2. amps-preamps
  3. 169075-162425

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

Showing 2 responses by 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
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