby."
TAS"Editors' Choice" with "Almost Surround-like Imaging"
The original SV-236 won the coveted "Editors' Choice Award" in The Absolute Sound magazine for 2008, 2007, and 2006. "Listeners will appreciate the Vincent's combination of deep, powerful, authoritative solid-state bass and tube-fueled delicacy, shimmering detail, and almost surround-like imaging," notes Barry Willis in the October 2008 issue.
Passion and Elegance
The Vincent SV-236 MKII demonstrates the ultimate in passion and elegance. Whether it's the smooth fluidity of a jazz combo, the hard driving rhythms of alternative rock or the subtle detail of a chamber orchestra, the SV236 MKII provides a generous soundstage with power and subtle detail perfect for any kind of music.
The hybrid tube and transistor design of this 150-watt-per-channel amplifier is perfect for the music enthusiast that prefers the warmth and detail of tubes without sacrificing the power and control which solid state offers. It is truly the best of both worlds.
Outstanding Value and Performance
According to the October 2005 issue of The Absolute Sound, the SV-236 was "named as the greatest value at CES by Editor-In-Chief Robert Harley."
Particular care was taken with respect to the shielding, input relays, as well as the remote control circuitry. Each is complete with shielded compartments, including the volume control, which hides behind a wall of steel. Two lateral walls of cooling ribs insure the purity of sound.
Double-triode Tube Circuitry
The double-triode tube circuitry of the pre-amplifier stage dictates the low level integrity, while the solid state output transistors, configured in pure 'Class A' mode for the first ten watts, preserve the amplifier's sonic warmth, providing deep, controlled bass while preventing distortion. Above ten watts, the amplifier automatically switches to 'Class AB' for the best combination of power and performance.
"A Serious Powerhouse"
"The Vincent SV-236 is a serious powerhouse," reports Barry Willis in The Absolute Sound. "The seemingly bottomless bottom end had me plowing through my CD collection for bass-heavy favorites."
The tone controls let you sculpt the sound to suit your tastes and room acoustics, while a loudness switch helps preserve the dynamics of your music even at low amplitude levels.
"If you're looking for long-term musical satisfaction, real-world versatility, and compatibility with almost every loudspeaker on the planet at a price that won't put you in debt for the next five years, the Vincent is for you," concludes The Absolute Sound. | 
