Vincent SA-T7 Diamond Tube Preamplifier Silver

The Vincent SA-T7 Diamond is the limited special edition of the reference tube preamp SA-T7 MK. Its heart – the BestPentode circuit by Dipl.-Ing. Frank Blöhbaum – is fitted here with original NOS tubes from Telefunken, made in Germany. Technology, connections and the built-in D/A converter with Bluetooth match the MK; the Telefunken tubes lift the sound's warmth and clarity even further.

Why the SA-T7 Diamond?

Because the tube shapes the sound of a preamp – and Telefunken NOS tubes are considered by connoisseurs to be the best you can put into such a circuit. For the Diamond, Vincent secured a stock of original Telefunken variable-mu pentodes and fitted them into the proven BestPentode concept. Everything the SA-T7 and SA-T7 MK were praised for – warmth, calm, pace – is, according to Vincent, made even better as a result. The connection options and all other components remain at the MK's high standard.

What you get

• Limited special edition with original Telefunken NOS tubes
• BestPentode circuit (Frank Blöhbaum) with Vimala current-source coupling
• Built-in D/A converter with optical and coaxial input (up to 24-bit/192 kHz)
• Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless streaming from your smartphone or tablet
• Six analogue RCA inputs for all your sources
• Switchable precision tone control for treble and bass
• Two selectable output impedances (50 and 600 ohms)
• Illuminated bullseye window with a view of the Telefunken tubes
• Remote control included

Who is the SA-T7 Diamond suited for?

For anyone who wants the SA-T7 preamp in its finest form and is happy to invest the premium for the Telefunken tubes. Ideal as the reference centrepiece of a top-tier tube chain. Honestly: sonically the Diamond operates at an extremely refined level, but the gap to the MK is a nuance, not day and night – if you're after that last increment and the exclusive tube set, this is for you; if you decide purely rationally, the MK already gets you almost all the way there.

Our verdict

The SA-T7 Diamond is Vincent's tube preamp taken to perfection: the same outstanding BestPentode technology, refined with the coveted Telefunken NOS tubes. Warm, analogue, holographic – and thanks to the DAC and Bluetooth, still practical for everyday use. A detailed review is available at LikeHiFi. Happy to help you find out which Vincent power amp shows the Diamond at its very best: call us at +41 44 680 22 00, message us on WhatsApp at 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls) or drop by HD Zürisee in Wädenswil.

Technical data

• Type: stereo tube preamp (line) with D/A converter and Bluetooth
• Circuit: BestPentode (Frank Blöhbaum) with Vimala current-source coupling
• Tubes: Telefunken NOS variable-mu pentodes (E180F) + 6S3P-EV, 85A2
• Frequency range: 10 Hz – 100 kHz (±0.1 dB)
• Rated output voltage: 3 V
• THD: below 0.001% (1 kHz, 2 V at 10 kOhm)
• Gain: typ. 13.3 dB
• Input sensitivity: 430 mV (for 2 V output voltage)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: typ. over 100 dB (A)
• Input impedance: over 22 kOhm
• Output impedances: switchable 50 ohms / 600 ohms
• D/A converter: up to 24-bit / 192 kHz (optical/coaxial)
• Analogue inputs: 6× stereo RCA
• Digital inputs: 1× optical, 1× coaxial, 1× Bluetooth (5.0)
• Outputs: 2× stereo RCA Pre Out, 1× stereo RCA Rec Out, 2× 3.5 mm jack (Power Control)
• Max. power consumption: 58 W
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 430 × 135 × 370 mm
• Weight: 8.5 kg
• Colour: Silver
• What's included: SA-T7 Diamond, remote control, power cable, user manual

Frequently asked questions

What sets the Diamond apart from the SA-T7 MK?
The Diamond is the MK's limited special edition. Its heart is fitted with original NOS tubes from Telefunken, made in Germany. Circuit, connections, DAC and Bluetooth are identical to the MK – the difference lies in the sonic fine-tuning delivered by the Telefunken tubes.

What are NOS tubes?
NOS stands for New Old Stock: brand-new tubes from old stockpiles that are no longer produced. Telefunken tubes made in Germany are considered especially sought-after and long-lasting – and that's exactly what's inside the Diamond.

Is the Diamond a pure tube preamp?
Yes, amplification runs exclusively through tubes in the BestPentode circuit. The built-in DAC only converts digital sources before the signal reaches the tube stage. There is no transistor amplification stage in the signal path.

Which power amp suits the SA-T7 Diamond?
Classically, one of Vincent's large power amps – such as the SP-332 or, for a reference chain, the SP-T700 monoblocks. Via the RCA outputs with selectable impedance, the Diamond can in principle drive any power amp. We're happy to advise you.

Why buy the SA-T7 Diamond from HD Zürisee?
Because we advise you on the right combination of power amp, speakers and cabling before you commit. As a Vincent specialist dealer, we take care of setup and service and are personally there for you in Wädenswil on Lake Zürich even after your purchase.

Goes well with

• Power amps – the right power, for example the Vincent SP-332
• Speakers – from compact to floorstanding
• Turntables – for the analogue source
• Cables – RCA in the right length