Vincent SV-700 Class A Integrated Amplifier Silver

The Vincent SV-700 is a Class A hybrid integrated amplifier that combines a balanced tube preamp with a powerful transistor power stage, a built-in DAC and switchable Class A/AB operation.

The SV-700 is the second-largest model in the Vincent tubeLine – a 24-kilo powerhouse with sprawling cooling fins that are no mere show: in Class A mode it runs as warm as a radiator on half throttle. Seven tubes work in the balanced preamp on the shunt-regulated push-pull principle, while Toshiba transistors in the power stage supply the muscle. No frills, just sound – the way it should be.

Why the Vincent SV-700?

Because you get two amplifiers in one. At the touch of a button you choose between pure Class A (2 × 50 watts at 8 ohms, the finest, most natural sound) and Class AB (2 × 100 watts at 8 ohms, 2 × 160 watts at 4 ohms, full reserves). The balanced circuit without global negative feedback delivers a calm, warm, high-resolution sound image.

On top of that: a high-quality connection panel with a balanced XLR input, three RCA inputs and a DAC (coax and optical), two speaker pairs, and a 500 VA toroidal transformer with generous capacitor reserves. An amplifier for anyone who takes music seriously.

What you get

• Class A hybrid: balanced tube preamp (7 tubes, SRPP principle), Toshiba transistor power stage
• Switchable Class A (2 × 50 watts at 8 ohms) or Class AB (2 × 100 watts at 8 ohms, 2 × 160 watts at 4 ohms)
• Balanced XLR input plus three RCA high-level inputs – rare in this class
• Built-in DAC with coaxial and optical digital input for CD, TV or streamer
• Two speaker pairs, pre-out and rec-out, power control trigger, heavy aluminium remote control
• Massive balanced construction, 500 VA toroidal transformer in its own housing, 24.2 kg all-metal housing

Who is the Vincent SV-700 suited to?

For ambitious listeners who want warm, smooth tube sound with real power and audiophile ambition – and who appreciate the appeal of genuine Class A operation. The balanced XLR input makes it the ideal partner for high-quality sources with an XLR output.

Honestly: the SV-700 is a heavyweight, and in Class A mode a small heater – it needs air all around it and a sturdy rack. You can't connect a turntable directly (no phono input, a separate phono stage is needed), and there's no Bluetooth, HDMI or network streaming. If you're after a convenient all-in-one with app streaming, a streaming integrated amplifier is the better fit. If you want uncompromising sound, this is exactly right for you.

Our verdict

The SV-700 is a statement in sound: the warmth and finesse of genuine Class A tube technology, paired with the reserves of a potent transistor power stage and the flexibility of A/AB switching. An amplifier for people who listen closely. Trade reviews praise its musicality and build quality (review at i-fidelity.net).

Which speakers, which sources, how much Class A do you really need? Call us, write to us or drop by for a chat – at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, we'll help you match the SV-700 to your needs. Phone +41 44 680 22 00, WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls), shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Technical data

• Type: Class A hybrid integrated amplifier (balanced tube preamp / transistor power stage)
• Tube complement: 1 × 6Z4, 2 × 12AX7, 4 × 12AU7
• Output power RMS at 8 ohms: 2 × 100 watts
• Output power RMS at 4 ohms: 2 × 160 watts
• Pure Class A power at 8 ohms: 2 × 50 watts (switchable)
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (±0.5 dB), 20 Hz – 50 kHz (±2 dB)
• Total harmonic distortion: below 0.1 % (1 kHz, 1 W)
• Input sensitivity: 350 mV
• Signal-to-noise ratio: above 90 dB
• Input impedance: 47 kOhm
• Max. power consumption: 563 watts
• Analogue inputs: 3 × stereo RCA, 1 × stereo XLR (balanced)
• Digital inputs: 1 × coaxial, 1 × optical (S/PDIF)
• Outputs: 1 × pre-out RCA, 1 × rec-out RCA, 2 speaker pairs, power control (2 × 3.5 mm)
• Mains transformer: toroidal transformer, 500 VA
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 430 × 192 × 430 mm
• Weight: 24.2 kg
• Colour: Silver
• Scope of delivery: Vincent SV-700, aluminium remote control, power cable, instruction manual

Frequently asked questions

What does the Class A/AB switch on the Vincent SV-700 do?
At the touch of a button (also on the remote), you decide how the SV-700 operates: in pure Class A mode it delivers 2 × 50 watts at 8 ohms with an especially fine, natural sound – but it gets properly warm. If you need more reserves, switch to Class AB and you have the full 2 × 100 watts at 8 ohms (2 × 160 watts at 4 ohms) on tap.

Does the SV-700 have a balanced XLR input?
Yes. Alongside three analogue RCA inputs there's a balanced XLR high-level input as well as a DAC with coaxial and optical digital input. The SV-700 deliberately has no Bluetooth, HDMI or network streaming – it's a purist sound amplifier; you can connect a streamer to the digital input if needed.

Which speakers is the SV-700 designed for?
For demanding and even challenging speakers: with 2 × 100 watts at 8 ohms and 2 × 160 watts at 4 ohms it has ample control, and you can connect two speaker pairs. Important: in Class A operation it gives off a lot of heat – it needs air all around it. We're happy to advise on placement.

Can I connect a turntable directly?
Not directly – the SV-700 has no phono input. A separate phono preamp belongs between turntable and amplifier. Vincent offers suitable models such as the PHO-701, and we're happy to help you find the right combination.

Why buy the Vincent SV-700 from HD Zürisee?
Because a Class A powerhouse in this class deserves proper advice: as an authorised Vincent dealer in Wädenswil, we know from experience which speakers, rooms and sources suit the SV-700, and what to watch for with heat dissipation. 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 sources with an XLR output, a good balanced cable is worthwhile, and for vinyl you'll add a phono preamp. We're happy to put together a well-matched system for you – just ask.