V 110 SE

Following the phenomenal international success of the flagship Octave V 80 SE integrated amplifier, it was logical for the company to utilize the Octave Dynamic Technologies (ODT) in the further development of the popular V 110 model. The ODT concepts were first realized in the Jubilee Mono SE, and subsequently incorporated into the MRE 220 mono power amplifier. The performance of the MRE 220 benefited tremendously from the new technologies, which Octave next implemented into its integrated amplifier range by also featuring ODT in the new V 80 SE.

 

Available Colors: Silver or Black

Description

Now, the next most powerful integrated amplifier of the Octave model range benefits from the many years of experience and continuous development as the V 110 model goes into its second stage of evolution.

Essentially, looking to the technical aspects of ODT (Octave Dynamic Technologies) it is all about very high dynamic output power. Therefore the newly developed KT 120 or KT 150 power tubes (available as an option) are a perfect match in this model. Together with the revised power supply and new output transformers we practically achieve a doubling of peak output power compared to conventional push-pull amplifiers. The driver stage, which drives the output tubes while also monitoring them, is completely updated and comes a huge step closer to the ideal of the push-pull principle. The much-misunderstood negative feedback does its job extremely well without having any influence on the acoustic side. The new amplifier generation impresses with extreme linearity, significantly increased stability and downright negligible noise and hum. Therefore all the ODT equipped Octave models are even more independent from the selected loudspeaker and always exhibit - unaffected by the load - the same high performance level. The precise tonal balance is maintained even at extreme levels.

The new V 110 SE is the first model in the Octave range which offers another feature: the capability to optimally mate the amplifier to any loudspeaker regardless of its design principle. The damping factor of the V 110 SE can be set to three levels (LOW, MED and HIGH), allowing the amp to thus achieve a more precise adjustment to the electrical load of the speaker than ever before possible. This itself is unique in the world and, as always with Octave, simple to accomplish. The three different settings are easily selected by simply replacing one input tube, as the individual settings are realized via tubes with different gain. The enormous range of usable negative feedback makes this "gain/damping factor" tuning possible.

Octave supplies the V 110 SE with two additional input tubes to enable this fine tuning. The universal version, "MED", is installed from the factory. This setting is sufficient to perfectly control, for example, modern loudspeaker designs with large midrange domes (popular examples of such are the models of the B & W 800 series), with their typically increasing impedance curve in the midrange. The "HIGH" version has advantages with electrostatic (dipole) loudspeakers such as Martin Logan, which usually exhibit a low impedance in the mid-high frequency range. A higher damping factor counteracts the typical loss in the high frequency range. The driver tube for a low damping factor ("LOW") might be a viable option for high efficiency designs (for example with horns). These speakers tend to often sound harsh and discordant when mated to amplifiers with a normal or high damping factor.

Changing the input tubes is easy. Simply switch the amplifier OFF and replace the tube (which is plugged into a socket). This provides a fast, simple and extremely practical adjustment to optimize the amplifier to any loudspeakers.
Octave's specially developed power supply and extraordinarily stable wideband output transformer are essential to the company's ability to implement this adjustable damping factor option. Since these core components are completely crafted in-house, optimized transformers can be individually designed and produced for each and every model.

The V 110 SE: a class of its own.

Of course, the V 110 SE has the Octave-typical Power Management with Soft-Start Electronics, the Protection System, a Power Selector, Eco Mode, a BIAS Setting and Display, a Monitor/Record Output, the HT Bypass, the Pre -Out and a (Super) Black Box Connection. (See technology for description)

General Facts

Basic Model V 110 SE Line
Options Phono MC or MM
Design Silver or Black
Tube Configuration 4 x KT 88-S4A-Carbon, optional 4 x KT 150 TS or KT 120 TS
Inputs 6 x line level RCA (one is a bypass input and one is a phono input with option phono), 1 x XLR
Outputs 1 x Pre-Out regulated / 1 x Record output RCA / 1 x Loudspeaker output
Dimensions 451 x 175 x 415 mm (W x H x D)
Weight 22.3 kg

Features

Eco Mode Power saving mode
Bias Control Bias current control
Adjustable Pre-Out Preamp output RCA
HT Bypass Bypass-function for multichannel/home cinema
Protection system Soft Start; Protection circuit for amplifier and output tubes
Power selection For different output tubes
Adjustable damping factor To adjust to the loudspeaker
Full metal remote control Volume control

Specifications

Output power High: 110 W (RMS) /4 ohms; Low: 70 W (RMS) /4 ohms
Frequency response 20 Hz - 70 kHz @90 W - 1 / - 3 dB
Total harmonic distortion 0.1% at 10 W into 4 ohms
Signal-to-noise ratio - 100 dB / 90 W

Options

Review 03/2024 - English version

“The Octave Audio V 110 SE Integrated Amplifier is a very nicely built, medium power, tube product. It has the warm, lush sound that tube – o – philes love. Tube-rollers will enjoy tweaking the sound with various tubes, KT88s, KT120s, and others in that category. The bias can also be tweaked for specific purposes – you can increase the bias to achieve more Class A sound. I really enjoyed having it here.”

United States of America - Home Theater and High Fidelity - JOHN E. JOHNSON, JR. - March 2024


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Review 06/2018 - German version

"The Octave V 110 SE is a tube integrated amplifier that combines powerful dynamic access with bright timbres. Both together result in a striking naturalness that reproduces a piano just as authentically as a voice. This amplifier is a natural boy bursting with power. He sounds so refreshing, as if he had just emerged from the clear water of a mountain stream. Now he is flexing his muscles with pleasure in the blazing sun."

Germany - image hifi - June 2018


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Review 02/2018 - German version

"The most powerful and second-best integrated amplifier in the Octave range makes music with the emotional color and luminosity of the tube and the precision and control that one would otherwise associate with semiconductors. In addition, it allows the damping factor to be adjusted by simply replacing the pre-tube and optionally retrofitting with phono MM/-MC and also supports other power tubes."

Germany - STEREO - Tom Frantzen - February 2018


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Review 02/2018 - German version

"Powerful, extremely flexible push-pull pentode amplifier with interchangeable input tubes for different amplification and damping factor fine-tuning! Brings you very close to the music, close to the emotions, but can also grab hold. This is high-quality cinema for the ears and works with everyone Box and all music. Welcome to Paradise!"

Germany - stereoplay - Alexander Rose - February 2018


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Review 12/2016 - German version

"Of course, every amplifier expert will be happy to jump into the great tuning concept of the Octave V 110 SE. It's cool too - but only half the battle. For music lovers, something else counts: This tube integrated amplifier is a fantastic means to a good cause - "It's wonderful to be able to listen to music. With more speakers than ever before."

Germany - AUDIO - Lothar Brandt - December 2016

Overall rating from AUDIO: HIGH-END


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