Vincent SV-228 VU Hybrid Integrated Amplifier Black

The Vincent SV-228 VU is a powerful hybrid integrated amplifier that combines a tube input stage with a transistor output stage, a built-in DAC and Bluetooth in a classically styled chassis with a twin VU meter.

Tube warmth meets transistor power: three tubes (1 × 6N4, 2 × ECC82) condition the signal, Toshiba output stages deliver the power. And the two needles on the front dance to the beat of the music – in four selectable illumination colours, in case one suits your rack better.

Why the Vincent SV-228 VU?

Because it combines the relaxed, long-listening-session playback of a tube preamp stage with the ample reserves of a stable transistor output stage – 2 × 100 watts at 8 ohms, 2 × 180 watts at 4 ohms. The SV-228 VU is the successor to the popular Power Line series (SV-226/227) and is praised in reviews for its warm, powerful and musical delivery.

Add to that a tidy, practical connection panel: built-in DAC with coax and optical, Bluetooth 5.0 for a quick link to your phone, a main-in for home cinema use and two switchable speaker pairs. Honestly – an integrated amplifier rarely needs more for everyday use.

What you get

• Hybrid concept: tube input stage (1 × 6N4, 2 × ECC82), transistor output stage for control and power
• 2 × 100 watts at 8 ohms, 2 × 180 watts at 4 ohms – reserves for nearly any living-room speaker
• Built-in DAC (coaxial + optical) plus Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD – for TV, CD, streamer or phone
• Main-in (unity gain) for use as a power amp – ideal for integrating the front channels of an AV system
• Two speaker pairs (A/B) switchable, pre-out, rec-out, headphone output and defeatable tone controls
• Twin VU meter with four selectable illumination colours, solid 15.5 kg chassis, remote control included

Who is the Vincent SV-228 VU suited for?

For discerning listeners who want power, features and a touch of classic hi-fi design in one unit – and who like the warm, fluid tube character without giving up power. Paired with rather neutral to lean-tuned speakers, it plays especially balanced.

Honestly: you don't connect a turntable directly – there's no phono input, so you need a separate phono stage. USB and HDMI/eARC are also missing, and there's no real network streaming (Wi-Fi/LAN) on board – only Bluetooth works wirelessly. If you're looking for all of that in one unit, a streaming integrated amplifier is the better choice. If instead you want powerful, musical stereo sound with a DAC and Bluetooth, you're exactly right here.

Our verdict

The SV-228 VU is a thoroughly honest powerhouse with character: plenty of power, a warm tube signature, well-thought-out connections and those gloriously old-fashioned needles you just enjoy watching. An amplifier for relaxing, not for nitpicking – and that's exactly what makes it so likeable. It scores accordingly well in reviews (review at fairaudio.de).

Which speakers suit your room, do you need two pairs, do you want to integrate it into your home cinema? Call us, message us or drop by for a chat – we at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil will help you match the SV-228 VU perfectly. Phone +41 44 680 22 00, WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls), shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Technical data

• Type: hybrid integrated amplifier (tube input stage / transistor output stage)
• Tube complement: 1 × 6N4, 2 × ECC82
• Output power RMS at 8 ohms: 2 × 100 watts
• Output power RMS at 4 ohms: 2 × 180 watts
• Frequency range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (±0.5 dB), 20 Hz – 50 kHz (±2 dB)
• Power transformer: 500 VA toroidal transformer
• Max. power consumption: 350 watts
• Analogue inputs: 2 × stereo RCA, 1 × stereo main-in (RCA, unity gain)
• Digital inputs: 1 × coaxial, 1 × optical (S/PDIF), Bluetooth 5.0 (aptX, aptX HD, aptX LL, SBC, AAC)
• Outputs: 1 × pre-out RCA, 1 × rec-out RCA, 2 speaker pairs (A/B), Power Control (trigger, 3.5 mm), headphone 6.3 mm
• Tone controls: bass/treble, defeatable
• VU meter: twin, four selectable illumination colours
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 430 × 152 × 450 mm
• Weight: 15.5 kg
• Colour: Black
• What's included: Vincent SV-228 VU, remote control, power cable, user manual

Frequently asked questions

Does the Vincent SV-228 VU have Bluetooth?
Yes. A Bluetooth 5.0 receiver is built in and supports aptX, aptX HD, aptX Low Latency, SBC and AAC. There's also a coaxial and an optical digital input via the built-in DAC. What's missing is Wi-Fi or network streaming – for that, connect a separate streamer.

Can I integrate the SV-228 VU into my home cinema?
Yes. Via the main-in input (unity gain) you use the output stage directly and connect the front channels of an AV preamp or AV receiver. This way the SV-228 VU plays stereo for music and takes over the front speakers for home cinema – without re-plugging anything.

Which speakers does the power suit?
With 2 × 100 watts at 8 ohms and 2 × 180 watts at 4 ohms, the SV-228 VU confidently drives the vast majority of floorstanding and compact speakers. You can connect two speaker pairs (A/B) and switch them individually or together. For very large rooms, we'll advise you on the right combination.

Can I connect a turntable directly?
Not directly – the SV-228 VU has no phono input. A separate phono stage belongs between turntable and amplifier. Vincent offers several models in the PHO series for this, and we're happy to help you choose the right one.

Why buy the Vincent SV-228 VU from HD Zürisee?
Because as an authorised Vincent specialist dealer in Wädenswil, our practical experience tells us which speakers and rooms suit the SV-228 VU. We advise you personally on placement, sources and cabling – and our technician Mauri takes care of installation and service.

Goes well with

You'll find suitable floorstanding and bookshelf speakers, sources and cabling in our Speakers, CD Players and Cables categories. For vinyl, add a phono stage; for wireless listening, your phone via Bluetooth is enough. We're happy to put together a matching chain for you – just ask.