Vincent Audio SP-332 Hybrid Stereo Amplifier - Black

Three Valves, Eight Transistors, One Hundred and Fifty Watts

The SP-332 puts three subminiature valves in front of eight FET output transistors. The reason is simple enough. The tubes shape the sound the way only tubes do, and the transistors supply the muscle that tubes struggle with.

It makes 150 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 250 into 4, from a design built on Vincent's earlier SP-331. Two extra 6N16 tubes went into the input stage of this version, which is where the warmth people buy it for comes from.

The front panel carries two analog VU meters, and their backlighting switches color. That is not a specification, but it is why a lot of people choose this amplifier over something anonymous.

Inside the Chassis

The tube complement is two 6N16 and one 6N15, running in a differential push-pull input stage ahead of the FET output section. Frequency response runs 20Hz to 20kHz, within half a decibel across the band.

THD stays under 0.1% measured at 1kHz and 1 watt, and signal-to-noise comes in better than 91dB. Input impedance is 47k ohms and input sensitivity 1.35 volts, which suits almost any preamplifier you would pair with it.

Both stereo RCA and stereo XLR inputs are fitted, along with a 3.5mm power-control jack in and out so the amplifier can be switched with the rest of a Vincent system. There are two pairs of speaker terminals per side. It measures 430 by 165 by 430mm and weighs 21kg, in black or silver.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Ron Nagle reviewed the SP-332 for Enjoy the Music in February 2020, under a headline about burn-in delivering results. His practical verdict on the power: "With 150 Watts of power you will be able to drive almost any speaker."

On value he was equally direct, placing it against solid-state amplifiers between one and two thousand dollars, and concluding: "Most certainly it deserves to be auditioned by you at home in your system."

Who Is This Amplifier Best For?

• You want valves without a valve amplifier's demands — three subminiature tubes shape the input stage while eight FETs do the driving, so you get the character without retubing an output stage every few years.
• Your speakers need real power — 150 watts into 8 ohms and 250 into 4 drives the great majority of domestic speakers, which is more than most hybrid designs offer.
• You want to see the music — two analog VU meters sit on the front panel with switchable backlight color, which is a large part of why people choose this amplifier over something plainer.
• Your preamplifier is balanced — stereo XLR and stereo RCA inputs are both fitted at 47k ohms, so a balanced run from the preamp arrives without picking up hum on the way.
• You run a preamp or a streamer/DAC with its own volume — that is where the controls sit, and SA-T7 MK is built for this

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Connect your preamplifier by stereo XLR or stereo RCA. Speakers go to the terminals, two pairs per side. The 3.5mm power-control jacks let the amplifier switch on and off with the rest of a Vincent system.

Give it time before you judge it. The review that recommended this amplifier is subtitled around burn-in, and hybrid designs like this one generally want a good many hours on them before they settle down.

Pairs Well With

Here are some great companions:

• Preamplifier: Required, and the natural next decision — see our Preamplifiers.
• Speaker Cables: Carry the current properly — see our Speaker Cables.
• Interconnects: Balanced XLR is what this amplifier wants — see our Interconnect Cables.
• Audio Rack: Give the amplifier a proper shelf — see our Audio Racks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much power does it make?

150 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 250 watts per channel into 4 ohms.

What tubes does it use, and where?

Two 6N16 and one 6N15, all subminiature types, in a differential push-pull input stage. The output stage is solid state, using eight FET transistors.

Does it take balanced inputs?

Yes. One stereo XLR and one stereo RCA input, at 47k ohms impedance with 1.35 volts sensitivity.

What are the VU meters for?

They show output level, and their backlighting switches between colors. It is a styling choice as much as a meter.

How big and heavy is it?

430mm wide, 165 high and 430 deep, weighing 21kg, in black or silver.

What warranty does it carry?

Vincent covers the SP-332 with a 2-year warranty.

See It in Action

Audio Arkitekts on why a hybrid works, with the SP-332 driven by Vincent's SA-32 preamplifier:

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