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Searching for an amp to pair with Rockport Atria II

I recently upgraded from a pair of Magico S1MKII to Rockport Atria II. I am very pleased with the move the Atria II is a more complete and “musical” listening experience. I am now looking to complete my system by upgrading from my Hegel H360 to a new amp. I have a dCS Bartok and two JL F100v2 subs in the system as well. 

I currently am auditioning the Octave HP300 and Octave RE320 with the black box. I can say that the sound stage is much more open with the Octave gear compared to the Hegel. I did try the RE320 feed directly from the Bartok and it sounded great as well. the Hp300 just opened up the stage a bit more and provided more range to the dynamics. 

I am looking for a bit of information on the Octave gear as far as reliability. There is not much out there outside of a few english language reviews. It seems like most of the reviews are out of Asia or Europe. It doesn’t seem like Octave has much market penetration here in the US.

I am open to other suggestions as well. I am enjoying the Octave so far and it seems to have more than enough power for the Rockports. I have seen a few videos with the Octave v80se driving Magico A1 and A3 so I am pretty sure it can provide the power if needed. 

Thank you for any and all advice. 
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creditingkarma OP
102 posts
 
i have looked at the pass it is too large for my stand unfortunately. that is what is holding me back on the Diablo 300 as well. We have a custom built equipment stand an I don’t want to replace it just yet. 
mboldda1's avatar
mboldda1
575 posts
 
get an amp stand and display it up front and center.
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creditingkarma OP
102 posts
 
unfortunately space will not allow for the amp stand in the middle of a walkway nor will my wife. She already tolerates the speakers 3 ft into the room so i don’t want to push it.
soix
9,530 posts
 
We have a custom built equipment stand an I don’t want to replace it just yet.
Cabinets and wives are common impediments to better sound.  I understand why we put up with one, but divorce takes care of the other.

Anyway, at 4Ohms nominal impedance, which means it likely dips below that at certain frequencies, and sensitivity of 87.5dB these speakers don’t exactly cry out for tubes — at least not to me.  Just because a tube amp “can” drive a speaker doesn’t necessarily mean it should.  At the very least you’re likely to push the Octave amp hard unless you only listen at low levels, and that’s not an optimal situation for any amp.  There’s a reason Andy Payor favors amps like Gryphon to pair with and voice his speakers.  If it was me I’d look for the best Class A (or A/B) amp that has sufficient power and sounds good to you (and fits in your beloved cabinet) and pair it with a good tube preamp.  But then again, if the Octaves are really working for you, what the hell do I know?  Best of luck in making your decision, and congrats on the great new speakers!

johnss
571 posts
 
something with a  lot of juice. The big Pass amps, or the VTL Siegfrieds come to mind.
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