Octave V 40 SE Integrated Amplifier review in August 2014 Issue of Stereophile
The current issue (August 2014, Vol. 37 No. 8) of Stereophile magazine features Art Dudley’s review of the Octave V 40 SE Integrated Amplifier.
Here are just a few comments and highlights from Art Dudley’s review on the V 40 SE:
“… a remarkably well-built, well-presented, reliable, effective, mature, professional product.”
“Not only have I never encountered a surer, safer, less ambiguous, or
altogether better means of checking and adjusting tube bias.”
“The Octave’s ability to accurately portray – or at least not distort –
musical timing and momentum was superb.”
“I’ve referred already to the Octave’s very good sense of scale – and I noted,
while enjoying the stereo selections described above, that it presented those recordings with stage depth and image specificity in abundance.”
“…the Octave V 40 SE can be recommended without hesitation.”
Please check out the full review in this month’s Stereophile, and for further information on the V 40 SE or any of the fine Octave tube electronics, please feel free to contact one of the sales representatives at Dynaudio North America.
Product Information – Octave V 40 SE Integrated Amplifier
The Octave V 40 SE is a line level integrated amplifier rated at 2 x 40 W. Its performance character is highlighted by clear bass fundamentals and captivating resolution in the high frequency range. The V 40 SE output stage consists of two power pentodes (Type 6550) for each channel. Due to the BIAS Control and Monitoring System, the use of other pin-compatible output tubes is possible to match the amplifier to personal taste, or to benefit from new or improved tubes.
Like all Octave amplifiers, the V 40 SE is based on the enhanced pentode configuration. This configuration ensures the absolute stability of the amplifier against the unstable impedance of the loudspeaker. Impedance mismatch is without consequence, and the V 40 SE is stable down to a 2 Ohm Load. An important contributor to this stability is the single impedance output transformer.
The V 40 SE is the perfect amp for speakers with an average efficiency rating. But not only is the low impedance capability an advantage, with an exceptional Signal-to-Noise ratio of –110dB / Full Power the V 40 SE is also an ideal amplifier for high efficiency loudspeakers.
Inputs and Outputs
The V 40 SE features a total of five single-ended (RCA) inputs (including the Home Theatre Bypass input). Outputs included are one RCA Record output, one regulated Preamplifier output and one Loudspeaker output.
Ecomode
Octave’s Ecomode power saving electronic circuitry serves to reduce heat and unnecessary power consumption when the amplifier is switched on but not in use. This electronic system controls the power condition and reduces power consumption when the amplifier does not receive a signal for a period exceeding 10 minutes. In this “sleep” mode, the V 40 SE draws only 20 W idle current. Virtually no heat is produced by the unit, and the heater voltage and the high voltage for the power amplifier section are switched off. When a signal is detected by the V 40 SE, the Ecomode circuit will turn the amplifier back on, with a warm-up/start-up delay of approximately 30 seconds before the unit will operate. Ecomode also serves to increase the lifetime of the tubes, while having an added benefit of improved safety allowing the V 40 SE owner a level of security against any problems when leaving the unit powered on.
Bias Calibration System
The Output stage of the V 40 SE operates in Class A/B, and therefore requires an adjustable BIAS regulation. The highly sophisticated and extremely simple yet accurate BIAS calibration system is accessed on the front panel of the unit. It utilizes external precision bias trim pots and LED confirmation, allowing the user to readily monitor the output tubes and simply correct their bias individually at the front panel – without the need of a micrometer let alone any special knowledge or tools.
Power Management and Protection System
The V 40 SE is equipped with a multi-stage Soft-Start/Turn-On protection circuit which extends component as well as tube life considerably by protecting against stress caused by typical high inrush currents during switch-on. The unit starts in a defined sequence, with the Protection System monitoring the V 40 SE completely, and is activated whenever a malfunction is detected. Once the Protection is activated, the V 40 SE is powered down.
Optional Black Box Connector
Octave’s optional external Black Box and Super Black Box offers an upgrade path which enables optimizing the amplifier in respect to the speaker. The external Black Box upgrades the amplifiers’ power supply storage capacitors by increasing their capacitance (by a factor of 4 with the Black Box, or 10 with the Super Black Box). This is a tremendous benefit if the speaker is difficult to drive. Loudspeaker efficiency is made less critical, while the amplifier is able to handle speakers with extremely low minimum impedances.
Pour lire la critique complète, cliquez ici.