Vincent CD-S1.2 Hybrid CD Player

A classic made new.
The successor to the CD-S1.1, the CD-S1.2 offers a range of digital and analogue connections. With the capability to process external digital signals via the optical, coax and USB input, this unit is more than a mere CD Player. The CD-S1.2 is a source device and media hub fit for your high-end system.

Key Features
- Powerful hybrid solid state & tube processing
- Optical/Coax/USB digital inputs
- Analog & digital outputs
- The successor to the great-sounding CD-S1.1
- Completely balanced design
- 2 x 6N16 vacuum tubes
- High-quality headphone stage
- 12V Power Control for central control

To stay up to date
That is what Vincent thought during further development of one of their most successful CD-players. In the year 2000, the CD-S1 was Vincent's first CD-player. Adding a 24-bit converter to the success model, the CD-S1.1 was born. Now, a few years later the German company have updated their debut CD player again and present you the CD-S1.2.

The most obvious changes are the digital inputs on the rear of the device. Here the player can be supplied with digital signals via optical, coaxial or USB inputs. Run your digital content through this player, and make use of its high-quality DAC. The signals then are further processed by the excellent analog components of the CD-S 1.2.

Dynamic. Precise.
Vincent has improved the traditional CD section in this latest iteration of the CD-S1. In this unit, a well-regarded Sanyo drive unit is in charge of the clean reading of your CDs. For reading the data, the Sanyo chip DA11 is used. Downstream, the processing is performed by the PCM1796 converter from Burr-Brown. Hence a high-resolution 24 bit/192 kHz playback is possible. A more dynamic and precise playback is the result.

Completely balanced, the analog signal is processed further. Two 6N16 tubes operate in the signal path and supply the sound pattern with the iconic charm of vacuum tubes.

The Best of Both Worlds
The concept of having the best of both transistors and tubes is proven true by the CD-S1.2, as well as the rest of the powerLine range. It is Vincent's belief that implementing valve amplification in at least one part of the system is hugely beneficial to the sound experience. Powerful, but with elegance, the CD-S1.2 can deliver in stunning detail everything from powerful brass sections to airy vocals.

The characteristics of valve amplifiers have been known for a long time. Their sound has supporters in every realm of music production and enjoyment. Although transistors are much more robust and durable as amplifier components, valve technology very much still has a part to play in hi-fi devices. Even in audio source devices, there are amplifier circuits. With these, the sound can be greatly improved by sophisticated amplifier circuitry.

Vacuum tubes deliver the classic “tube sound,” whereas solid-state circuitry in the output stage provides enough power to drive even the most demanding and power-hungry speakers. The tonal characteristic is both airy and dynamic. The hybrid design offers its own special charm using tubes to add warmth to the sound.

Control your sound
Something Vincent is known for is the level of control available in every device. A typical CD player does not allow you to adjust the volume of the signal being output. In the realm of high-end audio, this can introduce issues, as different amplifiers have different levels of sensitivity. The CD-S1.2 features a volume adjustment on the remote control so that the level being passed to your amplifier is optimal.

In addition to this, there is an audiophile-grade headphone output on the front of the CD player. This features its own volume control independent from the main output. As is expected from Vincent, this headphone stage features high-quality circuitry that brings it miles ahead of comparable devices. Private headphone listening is not an afterthought with the CD-S1.2, it is encouraged.

Many of these subtle and dramatic benefits to the sound would be lost if the unit was noisy during operation. Thankfully, the CD-S1.2 has an exceptionally quiet power supply. The oversize toroidal core transformer is partly responsible for this. It supplies enough power to the device to enable its silent operation, as well as a stable playback.

Connections
Above and beyond what you'd expect from a CD player, the CD-S1.2 features two stereo pairs of RCA outputs, as well as a balanced set of XLR outputs. In addition to these analogue connections is a digital coaxial output. This enables you to bypass the players DAC and play your media through an entirely different system. Diversity and connection options are apparent on this device!

Featuring Optical, Coaxial, and USB digital inputs, you can connect a wide range of devices to make use of this CD Players DAC and hybrid processing. This is a media hub that you can connect on to virtually any system you desire, or plug in your favourite pair of headphones for high-quality listening for one.

A feature present across Vincent's range is the POWER CONTROL. These allow you to connect multiple Vincent units together to the central standby control, to operate them all from one remote. Vincent units are designed to work together, technically and visually.

Features & specifications

D/A Converter: 24 bit / 192 kHz
Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
T.H.D.: < 0.005 %
Signal-Noise-Ratio: > 94 dB
Dynamic Range: > 100 dB
Audio Output Voltage: 2.5 V
Channel Separation: > 90 dB
Max. Power Consumption: 35 Watts
Inputs: 1 x Optical, 1 x Coaxial, 1 x USB, 1 x Power Control
Outputs: 2 x Stereo RCA, 1 x Stereo XLR, 1 x Coaxial, 1 x Power Control, 1 x Headphone Jack 
Tubes: 2 x 6N16
Colour:  Black
Weight:  8.5 kg
Dimensions (W x H x D):  430 x 106 x 342 mm