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Octave v70se OR v80se

Hello Everyone!
I recently bought the amazing Dynaudio Contour 20 speakers and am about to purchase the Octave int amp. I have listened to the v70se but have also heard great things about the v80se model (have not heard v80se in person). So far this is the best integrated amp I have heard in this price range!

My question is should I get the v70se WITH a black box and call it a day OR just get the v80se? The price difference between v70se and v80se is pretty significant.

I have a 20x25 foot room and I listen to all kinds of music. Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance!
danimaz
inna
7,758 posts
 
My suggestion would be to get the top of the line and more powerful model. Dynaudio like power. I also read in another thread that Octave responds very well to tube rolling with NOS Telefunken and Siemens tubes. If that's what you are inclined to try later.
danimaz OP
60 posts
 
Thank you both for your responses. The thing is that I understand that v80se is twice as much in power, and that dynaudio like power... however is the price difference of almost 3500$ worth it or not to go with the v80se. That’s the question I have in mind which I am unable to get an answer to. Would the v80se sound 'significantly' better at 50% or higher volumes when matched with the Countor 20s? May be that 3500$ gap can be filled with a black box? 
jafant's avatar
jafant
20,047 posts
 
PM sent- danimaz
Happy Listening!
zufan's avatar
zufan
563 posts
 
Octave makes supremely good amps. I had the 40 on loan for a few weeks with my KEF Ref One and it was the best I ever heard them. Heck the 40 is a beast and will dig your Dyns. 
inna
7,758 posts
 
I think, you will never know unless you try both in your room. They also have something called super black box, at least they used to have it. When it comes to cost difference, it becomes very subjective.
Top of the line models always get special attention, you may get better parts, tubes etc. Why not contact Octave and talk to them ? Maybe you'll get a better sense. There is a used Octave 70 SE for $5500 on Audiogon, by the way. With MC phono and black box.
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