OCTAVE RE 320 Stereo Power Amplifier

A Most Astonishing Musical Performer

With its new RE 320, Octave’s critically acclaimed SE-technology has been effectively implemented into a most astonishing vacuum tube stereo power amplifier. The RE 320 marks a significant evolution of this model series. The heart of the amplifier, the actual amplifier stage, has been completely revised and upgraded for better performance than ever.

Thanks to its specially developed SE-series power supply as well as highly specialized, wideband transformers, the RE 320 can drive almost any speaker on the planet. It always plays with the same outstanding musicality unaffected by the load. This SE technology, previously implemented in the new Octave V 80 SE flagship integrated amplifier model, is characterized by significantly enhanced stability and extreme linearity.

In the March 2016 issue of the German hi-fi magazine Stereoplay, veteran audio authority Roland Kraft says about the RE 320, "We know very few tube amplifiers that are so undemanding in terms of speakers and therefore are able to reveal their full sonic capabilities in virtually any combination."

Powerful, Extremely High Current Design

The RE 320's circuitry design is based on the modern KT150 vacuum tube power pentodes. The extremely high current of the KT150 allows a maximum output power of about 130 watts-per-channel with two tubes in push-pull mode. A rear-panel two-position "High/Low" output switch lets you select "High" for use with KT120 (or KT150) tubes, or use the "Low" setting if you use your own KT88, 6550, KT90, or KT100 tubes.

The frequency range of the RE 320 extends from an amazing 5 Hz to 85 kHz. In terms of peak power, the 320 can achieve over 200 watts. This type of power delivery guarantees an inimitable sovereignty, with huge reserves while perfectly representing the effortless dynamics that distinguishes Octave Audio gear.

A variety of modern and innovative detail solutions ensures a constant performance level that will last for years. For example, the noise level is so extremely low at -110 dB, that even with high efficiency loudspeakers no hum or noise is heard.

The RE 320 enchants with a sound that is stable and reliable at all loads. The ease of musical playback is particularly impressive and thanks to the incredible control the sound always remains composed, honest in its dimensions and conveys even the finest details with an irresistible naturalness.

Easy, No-Hassle Bias Adjustment

The output stage of the RE 320 operates in Class A/B, and therefore requires an adjustable bias regulation to keep it operating at its peak sound quality level. The highly sophisticated yet 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 you to easily monitor the output tubes and simply correct their bias individually at the front panel without the need of any special knowledge or tools.

Due to this facility there is no need for a technician to service the RE 320 for changing or tubes or to check their condition. The precision of this user-friendly system is within 0.5% accuracy.

Power Management and Protection System

The RE 320 is equipped with a multi-stage Soft-Start/Turn-On protection circuit, which extends component life 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 RE 320 completely, and it is activated in the unlikely event that a malfunction is detected. Once the Protection is activated, the RE 320 is powered down.

Power-Saving Ecomode

A forward-looking feature of Octave gear is the unique Ecomode power saving electronic circuitry developed 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 ten minutes.

Overview

• Class A/B vacuum tube stereo power amplifier
• 2 x 130 Watts RMS
• Tube Complement: 4 x KT150, 3 x ECC82
• Connections: 1 RCA input pair, 1 XLR input pair; 1 pair of speaker terminals for 4mm bananas or spades
• Unique Ecomode power saving electronic circuitry
• Easy, no-hassle front panel bias adjustment
• Bias voltage read-out
• Rear-panel two-position "High/Low" output switch for use with different power tubes
• Multi-stage Soft-Start/Turn-On protection circuit
• Finishes: Silver or Black

• Detachable IEC-type power cord
• 3 mm screwdriver for bias adjustment

Overview

• Power Output: See below
• Frequency Response: 25 Hz - 85 kHz / - 3dB at Full Power; 5 Hz - 85 kHz / -3dB at 5 W
• Noise : < 100 µV 150 Hz - 15 kHz, > - 110 dB
• Input Sensitivity: 0.8 V RCA; 1.,6 V XLR
• Input Resistance: 220 k Ohm RCA; 20 k Ohm XLR
• CMRR of the XLR-Input: > 85dB / 1 kHz
• Minimal Load Impedance: 2 Ohm
• Gain: +28dB - RCA
• Dimensions: 19.2" wide, 8.3" high, 16.1" deep, including jacks
• Weight: 60.8 lbs.

• RMS, Power Selector 'High:' 2 x 130 W
• RMS, Power Selector 'Low:' 2 x 75 W
• Peak Power, Power Selector 'High:' 200 W one channel; 2 x 150 W both channels
• Peak Power, Power Selector 'Low:' 140 W one channel
• Note: Into 8-Ohms Load the Output Power is reduced by 20%

"We know very few tube amplifiers that are so undemanding in terms of speakers and therefore are able to reveal their full sonic capabilities in virtually any combination."

– Roland Kraft, Germany's Stereoplay magazine, March 2016