Vincent CD-S1.2 Tube CD Player Silver

The Vincent CD-S1.2 is a hybrid CD player that routes the digital signal through two 6N16 tubes and also serves as a D/A converter for optical, coaxial and USB sources.

In short: a CD player that doesn't just play, it refines – and along the way becomes the digital hub of your system. If you love your silver discs but miss that last bit of warmth, you're in the right place.

Why the CD-S1.2?

The heart of the matter sits behind the converter. After D/A conversion via the Burr-Brown PCM1796 chip, two 6N16 subminiature tubes take over the analogue section. They round off the digital edges without swallowing detail – the result sounds open, full-bodied and pleasantly relaxed. The signal path is fully balanced, and you can output via XLR or RCA, whichever you prefer. A Sanyo transport with the DA11 chip takes care of clean reading.

What you get

Two devices in one. As a CD player, the CD-S1.2 delivers that typical, slightly analogue tube glow. As a DAC, it also accepts external sources via optical, coaxial and USB – TVs, streamers or computers all run through the same high-quality converter and tube stage. A headphone output (6.3 mm) is also on board, for the quiet hours. Honestly: this much versatility is rare in a CD player.

Who is the CD-S1.2 suited for?

For anyone with a real CD collection who wants to treat it to a warmer, more three-dimensional sound – and who's also after a flexible digital hub with a USB DAC. Honestly: if you only stream and never insert a CD any more, a pure network streamer is the more sensible choice. The CD-S1.2 doesn't come with any streaming services of its own – it converts whatever you feed it, but does so really well.

Our verdict

The CD-S1.2 is a hybrid CD player with character: tube warmth, clean conversion, plus a full-fledged DAC input including USB. If you take your CDs seriously but still want to be ready for the digital future, you get both here. Not sure whether it suits your amplifier and speakers? Call us on 044 680 22 00, write to us on WhatsApp at 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls) or drop by in Wädenswil – we're happy to advise you.

Technical Data

• Type: hybrid CD player with tube output stage and DAC function
• Tube complement: 2 × 6N16
• D/A converter: Burr-Brown PCM1796, 24-bit / 192 kHz
• Transport: Sanyo (DA11 reading chip)
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Total harmonic distortion: below 0.005%
• Signal-to-noise ratio: above 94 dB
• Dynamic range: above 100 dB
• Channel separation: above 90 dB
• Audio output voltage: 2.5 V
• Digital inputs: 1 × optical, 1 × coaxial, 1 × USB, 1 × power control
• Outputs: 2 × stereo RCA, 1 × stereo XLR, 1 × coaxial (digital), 1 × headphone 6.3 mm, 1 × power control
• Max. power consumption: 35 watts
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 430 × 106 × 342 mm
• Weight: 8.5 kg
• Colour: Silver
• What's included: Vincent CD-S1.2, remote control, power cable, user manual

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Vincent CD-S1.2 also convert external devices?
Yes. Via the digital inputs (optical, coaxial and USB), the CD-S1.2 accepts external sources such as TVs, streamers or computers and sends them through the same Burr-Brown conversion and tube output stage as your CDs. That makes it the central digital source of your system.

Does the CD-S1.2 have a headphone output?
Yes, a 6.3 mm headphone output is built in. That lets you listen quietly late at night without switching on the amplifier or waking the neighbours. It's not meant for on the go, but at the listening seat it's a nice, often-overlooked extra.

Can I connect the CD-S1.2 in balanced mode?
Yes. The analogue section is fully balanced, and you can output either via XLR (balanced) or RCA. If your amplifier is further away or has XLR inputs, the balanced connection is the less noise-prone choice.

Which tubes are in the CD-S1.2, and do they last long?
There are two 6N16 subminiature tubes in the analogue section. They work in the signal path, not the power stage, and so last a very long time – a replacement is usually only due after many years. That said, tubes are generally wear parts.

Why buy the Vincent CD-S1.2 from HD Zürisee?
Because we tell you whether it really suits your system. As an experienced team, we've known Vincent for many years and help you with cabling, XLR connection and the right amplifier. Plus, we have our own technician for service and installation.

Goes well with

For the full tube charm, pair the CD-S1.2 with a matching Vincent amplifier – ideally cabled in balanced mode. You'll find the right Cables with us, and if you're still looking for the right amplifier, browse our Amplifiers.