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Octave v70se OR v80se

Hello Everyone!
I recently bought the amazing Dynaudio Contour 20 speakers and am about to purchase the Octave int amp. I have listened to the v70se but have also heard great things about the v80se model (have not heard v80se in person). So far this is the best integrated amp I have heard in this price range!

My question is should I get the v70se WITH a black box and call it a day OR just get the v80se? The price difference between v70se and v80se is pretty significant.

I have a 20x25 foot room and I listen to all kinds of music. Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance!
danimaz

Showing 5 responses by inna

inna
7,132 posts
 
My suggestion would be to get the top of the line and more powerful model. Dynaudio like power. I also read in another thread that Octave responds very well to tube rolling with NOS Telefunken and Siemens tubes. If that's what you are inclined to try later.
inna
7,132 posts
 
Yes, since dealers have to buy their demos, they'll buy 70 SE and say that 80 SE is even better. I might've simplified it a little, but it's hard to buy what you can't audition even when the models are close enough to each other. Anyway, $3500 is a significant amount except for the very few. Owners of the equipment will also have a bias, just a different one. And each entire system is often unique. I also like to watch interviews with chief designers of the brands on youtube, it might give me an insight of what they are up to.
inna
7,132 posts
 
I think, you will never know unless you try both in your room. They also have something called super black box, at least they used to have it. When it comes to cost difference, it becomes very subjective.
Top of the line models always get special attention, you may get better parts, tubes etc. Why not contact Octave and talk to them ? Maybe you'll get a better sense. There is a used Octave 70 SE for $5500 on Audiogon, by the way. With MC phono and black box.
inna
7,132 posts
 
What is the current price of V80 SE without black boxes ?
inna
7,132 posts
 
danimaz, are you sure about V70SE, this looks too low ?
$9500 for V80SE is about the same as VAC Sigma integrated.
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