V 80 SE

The OCTAVE V 80 SE sets new benchmarks for quality and performance in the product category of integrated amplifiers. It is the crown of the Octave integrated amplifier range and shines with a completely new amplifier design. A new driver stage, upgraded output transformers, and a more sophisticated power transformer highlight the technical design, while a completely new feedback loop offers absolute stability. As a serious alternative to high end separate pre- and power-amplifier components, the V 80 SE is equipped with a wide variety of inputs, both RCA and XLR, and features full function preamp capabilities. A MM or MC phono board is optional. A connection for Octave's proprietary Black Box or Super Black Box power supply capacitance upgrade module is also included.

 

Available colors: Silver or Black

Description

The V 80 SE is the only model in the Octave range with a headphone connector, and features a high-grade discrete headphone amplifier that offers very low distortion (<0.008 % at 200 ohms) and uncompromised sound quality. It is also possible to integrate the V 80 SE into a Home Cinema system thanks to the Home Theater Bypass Circuit, which allows the V 80 SE to power the front channels of a high-quality multichannel system. Furthermore, the V 80 SE features Octave's innovative, power saving Ecomode circuit, which serves to reduce heat and unnecessary power consumption when the amplifier is switched on but not in use. The V 80 SE features Octave's innovative Power Management and Protection Systems. All Octave models are protected against any inrush-current during switch-on, and the operation voltage is built up slowly, which also serves to extend the lifespan of all parts – especially the tubes.

One can adjust the V 80 SE BIAS in three steps with a small screw driver at the front panel of the amplifier, making very sensitive adjustment to the loudspeakers quite simple. The incredibly precise BIAS calibration system requires no knowledge or experience let alone any micrometre or tools, so there is no need to involve a tech. In addition to simplifying tube biasing, this also makes it very easy for one to experiment with other tube types.

While the finish, build-quality and craftsmanship of the unit are easily recognized, the real fascination with the V 80 SE is the uncompromised sound quality and its incredible performance capabilities. The new amplifier design, optimized for the higher power KT 150 and KT 120 tubes (available as an option), yields up to 120 watts per channel power output, allowing perfect control of virtually any loudspeaker – even at high sound pressure levels. Music will flow effortlessly as the amplifier performs with an unrivalled sense of ease, all while delivering precise control and inexhaustible dynamics.

In the midrange, the V 80 SE integrated amplifier remains natural and warm, while the high frequencies are accurately reproduced with all the nuanced fine details which make all the difference in high fidelity playback. This powerful yet elegant integrated amplifier conveys pure emotion and is the perfect partner for nearly every loudspeaker. With its incredible reliability, ease of operation, and innovative feature set, the V 80 SE delivers the highest level of performance for the most demanding music lovers.

Of course, the V 80 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, a Headphone Output and a (Super) Black Box Connection. (See technology for description)

General Facts

Basic Model V 80 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
Inputs 6 x Line Level RCA (1 x Bypass-Input, 1 x Phono-Input Option), 1 x XLR
Outputs 1 x adjustable Preamp Output (RCA) / 1 x Tape Record (RCA) / 1 x Headphone Output / 1 x Loudspeaker Output
Dimensions 451 x 175 x 415 mm (W x H x D)
Weight 23.4 kg

Features

Full Metal Remote Control Volume Control
Eco Mode Power Save Modus
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 Device and Power Tubes
Power Selection For different power tubes
Headphone Output 6.3 mm Input for Headphones > 200 ohms
Pre- and Poweramp separable

Specifications

Output Power 120 W RMS, 150 W Peak / 4 ohms
Frequency Response 10 Hz - 80 kHz
Total Harmonic Distortion 0.1% at 10 W / 4 Ohm
Signal-to-noise ratio - 103 dB

Options

Review 02/2018 - English version

"Great joys from the Octave V 80 SE during its stay, driving a series of visiting speakers as well as our usual suspects. While the Black Box concept will be useful for those pairing it with demanding speakers, for us the versatility of conjoining of a vinyl source and separate preamp with the Octave output valves proved particularly divine, creating true hi-fi magnificence of reality at the highest levels."

Australia - Sound+Image - Jez Ford - February 2018


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Review 08/2017 - English version

"The Octave Audio V 80 SE is one unusual integrated amplifier. It packs a wallop, is perhaps the single most transparent and neutral machine ever to grace my Greenwich Village hi-fi rig, and is so acute to the source that I find myself adjusting the volume for every record."

USA - stereophile - Ken Micallef - August 2017


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Review 05/2017 - Swedish version

"Powerful and dynamic - An integrated amplifier without the drawbacks of tube amplifiers - The best of both worlds."

Sweden - HiFi&Musik - May 2017


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Review 05/2016 - German version

"This tube integrated amplifier is something special: particularly powerful, particularly dynamic, particularly safe, particularly rich in timbres."

Germany - AUDIO - Lothar Brandt - May 2016


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Review 03/2016 - English version

"One of the best integrated amplifiers we’ve heard, with or without the upgrade" - Five stars for the V 80 SE

UK - What Hi-Fi? - March 2016


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Review 03/2016 - German version

"In terms of sound, the Octave V 80 SE can definitely compete with the world's best amps from both sets, which also applies to the dynamics and power delivery. The Octave V 80 SE easily manages, so to speak, to make even die-hard transistor fans succumb to the charm of tube amps. In any case, at LowBeats, the Baden piston amp has taken the place of the reference amplifier for the time being."

Germany - LowBeats - March 2016


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Review 12/2015 - German version

"The Octave Audio V 80 SE is without a doubt one of the best tube amplifiers in this hi-fi world and undoubtedly has reference status. The Super Black Box is a must - and that owners of the previous model V 80 for a fair surcharge (almost) on the SE -version also clearly speaks for the professionalism of the manufacturer."

Germany - HiFi-Stars - December 2015


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Review 10/2015 - English version

"About beans and goosebumps! Here both came together: a flood of detail, the finest transient and decay responses, the joy of playing, everything was there. Yes, a muscular transistor amp may still deliver even more at very high levels, but otherwise - pack it in and take it home."

Germany - STEREO - October 2015

Overall rating from STEREO: VERY GOOD


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Review 10/2015 - English version

"Octave’s new sound miracle turns out to be not only very performance-capable and universal with regard to suitable speakers, but is also a playground for tube nerds. Our evalution refers to the standard equipping."

Germany - stereoplay - Roland Kraft - October 2015


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