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Anyone have experience with Octave integrated amps?

I've had a Hegel H200 for a number of years and I've really enjoyed this amp and it's sound. But, there was definitely room for improvement so I upgraded to the Hegel H390. However, I'm very unhappy with the sound of this amp. It's very detailed and refined sounding which is great but I feel like the music has just lost it's soul. The issue is what do I replace it with?? My stereo guy has suggested the Octave V70 SE. 

I'd love to hear feedback from anyone that's heard this amp or the V110 SE. I have Revel F208s so does anyone have experience with this pairing? I listen to mostly vinyl.

My gear:
VPI Prime turntable
Transfiguration Axia cartridge
Sutherland Little Loco phono amp
Revel F208 speakers
Sumiko S10 subwoofers (2)
michobr59
jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 
is your hegel h390 new? it improves substantially with break in... as in over a month or two of consistent use...

it is a good sounding unit... truly

octave is very very good gear... but i would advise you don’t give up on the hegel if it hasn’t broken in properly as of yet
mofojo
2,301 posts
 
I heard the V110se with some Dynaudio C60s. Sounded really good. Lots of bass control for a tube amp as well. 
audiosaurusrex's avatar
audiosaurusrex
320 posts
 
@michobr59
I have the V70 Class A which is just stunning in clarity and control. I demoed the V40se and heard the V70se at the shop and loved them so much I wanted more control of my Spatial M3 Sapphires. I found a great dealer in https://www.safeandsoundhq.com/
‘They had a generous return policy on in stock items so maybe you can get a demo as well. I do live in Massachusetts so that helped for me.
if I can answer any specific questions let me know. I think the Octave line will be a great match for your system. I do recommend the Black Box or SBB with it. Love love it!
michobr59 OP
14 posts
 
Thanks jjss49, I ran the H390 continuously for a week when I first received it. Afterwards, I did hear a substantial improvement. It probably has about 400 hours on it now. Maybe I should let it run for another week. I really wanted to love this amp.

I still have the H200 so this past weekend I did a back-to-back comparison with the H390. The 390 is crisp, clean, and refined sounding. In comparison, the H200 sounds like there's a thin veil is over the music but the bass and drums are front and center. The music seems to have more body. 

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