Octave V16 Single-Ended Integrated Amplifier
A single-ended tube amplifier with integrated headphone amp.
While the natural sonic character and midrange clarity of the single-ended circuit is uniquely desirable, there are also some known limitations to the single-ended amplifier topology that needed to be addressed:
1. Level reduction in the bass frequencies – OCTAVE has eliminated this problem inherent in single-ended amplifiers via a new, highly specialized magnetic-field compensated output transformer. OCTAVE is renowned for its proprietary transformer designs which are developed, wound and meticulously crafted in-house. The power bandwidth in the bass frequencies of the V16 Single-Ended remains linear up to 10Hz as a result of this customized transformer design.
2. Level reduction in the high frequency range and limited bandwidth – By means of specific driver stages and an optimization of the feedback, OCTAVE has been able to extend the bandwidth of the V16 Single-Ended from 10 Hz to 100 kHz, a bandwidth spec that was previously considered impossible to achieve from a single-ended amplifier design.
3. Relatively high residual noise in the loudspeaker output – The level of hum in the V16 Single-Ended was rendered virtually immeasurable via OCTAVE’s optimized positioning of the mains transformer in respect to the output transformer, which also negates the need for an outboard power supply. The company’s sophisticated electronic stabilization circuits serve to further ensure that any sources of noise or hum is eliminated.
The low-frequency noise level achieved at the loudspeaker as well as the headphone outputs of the V16 Single-Ended is in the range of -110dB / 1W at 8 ohms, which corresponds to approximately
15 – 20μV at 50Hz.
4. High temperatures during high-current rest in Class-A operation –
Most single-ended Class-A amplifier designs are extremely overstretched, typically idling up to 150% of the rated tube power. Thus these devices become very hot during normal operation.a. The V16 Single-Ended amplifier utilizes an adaptive three-step setting of the Class A mode. The Class A Level is automatically adjusted between 100% and 30% to the load profil of the loudspeaker (4/8 Ohm) and headphones, which considerably reduces the amplifier’s operating temperature, while significantly extending its lifespan as well.
b. In addition, the V16 Single-Ended features a unique version of OCTAVE’s energysaving "Ecomode" technology, which serves to reduce the Class-A level to 30% during pauses in the music signal, and inaudibly rises when a musical signal is once again present. The long development time of the V16 Single-Ended has surely paid off: an uncompromising single-ended
Class A integrated amplifier that delivers ultra-quiet operation highlighted by deep bass, a natural midrange and silky-smooth highs combined with an unsurpassed degree of reliability and longevity.
A pure, modern classic amplifier in every regard.