Octave V40 SE Integrated Valve Amplifier
The V40SE is the logical further development of the successful V40 integrated amplifier that has been further optimised on many counts.
The V40SE has a larger sound volume and a refined design, is equipped with all the features that a modern environment requires (pre-out, bypass), and can be expanded via the black box or super black box connection.
Last but not least—as the only one in its class—it is equipped with the unique "Ecomode" automatic power saving system. This automatic system controls the electricity demand and reduces the electricity consumption during breaks in operation.
The V40 SE was designed for listeners who are looking for an affordable, reliable and universal device, who have the highest demands in terms of sound quality, who do not want to forego modern features and upgrade options and who want to be environmentally conscious at the same time.
Like all OCTAVE amplifiers, the V40SE is based on the further developed pentode circuit. This ensures absolute stability of the output stage for loudspeakers from 86dB efficiency. Any impedance fluctuations in the loudspeaker of up to 2 ohms have no negative impact on the sound.
Thanks to the advanced power supply technology, the noise and hum level can be reduced to extremely low values: A value of -110dB is sensational in this class and guarantees clear reproduction.
_______________________________________________
Inputs / Outputs
The V40 features a total of five single-ended (RCA) inputs (including the Home Theatre Bypass input). Outputs included are one RCA Record output, one regulated Preamplifier output and one Loudspeaker output.
Black Box Connector
OCTAVE, with the Black Box technology, offers an upgrade path for optimizing the OCTAVE amplifier in respect to the speaker. This flexibility is a unique feature of the OCTAVE brand. The dynamic and tonal stability of an amplifier is strongly dependent upon the stability and capacity of the power supply, therefore the Black Box and Super Black Box were developed as external upgrades to the OCTAVE amplifiers’ power supply storage capacitors by increasing their capacitance by a factor of 4 (Black Box) or 10 (Super Black Box), respectively. This is a tremendous benefit if the speaker is difficult to drive. Loudspeaker efficiency is made less critical, while the amplifier is enabled to handle speakers with extremely low minimum impedances.
Ecomode
A forward looking feature of OCTAVE is the unique ECOMODE power saving electronic circuitry developed to reduce heat and unnecessary power consumption when the amplifier is switched on but not in use. This electronic system controls the power condition and reduces power consumption when the amplifier does not receive a signal for a period exceeding 10 minutes. In this “sleep” mode, the V40 SE draws only 20W idle current.
Virtually no heat is produced by the unit, and the heater voltage and the high voltage for the power amplifier section are switched off. When a signal is detected by the V40 SE, the Ecomode circuit will turn the amplifier back on, with a warm-up/start-up delay of approximately 30 seconds before the unit will operate. Ecomode also serves to increase the lifetime of the tubes, while having an added benefit of improved safety allowing the V 40 SE owner a level of security against any problems when leaving the unit powered on.
BIAS Adjustment—'Traffic Light' System
The Output stage of the V40 SE operates in Class A/B, and therefore requires an adjustable BIAS regulation. The highly sophisticated yet extremely simple yet accurate BIAS calibration ‘traffic light’ system is accessed on the front panel of the unit. It utilises external precision bias trim pots and LED confirmation, allowing the user to readily monitor the output tubes and simply correct their bias individually at the front panel—without the need of a micrometer let alone any special knowledge or tools. The correct BIAS is vital for the constant sound quality of the V40 SE. Due to this facility there is no need for a technician to service the V40 SE for changing or tubes or to check their condition. The precision of this user friendly system is within 0.5% accuracy.
Power Management and Protection System
The V40 SE is equipped with a multi-stage Soft-Start/Turn-On protection circuit which extends component as well as tube life considerably by protecting against stress caused by typical high inrush currents during switch-on. The unit starts in a defined sequence, with the Protection System monitoring the V40 SE completely, and activated whenever a malfunction is detected. Once the Protection is activated, the V40 SE is powered down.