Vincent SV-236MK

Wilhoover any updates you want to share?

Since it was mentioned about replacing the stock tubes, at least in the SV 236 MK I wanted to let anyone interested a possible option. I tried a number of combinations in mine, replacing the original Chinese military 12AX7B with some GE 5 star triple black plates ( 1950's ) in all  three positions, then some 1980's RFTs I believe, finally one NEC up front in the driver slot and a pair of Raytheon black plates ( early '60's ). Found the bass a bit too heavy, not as open sounding as I wanted as well, but not bad.

         The current set up is a Ten Kobe 12AX7 as a driver and a pair of mid '60's Tungsram ECC83 - this is the first combination that has allowed me not to touch the tone controls and actually use the by pass switch. Bass is tight and accurate, nice open mids and clear but not harsh highs, finally the amplifier is starting to really sing - if I ever put those original Chinese tubes back in it would be difficult to listen to.

 
          The Ten Kobe is a great choice as a neutral tube that enhances the sound qualities of the ones for the left and right channel, finding that balance is the difficult part, and the Vincent needs something like the older Tungsrams, if you can find the silver colored ones from the 1950's even better, no latter than early '70's though, after that they are not nearly as musical.

          I have been keeping an eye out for some early production Mazda and Valvo tube, 1950's, but prices are not cheap for a reason. I know many have their particular preferences, but a modern hybrid like the Vincent needs a dynamic,open and transparent sounding tune that has a well controlled bottom end. The choices are rather limited out there. Those early Tungsrams are highly coveted by those in the know for a reason. Most of the older ones are coming out of Bulgaria lately or ex Soviet counties.


       If anyone with a stock Vincent SV 236 is thinking of changing tubes start with my suggestion - you will save yourself time, money and guess work.

 

I should mention I was helped immensely by another very knowledgeable audiophile and his insight into tube history, manufacture and sonics helped me avoid what would have been a lot more tube rolling. Knowing now which tubes have the most desirable traits for modern gear has made a big difference. Most go after the more mainstream tubes, Telefunken, Amperex, Mullard, RCA, Sylvania etc and they all have their place, but not in the case of the Vincent gear. At least if you prefer a neutral, balanced and very musical sound. Hope this helps!


           

undoubtedly there are better amps than the vincent out there--the pass labs int are great--but you'd probably be looking at significantly more $$ for incremental improvement. i like unplugged's suggestion of upgrading the tubes.

Joining this thread with my eyes on a Vincent SV-236 (non MK) with the all black knobs (no silver accent rings) with all 6 inputs as analog (yes, I will use them all).  I currently use Audio Refinement separates (see system page for details) designed by YBA that is considered to sound quite tube like with a good amount of warmth.  I pair it with some ProAc Studio 148s and this setup beat a Rogue Cronus Magnum head to head (Rogue sounded more solid state to me).  Excited to see what a SV-236 with my modified RP6 can do with those ProAcs.

From what I've read about the Vincent PHO-700 and 701 (hybrid phono preamps), the tube in the audio path was added pretty much as an afterthought (more as a tube buffer instead of the design using the tube in the initial audio signal path) and some have reported the phono stage working without a tube in the socket.  How does this hybrid phono preamp design differ from the SV-236?  I put my Jasmine LP 2.0 mkII phono stage up against a PHO-8 (same preamp without the tube) and the Jasmine was a clear winner.  The Jasmine also beat out the Pro-ject Phono Tube Box with upgraded tubes.