Naim or Octave with Dynaudio Confidence C1

I think I can answer that question. As you move up the line in the integrated and into the MRE 130 mono amps, the designer has chosen to step up the plate voltage as you step up into the bigger models. I have the specs for the integrated's, I will post later, however, I believe the MRE 130 has a plate voltage of 530 volts. I measured the output in milliamps of the recommended bias settings on the amp using the Tube Amp Doctor Biasmaster and measured .38ma for the desired bias setting according the manufacture. I was using KT88's. That seems to me a conservative reading. Of course, I can go higher in regards to milliamps, in fact I have, using KT120s in an experiment running at .65ma with no problems.

This is my belief, Octave uses a stepped up plate voltage approach as you go higher in the lineup, always taking into consideration tube life, equipment usability and robustness and ease of use. Essentially, plug and play concept of use. Perhaps the V40 is measured using the EL34 tubes and not the optional 6550 or KT88's. I do know that the plate voltage is a big factor and therefore as you move up the line, you get higher output. The two EL34's on the V40 do not output as much power as a pair of KT88's on the V70.

Ciao,
Audioquest4life

Although the 202/200 are musical amps, they are not considered to be the most successful in the Naim line. If you find the C1's to sound good on them, chances are likely the C1's will sound better with the higher range models. The 282 is considered to be at the sweet spot in the Naim line providing good sound at a sensible cost(although higher up there is the 252 and the 552).

The Supernait lacks the refinement of the separates. I should add that all current Naim amps(except the 5i) can be upgraded by adding an external power supply to the preamp stage.

Best bet is to audition both Naim and Octave side-by-side.

Ryder, Thanks for the post. What do you think you get in the 282 as opposed to the 202. But the price difference is significant, isn't it? I understand that the 250 would be a real improvement over the 200 but also at substantial increased expense.

Handsomeck, I have not tried the 282 in my system(202/200) although I've listened to the 282/250 in another system. If you browse through the Naim forum, the general consensus is music becomes more real and believable when going up the Naim ladder. You are correct that the next model up represents a significant increase in expense, usually two times or more the cost. That is one reason I will stay put with the 202/200 for the time being. If I ever want to upgrade(not at this point of time though), the 282 is where I would want to stop.

The 250 is an improvement to the 200 if the speakers require the additional current. However, from what I was told the 250 is voiced differently from the 200 apart from having a more robust power supply that's fully regulated. Some may prefer the lean sounding 200 over the 250 that has a warmer and fuller presentation.

Since Xti thought the Octave amps sound better, it is prudent that you compare both before making your decision. Naim amps do sound good but I feel the higher range amps are costly for what they are. There may be others which provide good sound(not necessarily the same sort of presentation) at a lower cost.

I just looked up the Octave V70se and noticed it is a tube integrated amp. I am quite sure the Octave will sound quite a bit different from the Naim amps being tube. Hence it is best if you are able to listen to both and find out for yourself which house sound do you prefer, the Octave or the Naims.

Good luck.

Hi Ryder, Thanks for your thoughtful post. Unfortunately I am limited by the brands offered by my local Dynaudio dealer. In the best of all worlds, I'd love to hear the C1s with the Pass 150 watt integrated. But I can't do that because the only local Pass dealer is in NJ and doesn't carry Dynaudio.