Octave V 16 Single Ended, Owner'S Manual

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1. DESCRIPTION OF THE V 16 Single Ended
4. High temperatures during high-current rest in Class-A operation
– Most single-ended Class-
A amplifier designs are extremely inefficient, typically idling between three to five times the
output power. Thus these devices become very hot during normal operation.
A. The OCTAVE V 16 Single Ended single-ended amplifier utilizes an adaptive three-
step setting of the Class-A mode. The Class-A level is automatically adjusted be-
tween 100% and 35% to the load profile of the loudspeaker (4/8 ohms) and head-
phones, which considerably reduces the amplifier’s operating temperature, while sig-
nificantly extending its lifespan as well.
B. In addition, the OCTAVE V 16 Single Ended features a unique version of OCTAVE
its energy-saving "Ecomode" technology, which serves to reduce the Class-A level
to 35% during pauses in the music signal, and inaudibly rises when a musical signal
is once again present.
5. Disadvantages of expensive, directly heated triodes -
OCTAVE has developed the OCTAVE
V 16 Single Ended to operate a KT 120 pentode tube in a triode circuit. It is ideally suited for
single-ended Class A operation due to its particular characteristics: very high performance,
excellent longevity, tight tolerances, and widespread availability – while avoiding the tech-
nical problems of a traditional triode tube such as the 300 B. The OCTAVE V 16 Single
Ended architecture will thus also allow the use of KT 150, KT 88, or 6550 tubes, for example,
making its design extremely universal.
OCTAVE has also equipped the V16 Single Ended with an optional Pre-Out feature. While adding
complexity, this option affords great flexibility. Thus the V 16 Single Ended is a perfect companion to
myriad system setups, and can be used to drive headphones, high efficiency loudspeakers, hybrid
systems (with active bass), or in conventional bi-amp setups. An equalizer is used to cut the deep
bass frequencies (below 80 Hz), so the V 16 Single Ended is only responsible for the midrange and
treble. The frequency range is optimized by Octave and thus not adjustable. One primary benefit in
the case of bi-amping is to take advantage of the breathtakingly beautiful single ended performance
in the sensitive mid and high frequency range while employing a separate power amp (or internal
amp in the speaker) to handle the bass region.
The long development time of the OCTAVE V 16 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.