OCTAVE V 70 SE Tube Integrated Amplifier

Reviewers' Choice Award Winner – SoundStageNetwork.com

"Looks Great and Sounds Great"

Octave's V 70 SE is a superb sounding integrated amplifier delivering 2 x 70 watts of peak output power. Belonging to the same family of design as the critically acclaimed V 40 SE, the all-tube V 70 SE performs with more power for outstanding control and dynamics. The V 70 SE plays rock n' roll like rock n' roll and celebrates classical music with delicate grace and expansiveness. Listening to music is an absolute pleasure.

Like the V 40 SE, the V 70 SE benefits from the experience Octave has gained developing its predecessors over many years. Numerous improvements over the previous V 70 model form the basis of the new V 70 SE. Embedded in the larger, optimized chassis construction of the V 80, the V 70 SE offers higher performance than the original V 70. The sensitive electronic circuits are better shielded against the magnetic stray field of the transformer and the mains. The mains transformer itself is a special low-noise type encapsulated in a magnetic closed box.

"The Price/Performance Ratio Here is Extraordinarily High"

"Its sound equaled or surpassed that of a highly regarded amplifier and line stage costing more than twice as much, and it produced enough power to drive a wide variety of speakers," notes Vade Forrester in his review for SoundStageNetwork.com, which honored the V 70 SE with a Reviewers' Choice Award. "It looks great and sounds great – just what you’d expect of a great amp."

"The lasting impression the Octave V70SE made in its wake was transparency. It never vied for attention, letting the music do the talking instead. And that’s exactly what I expect of an amp," reports Markus Sauer, 6moons.com, March 2011. "The price/performance ratio here is extraordinarily high, particularly considering the maker’s proven track record for longevity and freedom from operational aggravations."

Power Tetrode Output Stage

The output stage consists of two power tetrodes (Type 6550 C vacuum tubes) per each channel. Thanks to the bias control and monitoring system, the use of other compatible output tubes is possible to match the amplifier's sound to your personal taste or to benefit from new or improved tubes.

Like all Octave amps, the V 70 SE is based on the enhanced pentode configuration. This configuration ensures the absolute stability of the amplifier against the unstable impedance of the speaker. Impedance mismatch is without consequence, as the amplifier is stable down to a 2 Ohm load. An important contribution to this stability is the single impedance output transformer.

The Ins and Outs + Optional Internal Phono Stage

The V 70 SE features a total of five single-ended (RCA) inputs (including the home theater bypass input). Outputs include one RCA Record output, one regulated Preamplifier output, and one Loudspeaker output pair.

You can also order the V 70 SE with a built-in high quality MM moving magnet or MC moving coil phono stage for outstanding performance with the turntable and cartridge of your choice.

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.

In "sleep" mode, the V 70 SE draws only 20 watts 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 70 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 70 SE owner a level of security against any problems when leaving the unit powered on.

Easy, No-Hassle Bias Adjustment

The output stage of the V 70 SE 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 V 70 SE 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 V 70 SE 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 V 70 SE completely, and it is activated in the unlikely event that a malfunction is detected. Once the Protection is activated, the V 70 SE is powered down.

Overview

• Vacuum tube integrated amplifier
• 2 x 70 W peak output power
• Large, optimized chassis construction from V 80 amp
• Mains transformer is a special low-noise type encapsulated in a magnetic closed box
• Output stage consists of two power tetrodes (Type 6550 C vacuum tubes) per channel
• Enhanced pentode configuration
• Single impedance output transformer
• Unique Ecomode power saving electronic circuitry
• Easy, no-hassle front panel bias adjustment
• Bias voltage read-out
• Multi-stage Soft-Start/Turn-On protection circuit
• Tube Complement: 4 x 6550
• Optional internal MM or MC phono stage
• Finishes: Aluminum/Silver or Aluminum/Black

• Inputs: 4 x Line Level (1x optional phono)
• 1 x XLR Input
• Outputs: 1 x Tape
• Pre-Out and Main-In

• Detachable IEC-type power cord
• 3 mm screwdriver for bias adjustment
• IR-Remote Control
• Allen key for removing the cover

• Power Output: 2 x 70 Watt into 4 Ohm
• Frequency Response: 10 Hz - 80 kHz / ± 0.5 dB
• Total Harmonic Distortion: < 0.1% @ 10 Watt into 4 Ohm
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: > 100 dB
• Input Sensitivity: 120 mV
• Minimum Speaker Impedance: 2 Ohm
• Power Consumption: 130 Watt idle, 320 Watt @ full power
• Main Fuse: 4 A slow-blow type H
• Dimensions: 17.8" wide, 6" high, 16.3" deep, including jacks
• Weight: 50.1 lbs.

Reviewers' Choice Award Winner

"Its sound equaled or surpassed that of a highly regarded amplifier and line stage costing more than twice as much, and it produced enough power to drive a wide variety of speakers. It looks great and sounds great – just what you’d expect of a great amp. I can’t think of many amp-preamp combinations that have equaled this integrated. An easy Reviewers’ Choice."

- Vade Forrester, SoundStageNetwork.com, November 15, 2013

"The lasting impression the Octave V70SE made in its wake was transparency. It never vied for attention, letting the music do the talking instead. And that’s exactly what I expect of an amp. The price/performance ratio here is extraordinarily high, particularly considering the maker’s proven track record for longevity and freedom from operational aggravations."

- Markus Sauer, 6moons.com, March 2011