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Anyone have experience with Octave integrated amps?

I've had a Hegel H200 for a number of years and I've really enjoyed this amp and it's sound. But, there was definitely room for improvement so I upgraded to the Hegel H390. However, I'm very unhappy with the sound of this amp. It's very detailed and refined sounding which is great but I feel like the music has just lost it's soul. The issue is what do I replace it with?? My stereo guy has suggested the Octave V70 SE. 

I'd love to hear feedback from anyone that's heard this amp or the V110 SE. I have Revel F208s so does anyone have experience with this pairing? I listen to mostly vinyl.

My gear:
VPI Prime turntable
Transfiguration Axia cartridge
Sutherland Little Loco phono amp
Revel F208 speakers
Sumiko S10 subwoofers (2)
michobr59
michobr59 OP
14 posts
 
Thanks jjss49, I ran the H390 continuously for a week when I first received it. Afterwards, I did hear a substantial improvement. It probably has about 400 hours on it now. Maybe I should let it run for another week. I really wanted to love this amp.

I still have the H200 so this past weekend I did a back-to-back comparison with the H390. The 390 is crisp, clean, and refined sounding. In comparison, the H200 sounds like there's a thin veil is over the music but the bass and drums are front and center. The music seems to have more body. 

michobr59 OP
14 posts
 
audiosaurusrex, do you think the black box is enough or is there a significant difference with the super? Is the V70 SE enough power or do you ever wish you'd gone with the V110 SE
rdk777's avatar
rdk777
567 posts
 
I had the Octave V80SE with the Super Black Box.  While the sound was good, every time I cranked up the volume, it would power off.  It could not drive my Rockport Atria's, although they (mfr) told me that it could drive most demanding speakers. The Atria's have a sensitivity of 87.5 dB and need a lot of power (as I later found out).  I'm assuming that had my speakers been more efficient, the Octave V80SE w the SBB might have worked for me.  
chorus
976 posts
 
Lost its soul? Wow. That's bad. The H200 was touted as being very musical with a dual mono design. 

I think you may have a synergistic mismatch.  Why I do not know. 

I would ask some Revel design people what they suggest.

1st bad report I have heard/read on the H390.

Others-Ayre, Lejonklou, Pass

Good luck!!

audiosaurusrex's avatar
audiosaurusrex
316 posts
 
@michobr59 
at 88db the 70se or 80se should be fine driving the Revels depending on your room size and listening levels. I would go up to the 80se if I were you.   In terms of the Black Box vs. SBB either will give you more dynamics and low end control. I have found that I don’t go past 10/11 o’clock with the volume. My room is 16x18 and my speakers are 92db. Andreas from Octave is very responsive and he may help in setting up an audition but Aaron from safeandsound was a pleasure to work with.
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