Hybrid Integrated Amp with VU Meter, DAC, and Headphone Stage
The new Vincent SV-228 hybrid integrated amplifier is the natural evolutionary step in the succession of the PowerLine series from the SV-226 through SV-227MK. It's the best-sounding model in that line-up yet and certainly the most attractive looking, too. The SV-228 boasts new modern aesthetics with a VU meter sleekly embedded in the front panel. The colored backlighting can be changed using a rear-panel control.
The inputs have been upgraded compared to the SV-227MK and now include a Bluetooth input for wireless streaming. For home theater enthusiasts, Vincent added a Main Input, which allows you to use the SV-228 as a power amplifier with your own AV preamplifier if you wish. This lets you keep the SV-228 in your system while enjoying TV, Blu-ray discs, or other cinematic media.
The SV-228 is a heavyweight in terms of performance. It delivers enough power to drive and control two pairs of loudspeakers. Other features include a headphone output, bypassable tone controls, a Loudness function, a nicely designed remote, and a switch which allows you to listen to two pairs of loudspeakers at once or individually. The highest manufacturing quality and excellent value for money go without saying, of course, because the SV-228 is a Vincent.
"Putting an End to 'Component Envy'"
"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," reports Ian White, Iecoustics.com, April 13, 2022. "In addition, the SV-228 features a Bluetooth 5.0 input for wireless streaming, maximizing the sonic attributes of audio sourced from portable devices."
"Musically seductive, well equipped and finely crafted, it should put an end to 'component envy' for many price-conscious customers," says Michael Lang, stereo.de, June 15, 2022. "
Hybrid Design as Only Vincent Can Do It
Audiophiles love the sound of vacuum tubes. That's why the German manufacturer Vincent Audio puts tubes in as many of its products as possible. The main trouble with tubes, however, is that big high-output power tubes can fail when they are stressed. That's why Vincent Audio has created a special class of amplifiers called "hybrids." They use vacuum tubes where they do the most good – in the preamp stages – and solid state devices for power output to the speakers.
The hybrid tube and transistor design on the SV-228 is perfect for the music enthusiast who prefers the warmth and detail of tubes without sacrificing the power and control which solid state offers. This winning combination of vacuum tube and solid state circuitry is a marriage made in heaven. It is truly the best of both worlds. The wide soundstage of the SV-228 gives you the power and subtle detail that's perfect for any kind of music.
Improved Dynamics and Fine Resolution
In terms of sound quality, the SV-228 easily betters its esteemed predecessors. Dynamics and fine resolution have been improved without compromising the natural and warm characteristics. Internally three vacuum tubes in the input stage (1 x 6N4, 2 x JJ ECC82) add the rich, luxurious 'flavor' that only tubes can provide before passing the music signal to the output stage. The SV-228's use of the JJ ECC82 tubes is a nice upgrade from its predecessor's use of two 12AU7 tubes.
In the final amplification stage, Toshiba A1941 transistors deliver 100 watts per channel at 8 ohms and 180 watts per channel at 4 ohms. This provides ample power for excelling with demanding loudspeakers.
Analog and Digital Inputs
The Vincent SV-228 is a full featured stereo integrated amp offering six inputs – four analog and two digital. The digital inputs connect to a Burr-Brown PCM 5102 DAC that is specially built for excellent sound with CD players.
This truly a hybrid amp built for the digital age. The coaxial and digital inputs as well as the built-in Bluetooth receiver compatible with Bluetooth version 5.0 support playback of digital music files. The Burr-Brown DAC will play WAV, FLAC, APE, LPCM, MP3, AAC, AC3, and WMA files.
More Features
Great features include independent bass and treble controls, front panel headphone jack, mute, and infrared remote control. The metal remote is one of the best we've seen. It has a solid feel, slim profile, and just the right buttons, but none of the extra buttons you'll never use. The rear panel features two pairs of excellent five-way speaker binding posts and record and preamp outputs just in case you want to use the SV-228 as a stand-alone tube preamp with an external amp.
The bypassable tone controls let you sculpt the sound to suit your tastes and room acoustics, while the loudness switch helps preserve the dynamics of your music even at low amplitude levels. The loudness switch was a common feature on yesterday's 'Golden Age' hi-fi gear, and it is nice to see that Vincent has brought it back into the digital age with a seamless integration that doesn't disrupt your musical enjoyment in any way.
Front Panel VU Meter
The most eye-catching feature of the SV-228's sleek design is its front panel VU meter. This two-channel meter is controlled by a separate CPU. It can accurately display the real-time power output and supports four levels of backlight color adjustment via a convenient rear-panel slide switch.
