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This review first appeared in the February 2011 issue of hi-end hifi magazine fairaudio.de of Germany. You can also read this review of the Vincent SV-236Mk in its original German version. We publish its English translation in a mutual syndication arrangement with the publishers. As is customary for our own reviews, the writer's signature at review's end shows an e-mail address should you have questions or wish to send feedback. All images contained in this review are the property of fairaudio or Vincent- Ed.
Reviewer: Tobias Zoporowski
Sources: Analog - Transrotor Insigne with Rega RB 300 and Goldring 1042 GX; phono pre - Lehmann Audio Black Cube Statement; tuner - Sansui T-80 (modified); digital - Lua Appassionato und Yamaha CD-S 1000, iPod dock - Advance Acoustic MiP-Station (modified)
Amplification: Symphonic Line RG 9 MK IV, Yamaha A-S 1000
Loudspeaker: Magnat Quantum 905, Nubert nuVero 14
Cables: in-akustik loom or Eagle Cable, WireWorld alternatives
Review component retail: €1.699

Car hybrids save on gasoline. Hybrid hifi amplifiers are for sound pleasure. In the Vincent SV-236Mk valves handle voltage gain, transistors current gain. To show my cards early, during the review this integrated proved neither shy on essentials nor satisfaction. The Sintron Audio GmbH headquartered in Iffezheim/Baden has since the mid 90s already split engineering and manufacturing duties between Europe and Asia. Now firmly established, this brand has become synonymous with affordable high end. The early and cheeky credo of offering more weight for the Deutschmark than any competitor is probably challenged today but the general virtue of high value remains. The bull’s eye displaying a 12AX7 makes the SV-236Mk hybrid integrated part of the firm’s TubeLine and its 18kg on the scale do the old slogan proud.

Hefting it out of the packaging next reveals clean classy workmanship and tactile gratification. Once the eye has feasted on the illuminated valve, the rotary controls with chromed trim rings which handle treble and bass contour, source selection and volume (this anti purist even has a loudness button) and the massive front panel with its rounded edges, one notices the lateral generously dimensioned heat sinks which as I would learn clearly aren’t for show. Equally generous is connectivity with six RCA inputs and both fixed and variable outputs. An MM phono input is missing but disappointment is probably just personal. Vincent after all has more than one external phono preamp in its catalogue. Vinyl devotees can pick on features and budget without feeling compromised by a built-in solution that even digiphiles would have to otherwise pay for. Biwire speaker terminals are impressively robust.