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1. DESCRIPTION OF THE V 70 SE
The new
Octave V 70 SE
integrated amplifier is a push-pull pentode design delivering 2 x 70 W
RMS output power (into 4 ohm loads). As with all Octave models, all research and development
(R&D) and production has been conducted exclusively in-house, and the amplifier is
comprehensively safeguarded against user error and parts wear – including catastrophic power
tube failure.
The V 70 SE improves upon the V 70 predecessor, with upgrades made in the amplification stages
as well as the power supply. Ultra-low leakage Tantalum electrolytic caps are now used instead of
Aluminium electrolytic caps in the driver circuit. The heater voltage of the driver tubes has been
precisely stabilized to reduce hum and noise that would otherwise be caused by the heater system.
The heater and the supply voltage are both controlled via the power management circuit. The
stabilization of the heater and power supply voltages ensures the stable, drift free operation in the
mains range of +/- 15%. Every output tube in the V 70 SE is protected against over-current and
other tube problems caused by aging.
BIAS Measurement
The V 70 SE is fixed
BIAS
, and utilizes external precision BIAS trim pots and LED confirmation
which allows the user to readily monitor the output tubes and simply correct their BIAS individually
at the front panel of the unit without the need of a micrometer let alone any special knowledge or
tools – just the supplied 3 mm flat-head screwdriver.
Black Box Option
The V 70 SE is fitted with a connector for the optional Octave
“Black Box”
capacitance modules –
available in normal and “Super” versions. The use of the Black Box or Super Black Box significantly
increases power supply capacitance to stabilize current delivery and reduce impedance interaction
of the load, thus improving dynamic range, separation, depth, soundstage size and articulation.
This enables optimizing the V 70 SE in respect to the speaker, which is a tremendous benefit if the
speaker is difficult to drive.
Input Section
The input section of the V 70 SE features five line level single ended Inputs with an optional
internal Phono board, one balanced Input and two single ended Outputs. One is a standard record
output; the other Pre-Out is a regulated preamplifier output. This output is buffered with an
integrated circuit to reduce the negative influence of any connected unit (typically an active
subwoofer).
The Input labeled “Front Channel“ is coupled with a relay that bypasses the volume regulator. The
V 70 SE functions as a stereo amplifier the when the “Front Channel” Input position is selected.
Power Management and Ecomode
The V 70 SE input and output tube heaters as well as its high-voltage rails are logic-controlled to
ensure that the conduction of the output tubes as well as the input stage voltages are constantly
monitored and controlled by the
Power Management System
, which serves to protect the vital
internal parts (tubes, rectifier, electrolytic caps, switches, etc.) against excessive turn-on current.
This increases the lifetime of not only the tubes, but all power related components as each derives
benefit through this system.
The
Ecomode
serves to reduce heat and unnecessary power consumption when the unit is
switched on but not in use. After 9 minutes without receiving signal, the V 70 SE Ecomode is
activated, turning down the power. In this “sleep” mode, the V 70 SE draws only 20 W Idle current.
Therefore, the unit produces no heat while it remains switched on. When a music signal is once
again detected by the V 70 SE, the Ecomode circuit will power the unit back on, with a short warm-
up/start-up delay (approximately 35 seconds) before the unit will operate.
The Ecomode also serves to increase the lifetime of the tubes, while providing an added benefit of
increased safety
allowing the V 70 SE owner a level of security against any problems when
leaving the unit switched on.
Summary of Contents for v70se
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