VINCENT SP-T800 Class A Tube/Hybrid Power Amp

For sale is a pair of Vincent SP-T800 Hybrid Tube/Solid state monobloc power amps, in black finish. The T800s represent Vincent's premium line and they were accorded high accolades in the TAS review and included as an Editor's choice. They are rated at 200 watts/channel @ 8 ohms. The T800 is a fully balanced power amp and a hybrid consisting of a vacuum tube front-end and a solid state output stage. The first voltage amplification stage uses a Russian 6922 tube, which feeds a 6CG7 dual triode connected as a series-regulated, push-pull driver stage. The output stage uses a total of eight high-power transistors. Much of the amp's bulk and weight result from the impressively large 500W-rated power transformer and a capacitor reservoir of 80,000 microfarads, all of which are isolated in a separate compartment. The power supply is fully regulated, including the DC tube filament supplies. Key parts used in the signal path are audiophile grade and include Wima and Solen caps. According to the TAS review, the ultimate goal of a hybrid power amp is to combine the best of both worlds - the magic of tubes with the bandwidth and bass crunch of solid state. The T800 lived up to this mantra with its sonic combination of enhanced treble detail and convincing bass definition. The soundstage is expansive spatially and the mid-range is superb. This is one amp that performs well with all types of music -classical, jazz, rock, soul etc. It has ample 'boogie factor'. This pair of T800s have been used lightly, only about 1000 hours in a pet free, smoke free environment. They are in excellent working condition and appearance but rated 8/10 because they are 2.6 yrs old and also one of the power-on indicator lights does not work (...could be nice if you don't like those pesky little lights but alas there is another light that will be 'on' for the selected speaker) The amp can accept either a single ended RCA input or a balanced XLR input that is selectable on the rear panel. It has 2 sets of speaker binding posts that are selectable by buttons on the front panel. It can be turned on/off by the front panel power button or via its convenient 12v trigger input. The amps will be shipped double boxed in the original cartons along with the power cords and manual. Buyer pays shipping and Pay Pal fees.