The German hi-fi company Vincent Audio has released its CD-200, a CD player featuring tubes in its analogue output stage.

The new half-sized component is presented as being the perfect partner for the company's similarly hybrid SV-200 integrated amplifier (£725) pictured above.

Vincent has built its reputation on producing incredibly good-value components using the tube/semiconductor hybrid design.

Under the hood of the CD-200, you will find the tried and tested Sanyo DA11 laser unit in combination with a Philips servo card which takes on the CD reading duties.

Digital signals are converted to analogue by the Burr-Brown PCM1796 DAC chip with a sampling rate of 24 bit/192 kHz. The analogue output from the DAC then goes through a brace of 6N1 tubes, which should result in a natural and warm finish. To further improve the sound quality, each channel also uses independent filtering, amplification and buffering.

Vincent has also paid attention to the CD-200's power supply, using a transformer with two independent secondary windings. One supplies the power for the digital part, the other for the analogue section.

You cannot only connect the Vincent CD-200 to an amplifier via the analogue RCA output, but you can also use one of the two digital outputs - although this, of course, bypasses the tube stage which won't matter too much should you decide to pair this player with the SV-200.

Bundled with the player is a high-quality aluminium IR remote control which also works the SV-200 amp.

Price and availability

The CD-200 is available in silver or black and costs €799.00. We are awaiting an official UK price.

Tech Specs

• DA converter: 24 bit / 192 kHz
• Frequency range: 20 Hz - 20 kHz (± 1 dB)
• Total harmonic distortion: <0.005%
• Signal / noise ratio: >93 dB
• Dynamic range: >100 dB
• Output voltage: 2.5 volts
• Channel separation: 80 dB
• Outputs: 1 x analogue cinch, 1 x optical, 1 x coaxial cinch
• Tubes installed: 2 x 6N1
• 12 volt trigger connection (3.5 mm jack connection)
• Max power consumption: 25 watts
• Weight: 4kg
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 210 x 95 x 305 millimeters