[mike53]

Hi folks,

A local audio dealer recently began carrying the Vincent line of equipment. What he has on display is their top-of-the-line hybred series, which sounds very nice. There isn't very much on the web, as far as reviews, on this equipment. Is anyone familiar with the other Vincent brand? Your thoughts/opinions are most appreciated.

Thanks.

Mike

[honesthoff]

I believe most Vincent stuff is re-badged Chinese (Shuguang?) gear.  Also the same as the Kavent (Kellsie A/V) gear.  I have the Kavent S-11, the same as the Vincent SA-T1 hybrid tube preamp.  Very well made, good sounding stuff for the money.  The Kavent line is a little lower in cost, but perhaps not as good-looking as the Vincent line and their Teutonic design aesthetic.

[mike53]

I suspected as much. Even though it is "German engineered" but built in China (as are so many electronic components, these days) I was still curious as to the sound quality. Thanks for the info.

[Bill Baker]

That is correct, the Vincent gear came from the Kavent line. I was a Kavent dealer for a while and must admit it was exceptional gear for the money. The Vincent products are now a step above the Kavent line and if memory serves me correctly, they are designing their own products now which is why you have seen the Kavent name all but disappear.

 The Vincent gear has been around for quite a few years now and has developed a respectable reputation for quality and value.

[mike53]

...they are designing their own products now...

 The Vincent gear has been around for quite a few years now and has developed a respectable reputation for quality and value.

On their website, I believe, it is stated that they do engineer the equipment and, obviously, source out the production...which just about everyone does, these days with a few exceptions. Yes, I have read about Vincent equipment, years back, but never actually listened to any of their devices. 

[jemacey]

Vincent equipment is a German brand and is re-badged Chinese Sheng Ya. I have had experience of owning a Vincent CD-S6 cdp, which is valve based. Well-made equipment, however the software used for the display screen left something to be desired. Turned out to be what looked like ancient Sony original type. The operational aspect in shuffle-play (random mode) was found-out too. After randomly selecting and playing the disc's final listed track the cdp would then shut-down!   

[mike53]

...however the software used for the display screen left something to be desired. Turned out to be what looked like ancient Sony original type.

Sounds as though someone "re-cycled" left-over Sony parts.

The operational aspect in shuffle-play (random mode) was found-out too. After randomly selecting and playing the disc's final listed track the cdp would then shut-down!   

I'd understand such a thing in a $50 Wal-Mart cd player but not on a piece of gear of this caliber.