Vincent SV-600 and Vincent CD-600 – Pure transistor technology for the new Vincent solidLine 2.0

There is more to the new Vincent solidLine 2.0 than the return of a familiar name. With the Vincent SV-600 stereo integrated amplifier and the matching Vincent CD-600 CD player, Sintron Distribution GmbH is revisiting the solid-state philosophy that helped shape Vincent Audio’s identity during the late 1990s. The amplifier brings together a fully balanced circuit, an initial Class A operating range and output of up to 2 × 306 watts into 4 ohms; the player counters with a dedicated Sanyo Audio CD mechanism, an ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M converter and an unusually elaborate four-channel analogue output stage. Their three-part fascias provide an obvious visual link to the first Vincent solidLine, yet neither component relies on nostalgia to justify its existence. This is a new range conceived for present-day stereo systems, albeit one founded on principles Vincent Audio established more than a quarter of a century ago.

Key Facts – Vincent SV-600 and Vincent CD-600

• New Vincent solidLine 2.0 based entirely on solid-state circuitry
• Vincent SV-600 stereo integrated amplifier and Vincent CD-600 CD player
• Three-part fascia inspired by the original Vincent solidLine
• Vincent SV-600 with fully balanced circuit topology and Class A operation
• Output of 2 × 200 watts into 8 ohms and 2 × 306 watts into 4 ohms
• Analogue and digital inputs including HDMI ARC and Bluetooth
• Vincent CD-600 with Sanyo Audio CD mechanism and proprietary servo control
• ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M with D/A conversion up to 24 Bit and 192 kHz
• Analogue outputs via RCA and XLR, plus optical and coaxial digital connections
• Available in black or silver
• Prices: Vincent SV-600 € 3.199,-; Vincent CD-600 € 1.899,-

The return of an all-solid-state Vincent range

Vincent Audio has been part of the specialist HiFi landscape since 1995. From the outset, the brand of Sintron Distribution GmbH has pursued two distinct engineering paths. One is based on conventional solid-state circuits; the other has produced the hybrid electronics for which Vincent Audio is perhaps best known, combining valves in the preamplifier stage with transistor-based power amplification.

The first Vincent solidLine appeared in 1999, led by the Vincent SA-91 preamplifier and Vincent SP-991 stereo power amplifier. Where the hybrid models deliberately explored the interplay between valves and transistors, the solidLine relied throughout on semiconductor circuitry. Its declared priorities were precision, speed, dynamic freedom and an open, unforced presentation.

The Vincent solidLine 2.0 returns to that philosophy, but does not attempt to reproduce the earlier components component for component. The visual connection is nevertheless unmistakable. Both the Vincent SV-600 and Vincent CD-600 use a fascia divided into three clearly defined sections, directly echoing the styling of the first solidLine products.

At 430 mm wide, the two components follow full-width HiFi proportions and are available with either a black or silver front panel. They look deliberately substantial rather than ostentatious: conventional stereo separates designed to occupy a proper equipment rack, not disappear into the background.

Vincent SV-600 – a fully balanced stereo integrated amplifier

The Vincent SV-600 forms the centrepiece of the new range. Vincent Audio describes it as a Class A stereo integrated amplifier, although its power architecture extends beyond pure Class A operation once greater output is required.

Internally, the amplifier uses a fully balanced circuit based on FET differential amplification in combination with a grounded-base configuration. The intention is to achieve high slew rates, low signal degradation and stable operating conditions, including when the amplifier is connected to electrically demanding loudspeakers.

Its first 2 × 10 watts into 8 ohms are delivered in Class A. This is a meaningful figure rather than a token specification: with many loudspeakers and at ordinary domestic listening levels, a considerable proportion of day-to-day listening may remain within this operating range.

Once additional power is needed, the Vincent SV-600 can deliver up to 2 × 200 watts into 8 ohms and 2 × 306 watts into 4 ohms. Those figures place it well beyond the realm of an amplifier intended only for sensitive loudspeakers and modest rooms. On paper, at least, it has the current delivery and output reserves required to exercise control over larger or less efficient designs.

The output stage employs no fewer than 16 high-power transistors. A substantial toroidal transformer supplies the amplifier, supported by reservoir capacitors offering a combined filtering capacity of 40.000 µF. Such a generously specified power supply is intended to suppress voltage fluctuations and interference while maintaining adequate reserves during sudden dynamic peaks, particularly when low-frequency passages place heavy demands on the amplifier.

Its physical specification reinforces the impression. The Vincent SV-600 weighs 21,9 kg, making it a distinctly traditional piece of high-powered stereo engineering. Maximum power consumption is quoted at 820 watts.

Analogue sources, televisions and Bluetooth

The Vincent solidLine 2.0 may be rooted in conventional two-channel audio, but the Vincent SV-600 is not restricted to conventional analogue source components.

Its analogue input section includes five stereo RCA inputs and one balanced stereo XLR input. Two stereo Main Inputs are also provided, allowing direct access to the power-amplifier section. This opens the door to integration with an external preamplifier, processor or another component capable of providing volume control.

Digital sources can be connected through one optical and one coaxial S/PDIF input. HDMI ARC adds a more domestically relevant option, allowing television sound to be routed through the main stereo system without requiring a separate A/V receiver. It is a sensible inclusion for listeners who expect one pair of loudspeakers to handle both music and television rather than building an entirely separate home cinema installation.

An integrated Bluetooth module provides direct wireless playback from smartphones and tablets. Bluetooth is unlikely to be the principal source in a system built around an amplifier of this size and price, but its presence makes casual listening considerably easier.

On the output side, the Vincent SV-600 provides a stereo preamplifier output and loudspeaker terminals for two pairs of speakers. Two 3,5 mm sockets for Vincent Power Control allow compatible Vincent Audio components to be switched on and off together.

Vincent CD-600 – a deliberate focus on the Audio CD

The Vincent CD-600 is the second component in the new solidLine 2.0. At a time when digital source components are often expected to combine streaming, network playback, D/A conversion and disc replay in one chassis, Vincent Audio has taken a more disciplined approach. The Vincent CD-600 is first and foremost a dedicated Audio CD player.

Its disc mechanism is a drawer-loading Sanyo transport developed specifically for Audio CD replay. A proprietary servo control system governs the mechanism, with the aim of reading the disc as accurately and consistently as possible.

D/A conversion is handled by an ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M. Digital signal processing supports resolutions of up to 24 Bit and 192 kHz. This capability is not reserved solely for the internal CD mechanism: optical and coaxial digital inputs allow the Vincent CD-600 to operate as an external D/A converter for additional digital sources.

That makes the player more flexible than its traditional appearance initially suggests. A television, network transport or another digital source can make use of the same converter and analogue output circuitry, reducing the need for a separate standalone DAC.

Four signal paths for the analogue output stage

Vincent Audio has paid particular attention to the analogue side of the Vincent CD-600. The player uses four independent channel circuits, each with its own filter, amplification and buffer stages. This topology also provides the basis for its balanced XLR output.

The circuitry includes components from WIMA and Nichicon, two manufacturers whose capacitors are widely used in specialist audio electronics. Rather than treating the analogue stage as a minor appendage to the converter, Vincent Audio has evidently regarded it as a central part of the player’s design.

Connection to an amplifier is possible through unbalanced RCA outputs or balanced XLR outputs. Optical and coaxial digital outputs are also available when the user prefers to send the raw digital signal to an external converter.

Vincent Power Control is included here as well, allowing the Vincent SV-600 and Vincent CD-600 to function as a coordinated system that can be powered up or shut down together.

At 8,29 kg, the Vincent CD-600 is unusually substantial by contemporary CD-player standards. Its weight does not in itself guarantee superior replay, of course, but it does point to a more heavily engineered chassis and power supply than those found in many lightweight disc players.

The key benefits at a glance

• Proper separate-component stereo: The Vincent solidLine 2.0 is intended for listeners who prefer dedicated source and amplifier components over an All-in-One system.
• Power for demanding loudspeakers: With up to 2 × 306 watts into 4 ohms, the Vincent SV-600 has the output reserves required for larger, less efficient or electrically challenging speaker systems.
• Class A operation where it matters most: The first 2 × 10 watts into 8 ohms are delivered in Class A, covering a significant proportion of normal domestic listening with suitable loudspeakers.
• Straightforward integration with modern sources: Analogue inputs, S/PDIF, HDMI ARC and Bluetooth allow the amplifier to accommodate classic HiFi components, televisions, smartphones and tablets.
• A CD player that also earns its place as a DAC: The optical and coaxial inputs of the Vincent CD-600 allow external digital sources to use its ESS Sabre converter and analogue output stage.
• Balanced connection between both components: XLR sockets on the amplifier and player provide a fully balanced signal path within the Vincent solidLine 2.0 system.
• A power supply built for dynamic demands: The toroidal transformer and 40.000 µF of filtering capacity give the Vincent SV-600 substantial reserves for demanding musical passages.
• One-command system operation: Vincent Power Control enables the amplifier and CD player to be switched on and off together.

Price and availability

The Vincent SV-600 and Vincent CD-600 are distributed by Sintron Distribution GmbH and are expected to be available from specialist retailers immediately. Both components are offered in black or silver.

The recommended retail price is € 3.199,- for the Vincent SV-600 and € 1.899,- for the Vincent CD-600.

Conclusion

The Vincent solidLine 2.0 marks a considered return to the period in which Vincent Audio established its place in traditional stereo with imposing, all-solid-state electronics. Yet the Vincent SV-600 and Vincent CD-600 do not depend on heritage alone. HDMI ARC, Bluetooth, digital inputs and the CD player’s external DAC capability ensure that the pairing can sit comfortably at the heart of a modern HiFi system.

The Vincent SV-600 is the more conspicuous of the two, combining a useful Class A operating range with the sort of output figures normally associated with considerably less restrained amplifier designs. The Vincent CD-600 is quieter in concept but no less purposeful, treating Audio CD replay as a specialist discipline while retaining enough digital flexibility to remain relevant beyond the silver disc.

As an opening statement for the Vincent solidLine 2.0, the two components strike a persuasive balance. They acknowledge where Vincent Audio came from without pretending the last quarter-century never happened.

Technical Specifications – Vincent SV-600

Technical Specifications – Vincent CD-600