Reviews

01.01.2024

V 70 Class A Review from LowBeats 01/2024 - German version

“Ultimately and above all, the Octave V70 Class A is an excellent, natural-sounding tube integrated amplifier that undoubtedly occupies a special position in its class and also keeps the audiophile’s instinct to play alive with a variety of options for trying out and sound tuning…”

Germany - LowBeats - January 2024

01.08.2023

V 16 Single Ended Review from TwitteringMachines 08/2023 - English version

„That being said, the Octave V 16 is among the clearest sounding amps I’ve had the pleasure to spend real time with. “

Michael Lavorgna at the excellent TwitteringMachines absolutely loved the wonderful Octave Audio V16 Single Ended integrated amplifier and headphone amp. We do too - and so will you!

United States of America - TwitteringMachines - Michael Lavorgna - August 2023

01.04.2023

Jubilee 300 B Review from High Fidelity Poland 04/2023 - English version

"It delivers an extremely dynamic,energetic sound and, in addition, differentiates these two elements to an above-average degree. It also perfectly shows even subtle differences in color."

Poland - High Fidelity – April 2023

01.10.2022

Phono Module Review from stereoplay 10/2022 - German version

"And this creates a spatial image that you should have heard in order to perhaps readjust your own standards."

Germany - stereoplay – September 2022

01.11.2021

Jubilee 300 B Review from image hifi 11/2021 - English version

"These power amps can really do it big, expansive, unlimited, authoritative and strong, and they can do it fine, romantic and colourful, but above all, they can do it all at the same time."

Germany – image hifi – November/December 2021

01.10.2021

HP 700 SE & MRE 220 Review from AUDIO 10/2021 - English version

"The spatial imaging in both width and depth gradation was impeccably ordered – and the Octave combi distinguished itself once more with incredibly fast transients and crystal-clear transparency."

Germany - AUDIO - October 2021

01.11.2020

V 70 Class A Review from AUDIO 11/2020 - German version

"After he had cultivated and further perfected the push-pull or push-pull method with one or more tubes for the negative and positive half-wave over many years and models, this leap over his own shadow - along with the outstanding sound results - was the trigger to also dedicate ourselves to Class A technology."

Germany - AUDIO - November 2020

01.10.2020

V 70 Class A Review from STEREO 10/2020 - German version

"If deep synthetic bass is pushed into the room after around nine minutes, it's not just diaphragm shocking sounds. The entire event is living, breathing; The attack and release processes are depicted very accurately, yet realistically and sensitively."

Germany - STEREO - October 2020

01.10.2020

V 70 Class A Review from image hifi 05/2020 - German version

"A test report with remarkable musical facets."

Germany - image hifi - October 2020

01.03.2020

V 16 Single Ended and Octave RE 320 (SBB) Review from STEREO 03/2020 - English version

"The combination of Octave's integrated amplifier V 16 SE (Single Ended) and the power amplifier Octave RE 320 with its Super Black Box (SBB) has truly earned its place in the STEREO listening rooms."

Germany - STEREO - March 2020

01.02.2020

V 70 Class A Review from stereoplay 02/2020 - German version

"The V 70 Class A produces at least 66 watts at four ohms, which means that most common and not too power-hungry speakers can be used as playing partners."

Germany - stereoplay - February 2020

01.12.2019

V 16 and RE 320 Review from STEREO 12/2019 - German version

"Two different concepts that complement each other perfectly when needed."

Germany - STEREO - December 2019

01.10.2019

Jubilee 300 B Review from HiFi review 10/2019 - Hong Kong version

"Any reason for spending over HK$ 500,000 on a pair of 300 B valve power amplifiers? Majestic? Yes, there has never been an erected 300 B valve amplifier of such a gorgeous stature. To a great extent, a 300 B valve is a synonym of elegance and subtlety. Nevertheless, more importantly it enables me to hear and see further after having played with and auditioned it myself."

Hong Kong - HiFi review - October 2019

01.09.2019

Jubilee 300 B Review from stereoplay 09/2019 - German version

"It is only to be expected that it is so much, as in this case in the fingers, to hand over an amplifier with praise. But the Anniversary 300 B is not of this world, but is rather located in an art of 300 B universe. "

Germany - stereoplay - September 2019

01.04.2019

Filter 3-P Review from AUDIO SWISS 04/2019 - German version

“The colleague Andreas Eichelsdörfer has it in AUDIO 2/19 with the symmetrical variant already noticed: Octave's signal cleaner is one of the types of HiFi accessories that become particularly noticeable when they are taken away. That was almost possible already hurting.”

Germany - AUDIO SWISS - April 2019

01.02.2019

V 16 Review from HiFi-Stars 02/2019 - German version

"The Octave V 16 does many things differently than other single-ended amplifiers, but does everything right. An Octave customer, on the other hand, gets a technically sophisticated and long-lasting device for the four-digit purchase price that offers excellent playback quality in every genre - on the loudspeaker or on the headphones. "

Germany - HiFi-Stars - February 2019

01.02.2019

Filter 3-P Review from AUDIO 02/2019 - German version

“An effective filter like the 3-P from Octave can solve many or even all of the problems that arise in the local luxury chain due to interference signals in one fell swoop. Expensive toy? Sound voodoo? Absolutely not, that would never happen with Andreas Hofmann. This man really knows what he's doing.”

01.01.2019

Filter 3-P Review from STEREO 01/2019 - German version

“As an (un)lucky coincidence would have it, a colleague is currently suffering from a nasty network hum after professional modifications to his home fuse box, which has so far refused to take any countermeasures. In fact, the filter was a resounding success here. At first there was still a slight amount of humming. However, the 3-P has a “Ground Lift” switch on the floor that disconnects the ground before the transformer. This function finally eliminated the remaining problem. Even beyond pure filtering, the module has proven to be a potent problem solver for high-end emergencies.”

Germany - STEREO - January 2019

01.09.2018

Filter 3-P Review from Hifi-Stars 09/2018 - German version

“Octave Audio’s approach of attacking the radiation interference in the signal paths with the passive filter F-3P in order to treat them and ward them off is as correct as it is effective.”

Germany - Hifi-Stars - September 2018

01.09.2018

HP 300 SE Review from STEREO 09/2018 - German version

"A dream of a preamplifier. Anyone who can do without the modular design of the HP 700 will hardly be worse off in terms of sound without really having to miss out on any of the features. The highest level of sound and workmanship."

Germany - STEREO - September 2018

01.06.2018

V 110 SE Review from image hifi 06/2018 - German version

"The Octave V 110 SE is a tube integrated amplifier that combines powerful dynamic access with bright timbres. Both together result in a striking naturalness that reproduces a piano just as authentically as a voice. This amplifier is a natural boy bursting with power. He sounds so refreshing, as if he had just emerged from the clear water of a mountain stream. Now he is flexing his muscles with pleasure in the blazing sun."

Germany - image hifi - June 2018

01.05.2018

V 16 Review from AUDIO 05/2018 - German version

"I admit it: I'm not a fan of efficiency monsters in loudspeakers. But since this test I've become a huge fan of single-ended triodes - when they're connected like in the Octave V 16. So far I haven't found a better single-ended triode. Power amplifier. The fact that the levels were comparatively quiet - so what? Find your “right” loudspeaker; you can listen really loud with headphones. But only go for the best ones, anything else is a waste."

Germany - AUDIO - Lothar Brandt - May 2018

01.05.2018

V 16 Review from Premium Headphone Guide 05/2018 - Korean version

"V 16 Review from Premium Headphone Guide"

Korea - Premium Headphone Guide - May 2018

01.05.2018

Jubilee Mono SE & HP 700 Review from stereoplay 05/2018 - German version

"Octave's ultra-strong tube monos don't have to shy away from a loudspeaker and, despite their muscles, work as delicately as freshly fallen snow. An absolutely exceptional amplifier with captivating sound properties. The HP 700 - Modular is a well-thought-out and absolutely practice-oriented all-rounder that can be adapted to the needs and is at the highest sonic level is working."

Germany - stereoplay - Roland Kraft - May 2018

01.02.2018

V 80 SE Review from Sound+Image Australia 02/2018 - English version

"Great joys from the Octave V 80 SE during its stay, driving a series of visiting speakers as well as our usual suspects. While the Black Box concept will be useful for those pairing it with demanding speakers, for us the versatility of conjoining of a vinyl source and separate preamp with the Octave output valves proved particularly divine, creating true hi-fi magnificence of reality at the highest levels."

Australia - Sound+Image - Jez Ford - February 2018

01.02.2018

V 16 Review from Suono 02/2018 - Italian version

"Fascinating, outstanding and never aggressive. Rebuilts the scene in a pleasant way, exalting the quality of the other devices - LISTENING 5/5. Very high quality materials and engineering. A perfect balance between positioning, requests and construction - CONSTRUCTIONS 5/5."

Italy - Suono - February 2018

01.02.2018

RE 320 Review from Audio Arts 02/2018 - Taiwanese version

"Octave RE 320 is a beautiful, sweet tube amp, it's a strong thrust, but not full of low-frequency feeling that kind of out, but with high and medium frequency flu with just right, it sounds Balance comfortable without exaggeration. Anyone with a neutral, high-quality loudspeaker will soon be drawn to the RE 320 sweet and scent like Japanese pear, and the sound quality is as fine as the flesh, leaving no residue at the entrance. The tube amp like this level, although it can not be said that invincible, but definitely allows you to enjoy the charm of music."

Taiwan - Audio Arts - February 2018

01.02.2018

V 110 SE Review from STEREO 02/2018 - German version

"The most powerful and second-best integrated amplifier in the Octave range makes music with the emotional color and luminosity of the tube and the precision and control that one would otherwise associate with semiconductors. In addition, it allows the damping factor to be adjusted by simply replacing the pre-tube and optionally retrofitting with phono MM/-MC and also supports other power tubes."

Germany - STEREO - Tom Frantzen - February 2018

01.02.2018

V 110 SE Review from stereoplay 02/2018 - German version

"Powerful, extremely flexible push-pull pentode amplifier with interchangeable input tubes for different amplification and damping factor fine-tuning! Brings you very close to the music, close to the emotions, but can also grab hold. This is high-quality cinema for the ears and works with everyone Box and all music. Welcome to Paradise!"

Germany - stereoplay - Alexander Rose - February 2018

01.12.2017

HP 700 Review from HiFi-Stars 12/2017 - German version

"I love the job of the hi-fi editor. The description of such high-quality equipment offers the “disastrous addict for the best sound” entry into the high-end upper house - and this is exactly where the Octave HP 700 is at home. You exudes emotionally charged sounds in a matter-of-fact way that I really like. Happy to anyone who can permanently afford something like that for their own sound experience..."

Germany - HiFi-Stars - Alexander Aschenbrunner - December 2017

01.08.2017

V 16 Review from stereoplay 08/2017 - English version

"Please allow the completely baffled author of these lines a personal remark: this is undoubtedly the best amplifier I’ve ever listened to over my speakers. By the way, without any consideration for aspects such as valves, output power, and price ..."

Germany - stereoplay - Roland Kraft - August 2017

01.08.2017

V 80 SE Review from stereophile 08/2017 - English version

"The Octave Audio V 80 SE is one unusual integrated amplifier. It packs a wallop, is perhaps the single most transparent and neutral machine ever to grace my Greenwich Village hi-fi rig, and is so acute to the source that I find myself adjusting the volume for every record."

United States of America - stereophile - Ken Micallef - August 2017

01.05.2017

V 80 SE Review from HiFi&Musik 05/2017 - Swedish version

"Powerful and dynamic - An integrated amplifier without the drawbacks of tube amplifiers - The best of both worlds."

Sweden - HiFi&Musik - May 2017

01.05.2017

RE 320 Review from STEREO 05/2017 - German version

"This extraordinary tube power amplifier made in Germany is pretty much alone in the field. Performance, stability, operational reliability - paired with the finest sound."

Germany - STEREO - Michael Lang - May 2017

Overall rating from STEREO: EXCELLENT

01.04.2017

Phono Module Review from AUDIO 04/2017 - German version

"This phono stage demands a lot from its owner: decisions about equipment, a lot of trial and error, possibly variations. But then the Octave phono module gives back in three ways: a sound that is one of the best in its class. The certainty of offering the optimum to your pickups and the system. And the security of being able to react easily to new configurations. Three cheers!"

Germany - AUDIO - Lothar Brandt - April 2017

Overall rating from AUDIO: HIGH-END

01.01.2017

Phono Module Review from STEREO+ 01/2017 - Norwegian version

"Min konklusjon er at Octave Phono Module kunne jeg veldig godt ha levd med. Jeg mener at den forsvarer prisen, selv om du må være forberedt på at det blir dyrt med de ulike tilleggene du kan velge. Blir du berørt av jazz, klassisk og store vokalprestasjoner? Da bør du snu nesa mot Tyskland og ta en nærmere titt på Octave."

Norway - STEREO+ - January 2017

01.12.2016

V 110 SE Review from AUDIO 12/2016 - German version

"Of course, every amplifier expert will be happy to jump into the great tuning concept of the Octave V 110 SE. It's cool too - but only half the battle. For music lovers, something else counts: This tube integrated amplifier is a fantastic means to a good cause - "It's wonderful to be able to listen to music. With more speakers than ever before."

Germany - AUDIO - Lothar Brandt - December 2016

Overall rating from AUDIO: HIGH-END

01.11.2016

V 40 SE Review from Hi-Fi News 11/2016 - English version

"This is a brand and an amplifier that really should be heard. / The V 40 SE really gave you the raw emotional quality of Adele´s voice."

UK - Hi-Fi News - Steve Harris - November 2016

Overall rating from Hi-Fi News: HIGHLY COMMENDED

01.09.2016

RE 320 Review from AUDIO 09/2016 - German version

"Faster in acceleration, higher in resolution and further in space - the reward for performance - anyone who thinks that a few tube watts can't produce any pressure should hear the RE 320 rock."

Germany - AUDIO - Lothar Brandt - September 2016

Overall rating from AUDIO: OUTSTANDING

01.09.2016

RE 320 Review from HiFi-Stars 09/2016 - German version

"That was clear…! In a nutshell: If the RE 320 stereo power amplifier, like the HP 300 SE tube preamplifier, is already a sound bomb on its own, Octave Audio offers an amplifier combination by combining the two that will not only set the sound standards for such tube amplifier designs for the next few years becomes. Chapeau!”

Germany - HiFi-Stars - Alexander Aschenbrunner - September 2016

01.07.2016

HP 700 & MRE 220 Review from STEREO 07/2016 - English version

"These amps can simply do everything, and I am convinced the deluge of international awards for their previous flagships will only increase for these new models. They’re dream, and I have rarely heard such good music, this applying to everything from Adele via Mozart to ZZ Top, and without reservations. I can’t think of a higher compliment."

Germany - STEREO - Tom Frantzen - July 2016

01.06.2016

RE 320 Review from HiFi review 06/2016 - Hong Kong version

RE 320 Review from HiFi review Hong Kong - HiFi review - June 2016

01.06.2016

HP 700 & MRE 220 Review from STEREO 06/2016 - German version

"These amplifiers can do everything, the international awards for the previous flagships will be repeated again and again. Fantastic. I have - and this applies without reservation from Adele to Mozart to ZZ Top - very rarely heard music so good. I don't want a greater compliment come up."

Germany - STEREO - Tom Frantzen - June 2016

01.06.2016

HP 300 SE Review from HiFi-Stars 06/2016 - German version

"Are you looking for a really "cool" and multifunctional tube preamplifier made in Germany? Here you go - here is the Octave HP 300 SE."

Germany - HiFi-Stars - Alexander Aschenbrunner - June 2016

01.05.2016

V 80 SE Review from AUDIO 05/2016 - German version

"This tube integrated amplifier is something special: particularly powerful, particularly dynamic, particularly safe, particularly rich in timbres."

Germany - AUDIO - Lothar Brandt - May 2016

01.03.2016

RE 320 Review from stereoplay 03/2016 - German version

"Without any ifs or buts, it's a power amplifier gem in a class of its own: load-stable, powerful, tube-flexible and protected against any accidents. The sound speaks for itself, including synergy effects with the in-house preamplifier."

Germany - stereoplay - Roland Kraft - March 2016

Overall rating from stereoplay: OUTSTANDING

01.03.2016

V 80 SE Review from What Hi-Fi? 03/2016 - English version

"One of the best integrated amplifiers we’ve heard, with or without the upgrade" - Five stars for the V 80 SE

UK - What Hi-Fi? - March 2016

01.03.2016

V 80 SE Review from LowBeats 03/2016 - German version

"In terms of sound, the Octave V 80 SE can definitely compete with the world's best amps from both sets, which also applies to the dynamics and power delivery. The Octave V 80 SE easily manages, so to speak, to make even die-hard transistor fans succumb to the charm of tube amps. In any case, at LowBeats, the Baden piston amp has taken the place of the reference amplifier for the time being."

Germany - LowBeats - March 2016

01.01.2016

Jubilee Linie Review from SoundRebels Poland 01/2016 - Polish version

"The Octave Jubilee line is undeniably the best system I have ever heard. After hearing this you can be sure that nothing will be the same."

Poland - SoundRebels - Marcin Olszewski - January 2016

01.12.2015

V 80 SE Review from HiFi-Stars 12/2015 - German version

"The Octave Audio V 80 SE is without a doubt one of the best tube amplifiers in this hi-fi world and undoubtedly has reference status. The Super Black Box is a must - and that owners of the previous model V 80 for a fair surcharge (almost) on the SE -version also clearly speaks for the professionalism of the manufacturer."

Germany - HiFi-Stars - December 2015

01.12.2015

Phono EQ.2 Review from HiFi-Stars 12/2015 - German version

"Right from the start, the Phono EQ.2 is one of the best phono amplifiers I know. The asking price of 1,500 euros makes it a “bargain” due to its performance class, which a searching analogue fan can, almost has to, buy without hesitation. "

Germany - HiFi-Stars - December 2015

01.10.2015

V 80 SE Review from stereoplay 10/2015 - English version

"Octave’s new sound miracle turns out to be not only very performance-capable and universal with regard to suitable speakers, but is also a playground for tube nerds. Our evalution refers to the standard equipping."

Germany - stereoplay - Roland Kraft - October 2015

15.10.2019

V 80 SE Review from STEREO 10/2015 - English version

"About beans and goosebumps! Here both came together: a flood of detail, the finest transient and decay responses, the joy of playing, everything was there. Yes, a muscular transistor amp may still deliver even more at very high levels, but otherwise - pack it in and take it home."

Germany - STEREO - October 2015

Overall rating from STEREO: VERY GOOD

01.11.2014

HP700 Review from HIFI Magazine live 11/2014 - Spanish version

HP 700 Review from HIFI Magazine live

Spain - HIFI Magazine live - November 2014

01.10.2014

Phonomodule Review from HIFI Magazine live 10/2014 - Spanish version

Phonomodule Review from HIFI Magazine live

Spain - HIFI Magazine live - October 2014

01.07.2014

V40 SE Review from stereophile 07/2014 - English version

Read the full Review from Art Dudley.

USA - stereophile - July 2014

01.04.2014

HP 300 SE Review from stereoplay 04/2014 - German version

"It can practically do everything between gentle, silky and aggressive, never seems too comfortable or even sluggish, let alone spongy, but can also claim a beneficial, small touch of warmth. This coordination is undoubtedly skilful and also has a lot of addictive potential - also through driving rhythm - and if required, even calm and elegance directed towards the listener."

Germany - stereoplay - Roland Kraft - April 2014

01.12.2013

V110 Review from the Absolute Sound 12/2013 - English version

Read the full Review from Dick Olsher.

Texas - The Absolute Sound - December 2013

01.12.2012

Best Performance of the Year 2012 from Audio Art 12/2012 - Japanese version

The Jubilee Preamp and Mono amplifiers become the Best Performance of the Year 2012 Award from Audio Art.

Japan - Audio Art - December 2012

01.01.2011

Jubilee and Phono Module Review from Audiophile 01/2011 - English version

"The Jubilee amplifiers of Octave, generally overhauled, pass their concert test – with distinction."

Germany - Audiophile - Lothar Brandt - January 2011

20.09.2010

V 70 SE Review from stereoplay 09/2010 - German version

Read the full Review from Joahnnes Maier.

Germany - stereoplay - December 2013

01.07.2009

V 40 SE Review from stereoplay 07/2009 - German version

"The V 40 SE not only appeared more refined when it came to voices, it also handled the individual electric piano tones more delicately, with kid gloves so to speak - so that they were allowed to sparkle even more intensely and beautifully like little shining stars."

Germany - stereoplay - Johannes Maier - July 2009

01.03.2009

Jubilee test at Analog Japan 03/2009 - Japanese version

Jubilee test at Analog Japan

Japan - Analog - March 2009

01.02.2009

Plugged visit at Octave 02/2009 - German version

"If you're looking for the romantic, soft-focus aura of certain tube circuits, you definitely won't find it with Octave."

Germany - Plugged - Marius Donadell - February 2009

01.12.2008

V 80 Review from fairaudio 12/2008 - German version

"Best of both worlds“, mag eine Phrase sein, aber klanglich orientiert sich Octaves größter Vollverstärker V 80 in diese Richtung – und ist dabei doch ein reiner Röhrenverstärker, kein Hybrid."

Germany - fairaudio - Ralph Werner - December 2008

01.05.2008

Jubilee Review from AUDIO 05/2008 - German version

"In view of such a magnificent performance like that of the Octave Trio, savvy, supposedly callous testers somehow become little boys with shining eyes again."

Germany - AUDIO - Joachim Pfeiffer - May 2008

Overall rating from AUDIO: OUTSTANDING

01.03.2008

V 80 Review from stereoplay 03/2008 - German version

"So that the listeners stand out, a Baden manufacturer relies on perfect tube technology."

Germany - stereoplay - Johannes Maier - March 2008

Overall rating from stereoplay: VERY GOOD

01.10.2007

HP 300 MK2 Review from stereoplay 10/2007 - German version

"Superior tube preamplifier that doesn't reject semiconductor help when appropriate. Sounds endlessly dynamic, clean, spatial and lively, simply great."

Germany - stereoplay - Johannes Maier - October 2007

Overall rating from stereoplay: OUTSTANDING

01.07.2007

Phono Module Review from AUDIO 07/2007 - German version

"The Phono Module is also a preamplifier that you want to grow old with. Even with the fixed level output, on the same preamplifier through which the other preamps had to play, the Octave amazed you with a dynamic in the low-frequency range that simply seemed to come from a different dimension This atomic-powered power was even more noticeable on quiet, delicately produced records than on riotous pieces."

Germany - AUDIO - July 2007

01.05.2006

V 70 Review from STEREO 05/2006 - German version

"This Octave is more than just a modern tube amplifier, it is an absolutely outstanding amplifier, a jewel of its genre, neutral and musical, suitable for the highest demands."

Germany - STEREO - Tom Frantzen - May 2006

Overall rating from STEREO: EXCELLENT

01.08.2005

V 70 Review from AUDIO 08/2005 - German version

"A tube integrated amplifier - you're probably expecting warm-hearted softener sounds from the test. Forget it. The Octave V70 rocks. This tube integrated amplifier blows away prejudices. Powerful and fast-paced like few."

Germany - AUDIO - Lothar Brandt - August 2005

Overall rating from AUDIO: OUTSTANDING

01.05.2005

HP 500 SE & MRE 130 Review from STEREO 05/2005 - German version

“With the Octaves HP 500 SE and two MRE 130 monos, not only is a sensational-sounding amplifier combination moving into the STEREO listening room, it is also a kind of declaration of war against old stereotypes and prejudices. Because this trio represents a modern and highly efficient tube concept.”

Germany - STEREO - Tom Frantzen - May 2005

Overall rating from STEREO: EXCELLENT