Input on Vincent SP-331

thejazzmarauder
thejazzmarauder Posts: 16
in 2 Channel Audio
I need a new amp to drive my Thiel CS 1.5 speakers and could pick up a Vincent SP-331 for $600. I would be pairing this with the Dared SL2000a tube preamp. Alternatively, I could buy a Carver TFM-4.0 for $400.

Given that I plan to upgrade whatever I buy, is the Vincent or Carver my best option?
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  • marvda1
    marvda1 Posts: 4,901
    Check with @voltz on the vincent gear.
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  • erniejade
    erniejade Posts: 6,321
    Without hearing the Vincent SP-331, it is quite a bit newer over the carver. The carver if it hasn't been recapped yet, it will need to be to get it up to spec.

    The Vincent is a Hybrid and has some good reviews. Would you happen to know if it is the MKII or the regular one? I would lean toward the Vincent if that were my only 2 choices.
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  • thejazzmarauder
    thejazzmarauder Posts: 16
    erniejade wrote: »
    Without hearing the Vincent SP-331, it is quite a bit newer over the carver. The carver if it hasn't been recapped yet, it will need to be to get it up to spec.

    The Vincent is a Hybrid and has some good reviews. Would you happen to know if it is the MKII or the regular one? I would lean toward the Vincent if that were my only 2 choices.
    It’s the original, not the mk version.
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  • voltz
    voltz Posts: 5,384
    edited November 2018
    As a Vincent Fan & I have been using one for years and now it has been replaced as main unit for a Modwright amplifier.

    I say grab the Vincent as I would not sell mine for $600 as for that price I'd just keep it.

    If you Vincent even needs any work call Audio Advisor they fix mine once and put in new tubes ( which are soldiered in) for around $110 and that included the shipping cost back to me after I payed to have it ship to them.

    I have use my Vincent with a Vincent preamp for years, Though I did hook up my Dares Sl2000 it it a few times and they played very well together. At 150 WPC it will handle most speakers and even 4 ohms very well as i use it with my SDA's when I playing my SDA's

    p.s. mine is the original SP-331 also :) but my preamp is the Vincent MKII version.
    2 ch- Polk CRS+ * Vincent SA-31MK Preamp * Vincent Sp-331 Amp * Marantz SA8005 SACD * Project Xperience Classic TT * Sumiko Blue Point #2 MC cartridge

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  • thejazzmarauder
    thejazzmarauder Posts: 16
    edited November 2018
    Thanks @voltz I think I’ll pull the trigger then. Any obvious upgrades I should consider?
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  • audioluvr
    audioluvr Posts: 5,584
    Was this the one for sale on CL? Did you get it?
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  • voltz
    voltz Posts: 5,384
    edited November 2018
    No Upgrade needed, as the Tubes are soldiered in. but I really like the Vincent sound as many other I know have here on the forum.

    I started with the cheapest preamp at 1st and after liking it I upgraded to the MKII version but never felt I need to upgrade the amplifier from the original :)

    they are closing out the Vincent stuff for new models.

    here is what the newer SP-332 looks like
    https://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=VISP332

    BTW I have the Vincent PHO-700 also and love it as my phono amplifier paired with a SUT.
    2 ch- Polk CRS+ * Vincent SA-31MK Preamp * Vincent Sp-331 Amp * Marantz SA8005 SACD * Project Xperience Classic TT * Sumiko Blue Point #2 MC cartridge

    HT - Polk 703's * NAD T-758 * Adcom 5503 * Oppo 103 * Samsung 60" series 8 LCD
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  • gudnoyez
    gudnoyez Posts: 8,124
    edited November 2018
    I run the Vincent SA-T1 preamp and have the PHO-700 phono in my 2 channel I like the Vincent Brand. I'm sure the OP would be happy adding that SP-331 to his system
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