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New amplifier to partner Concept 500's


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Hi all,

currently in the market for a new power amplifier with a maximum budget of around $4,000. I currently have a Vincent SP-331 hybrid power amplifier which I absolutely love the sound of, but a year ago I purchased a pair of Q Acoustics Concept 500 so looking to upgrade the amp to something a bit more high end (or mid-fi if you will). I use my Yamaha RX-A3070 as a pre-amp and to control the other speakers in my home theatre.  For music, I cast FLAC files wirelessly to the Yamaha, pre-out to the Vincent.

So far on the short list I have:
Rotel RB-1590
Vincent SP-994
Vincent SP-998 Monoblocks

I know there are Parasound A21/A23 available but I've read mixed opinions about them. From all reports the two Vincent amplifiers punch well above their price point (just like the Q Acoustics) and I'm probably leaning towards the SP-998 monoblocks. I listen to predominantly bass orientated music, so I would like to stick with solid state for now. Got my first child coming in November so I don't want to get addicted to the expensive game of tube rolling either, haha (would love a Primaluma or similar).

I'm in WA, so local stocks and trials are a bit thin on the ground. Nearly all of my audio purchases have been done without auditions (risky, I know) but have been exceptionally happy with my choices thus far. Happy to hear some suggestions or votes of confidence for any of the above models, etc.

Cheers!
 

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https://www.selby.com.au/electronics/receivers-and-amplifiers/2-channel-hi-fi/power-amps/vincent-sp-998-mono-power-amplifier-black-sp998b.html

Vincent SP-998 Mono Power Amplifier Black SP998b

 
 

$2,169

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$3,099
 
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Quick Overview

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A mono power amplifier that can operate in Class A mode for incredibly pure playback.

The SP-998 is a powerhouse of a single-channel amplifier and enables you to get the best performance out of whatever speaker you are running off it.

Product Number: POS-133962
Brand: Vincent
Model Number: SP-998
Condition: New
Warranty: 2 Years
Color: Black
Weight: 33000
 

 

Vincent SP-998 Mono Power Amplifier Black SP998b
 

 

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  • Vincent SP-998 Mono Power Amplifier Black SP998b
  • Vincent SP-998 Mono Power Amplifier Black SP998b
  • Vincent SP-998 Mono Power Amplifier Black SP998b
 
 

The SP-998 mono power amplifier from Vincent. Clear design and sound.

sp_998_smol.jpg

Pair two of these main amplifiers together for a truly powerful listening experience. Clear circuit configuration with selected components and an over-dimensional mains transformer provide sufficient output reserves and a clear sound. Even the most critical of speakers shine when used with a pair of SP-998 mono amps.

Key Features
- RCA & XLR inputs
- Class A circuitry design allows clear sound at full power
- Symmetrically constructed amp
- 300W @ 8 Ohm
- Large ring core transformer & storage condenser batteries provide sufficient reserves
- Upright design takes up very little space

User Manual (PDF, 3MB)

What role do mono amps play?

Vincent developers are dedicated to not only traditional stereo hi-fi, but also create outstanding multichannel home cinema components. The reason they have spent so much time and research into power amplifiers is that these devices can be used again in future audio systems no matter what the source content is. At the end of the day, audio signals will always have to find their way to the speaker.

The best so far

SP-998 is the most powerful Vincent mono main amplifier. It has been equipped with unusually large reserves to drive even the most electrically demanding loudspeakers. This power amp is symmetrically constructed with a huge amount of power. You can get up to 600W (into a 4 Ohm load) from the big ring core transformer.

Classy.

The internal transistor circuitry is based on the superior Class A design, all backed by the big storage condenser batteries which provide sufficient reserves. This enables the Class A circuitry of the unit to provide a faithful deep bass and clean, airy trebles.
You can switch the amp to Class AB mode, which offers a lot more power, but is less controlled. For instance, you may want to run your system in Class AB mode for a PA system at a party, where every last drop of sound purity does not count, and volume is more valued.

Moving Upward

In order to be able to integrate main amplifiers in a most flexible way and to allow them to be combined channel by channel, Vincent developed mono main amplifiers with a reduced width into an upright housing. This way they can either be placed in combination in a rack or be placed near the corresponding loudspeaker each.
 

What's in the Box?
- 1x SP-998 Unit
- 1x Power Cable
- 1x Cable for Power Control
- User Manual

About Vincent
Vincent is a German brand and manufacturer of Class-A Hi-Fi equipment. SInce 1995, Vincent has stood for continual development to 2-channel stereo in the high-end class.
 

The Perfect Match

The SP-998 is the perfect match for the rest of Vincent's solidLine range!

Pair up two SP-998 power amplifiers with a quality stereo pre-amplifier, and a media player of your choice for a superb home audio experience. 
Shown below are two SP-998 units, the SA-94 Pre-Amplifier, and the CD-S3 CD Player.

sp-998-cds3-sa-94.jpg

 

 

Listen To The Quiet Notes
Nature teaches us our notes and we recombine them. Our possibilities are unique and versatile, hear the natural sound and discover an almost authentic, undistorted listening experience. Let yourself be amazed and listen carefully! Music and sound effects imbue the performance with a new dimension.

Development! A principle that underlines our entire existence. From a delicate seedling to a self-confident tree. From an idealistic idea to a consistent concept. From small valve amplifiers to a brand that is individually tailored to its listeners. Do the extravagant dynamic amplitudes and very loud musical segments sound strong and proud or attenuated and weak? Is every instrument authentic and clear, does it stay in one place within the sound stage or do the instruments "wander" around depending on the sound level? We pose ourselves these questions - in order to offer you an immaculate result.

We are not demanding, but rather stubborn at times when it involves going down the direct route on a continuous and consistent basis. Vincent regularly updates its product range, adding some things, discarding others. The innovations leave behind strong, striking footprints in the specialist press, tracks that represent quality, durability and an excellent price-performance relationship. Even our classic models, the SP-331 and the SA-31, still continue to achieve top places in tests.

 

Frequency response: 10 Hz - 50 kHz +/- 0.5 dB

 

Nominal Output Power RMS / 8 Ohm: 300 Watt, RMS / 4 Ohm: 600 Watt
Nominal Output Power Class A / 8 Ohm: 50 Watt

 

Total harmonic distortion: < 0.1 % (1 kHz, 1 Watt)
Input sensitivity: 1,1 V
Signal-Noise ratio: > 95 dB
Input impedance: 47 kOhm

 

Inputs: 1 x RCA, 1 x XLR, 1 x 3,5 mm Jack sockets (Power Control)
Outputs: 1 x 3,5 mm Jack sockets (Power Control), 2 x 2 Speaker Terminal

 

Colour: Black
Weight: 31 kg
Dimensions (WxHxD): 265 x 458 x 420 mm

2 Years
All of our Vincent products include a 2 year Australian warranty.

Problems?
If you experience any issues with this product please don't hesitate to contact us.
How much does delivery cost?
Nothing! We offer free post on all orders to anywhere within the Australian mainland and Tasmania.

Can I pick up my purchase from your store?
Yes. You can usually pick up your order from one of our stores. We recommend that you contact us first to ensure your order is ready for collection.

What happens if I'm not happy with my product when it arrives?
We offer a 30 day 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our products! If your order arrives damaged, faulty or not quite as you expected, please contact us and we will do everything we can to fix the situation.

Please visit our FAQ page for answers to other frequently asked questions or contact us if you have any other questions or comments.
 

Customer Reviews

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There you go. Just get the Vincent SP-998's. Nothing will come close, especially at the discounted Price. I have a Pair and they are just so effortless on either my Revel Ultima Studios or SA Ranger Masters, they don't raise a sweat They have the best grip on Bass I have ever experienced.
 
The Parasound A21 sounds like a little Toy in comparison. The SP-994 needs very careful System matching to Sound good. My experience of Rotel is they shouldn't be mentioned in the same breath as the 998's.
 
 
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I looked at the Q Acoustics brochure to get some specifications which would help us to help you make a choice.

 

image.png.18ddbd130e058340ce101576b3074798.png

 

These are medium efficiency speakers that probably need an amplifier that drives 4 ohm well. If you're not absolutely hellbent against valves, I would say skip using the yamaha as a preamp and get yourself a great valve integrated instead, like the consonance 880.

 

https://www.osbornloudspeakers.com.au/cyber-880i

 

If you want to stick with the yamaha preamp for convenience, you can go the 800 monoblocks for about the same price.

 

https://www.osbornloudspeakers.com.au/cyber-800-ii

 

Since they're designed to run 4 ohm speakers, the bass will still be exceptional, and make you not feel the need to go to solid state.

Edited by Ittaku
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I havnt heard one but the Yamaha RX-A3070 used as preamp would compromise the sound as many AV amps do. See other posts on forum about bad sound quality from AV amps.

 

Can the RX 3070 be used with bypass switch to a decimated hi end integrated stereo amp? There is nice used Parasound amp in the Perth Gumtree. Otherwise a new Yamaha A2100 amp or similar.

 

 

Edited by Al.M
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A friend in Malaysia has the Mark Levinson ML 23.5 sttereo amplifier and this combo sounds devine. If you could get this amp, I doubt you would be disappointed. Good luck.

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8 minutes ago, Al.M said:

I havnt heard one but the Yamaha RX-A3070 used a preamp would comprise the sound as many AV amps do. See other posts on forum about bad sound quality from AV amps.

 

Can the RX 3070 be used with bypass switch to a decimated hi end integrated stereo amp? There is nice used Parasound amp in the Perth Gumtree. Otherwise a new Yamaha A2100 amp or similar

 

 

My thought too. Would need a a better Pre-Amp at some stage.

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5 hours ago, Craig_H said:

Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 in the music chain.

Havnt heard one of them https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/pro-ject-pre-box-s2-digital either but depending on whether you are preamp vs non preamp in front of power amp type of person, a $500 unit like that may not do a $3k power the justice it deserves. Refer to other posts about what people think about preamps. You may need to spend an equal amount on the preamp or rejig the budget say $1-1.5k preamp with $2k power amp can still be very good. Consider new vs used gear to max out the performance value ratio.

Edited by Al.M
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Just now, initforthemusic said:

@Craig_H So did you get the 998's?

I did! Happy with the purchase. The sound is a lot more stout, bass is better controlled and they look the part too. The only problem with going this route is that I have to find a new home for my subwoofer which used to sit in the right corner... not that I need it now for music! (will do for movies however).

 

theatre.jpg

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Really wise decision. They will see you through any number of upgrades in Components. They bat way higher than their Price Point and would not sound out of place in some pretty high end set-ups. I've A/B'd them against some much more Expensive and highly regarded Power amps and they win out with their sublime "Musicality". I've mostly gone down the Path of "Bigger/Better" Amps than at first required. I like the way they just cruise and can upgrade Components around them.

 

One suggestion might be to swap places with Speakers and Amps, should allow your Speakers to "breathe" a bit more. Also if possible try your Speakers out a bit further from the Wall. Another suggestion is to put a Platform under your Amps and Speakers. Even a cheap Marble Chopping Board can help.

 

Good listening.

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Yeh your words in a few places swayed me with these amps. I'll be adding a proper pre-amp to the chain after testing one out last night... if the monoblocks were a step up, the pre-amp I tried last night (Parasound Pre 200) gave me another two steps up.

Unfortunately my "theatre" is only small at 3.5m wide so I'm hesitant to put them closer to the side walls (where they were previously). I listen to predominantly bass-orientated music (electronica) so distance from the wall behind directly relates to how much bass presence I want. I'll definitely be experimenting more with speaker placement in a couple of weeks when I'm on holidays however!

Edited by Craig_H
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Although I havn't heard the Parasound Pre,  the 998's are deserving of a high quality Pre. Don't skimp if possible. The Vincent SA-T8 (Tube) sounds Superb when matched. Probably not surprisingly the SA-94 sounds very good with SP-998's, for Solid State Pre. It can be a bit hit or miss with some of my other Power Amps, but sounds great with the SP-998's.

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There's a few things at play in regards to a pre-amp... it must have HT bypass as well as a coaxial input (to connect to my computer for digital files) which narrows the choices down a fair bit. Another pre I'm looking at is the PS Audio Stellar Gain unit which is around the 2.5k price point. I won't be going beyond that at this point in time.

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