Octave Jubilee Preamplifier vs. Audio Research Ref. 10: Battle of the Titans

Hi Keith. I suspect that "synergy" may be part of it. However, I had an all Ayre system with the MX-R mono's and the KX-R pre and Ayre C-5xeMP. When I swapped out the KX-R for ARC Anniversary 40 there was an immediate and dramatic improvement in the system. Way more flesh on the bones! I then went to the ARC Ref 10. The improvement, as I noted in my review, was noticeable but not dramatic. Replacing the MX-R's with the Octave MRE 220's brought about an immediate and very palpable improvement - across the board! I then swapped out the C-5xeMP for an Esoteric K-01X. As you can imagine, because the Esoteric has a far superior manufacturer-made drive and newer digital architecture, the upgrade to the Esoteric represented a shift change. The last upgrade was the Jubilee and, as I noted, it too has been a shift change in my system. I will not dismiss the "synergy" comment. However, having had fully integrated OEM components (e.g. Ayre) and blended systems (Ayre and ARC; and, ARC and Octave) the step-out improvement with the Jubilee has more than just synergy going for it. At least in my experience and for my ear. Looks like you have a very sweet system. Enjoy and thanks for your interest in my review. All the best!

Ray

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Originally Posted by Spyder

Thanks. I heard the Octave RE 320 in Munich. It is awesome. What do you think of the KT 150's? Do you have the Black Box or Super Black Box?

Ray

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The KT150 are very linear, great bass, saturated but not bloated midrange, extended highs. Hear the same thing in a friend's system with CAT JL7 monoblocks. You don't have them yet in your MRE 220?

I have the Super Black Box, just like you do if I remember correctly from your MRE 220 thread.

Al

Yes; I do have the Super Black Box for each side. The MRE 220 uses the KT120's. Your description of the KT 150's isvery consistent with what I've heard. The RE 320 is a very sweet unit. I think the SSB is a must to realize the full potential of Octave amplification even on easy to drive speakers.

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Originally Posted by Spyder

Yes; I do have the Super Black Box for each side. The MRE 220 uses the KT120's. Your description of the KT 150's isvery consistent with what I've heard.

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You can use KT150 tubes in your MRE 220. The power supplies are capable of carrying them.

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The RE 320 is a very sweet unit. I think the SSB is a must to realize the full potential of Octave amplification even on easy to drive speakers.

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That's what I figured. I have very easy to drive speakers, monitors of 92 dB sensitivity (augmented by self-powered subs), and never even thought about trying the RE 320 without the SBB. I guess that makes me a mediocre audiophile ;), I am just not curious enough to explore everything exhaustively.

Thanks. It is definitely something I should look into.

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Originally Posted by Spyder

I think the SSB is a must to realize the full potential of Octave amplification even on easy to drive speakers.

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What speakers are you ​driving?

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Originally Posted by Spyder

I think the SSB is a must to realize the full potential of Octave amplification even on easy to drive speakers.

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I had to chose between a RE290 with SBB or the MRE130 without SBB.

But I have to agree a SBB is a really nice and expensive option.

No such thing as a mediocre Audiophile. Audiophilism doesn't require exploration - it's about passion in pursuit a system that satisfies. Good for you. Besides, too much exploration can lead to frustration. Enjoy! Thanks for your sharing your insights and experience.

Ray

Hi Kevin. I have a pair of custom ProAc K6's. They play very well with my component set up and they too have been a delight. I can't get over the bass response from a speaker with such a small footprint. A month ago I had some of the gang over from our local audio club and I played the "Root Beer" track from the "American Beauty" soundtrack. One of the fellows, who had not been over before, jump up to look behind my equipment rack and was surprised not to find a sub there. The MRE 220 paired with the SSB do a marvellous job of control.

Ray

It's official, I'm envious. What a nice system. Thanks for the response!