Octave Jubilee Preamplifier vs. Audio Research Ref. 10: Battle of the Titans
On this side of the pond, as they say, Audio Research is recognized as one of the best tube gear manufacturers. It's Reference 10 Line Stage Preamplifier is considered by many as one of the best preamplifiers available. I had the Audio Research Anniversary 40 and I was so impressed with it that when Audio Research said they bettered it with the Reference 10, I didn't hesitate to trade up.
They were right, the Ref. 10 was a better preamp than its 40th Anniversary predecessor. The improvements were not dramatic and at that level of component I was not expecting they would be. However, they were noticeable. A slightly deeper and wider soundstage and more inner detail, which is saying a lot when one considers how great the 40th is/was. Both preamps have comparable and very good bass performance. A consequence of a well designed high output power supply, housed in a separate chassis. Some claim the bass performance rivals top contender solid state preamps. However, after attending the Munich High End Show in 2016 and hearing some of those contenders, I concluded otherwise. That left me "wanting". The dreaded precursor to "looking around".
My initial thought was moving to a top-shelf solid state preamplifier. I have the Octave MRE 220 mono amps, each connected to a Octave Super Black Box. I wrote a review for my Octave amps on AudioShark a few years ago. They are in a word - incredible. They also paired very nicely with my Ref. 10. It was my love of the MRE 220's and my preference for tube gear that lead me to consider Octave's "Jubilee" Preamp, its top preamplifier model. I began, as I often do, by searching out reviews to see what others thought of the Jubilee. There were a few forum threads on another site and a review on 6 Moons, which were extremely positive. I then tried to see if someone had compared the Octave Jubilee Pre to the Audio Research Ref. 10. I could not find such a review.
I ended up selling my Ref. 10, which was an easy task, and buying the Jubilee. I decided to write this review in case there was someone else out there in audiophile land wondering how the two compare. I have always enjoyed gear reviews written by hobbyists. Professional reviews in magazines are enjoyable and informative, but I often wonder if they may be influenced by other considerations.
So what is my verdict on the two preamplifiers from opposite sides of the pond? Are they comparable, with subtle differences? One would think, given they are comparable in price. Both have separate power supplies, though the Jubilee is a "hybrid" design with a solid state power supply. Well; they are not comparable. Not even close. The Octave Jubilee far surpasses the Audio Research Ref. 10 - across the board.
In a word, the Jubilee has been "transformative" in my system. Everything is better and more enjoyable. Starting with the bass - its incredible. As good as the Constellation Altair II and Soulution 710. Combined with the Jubilee's mids, highs, dynamics and tonal balance and the sheer "presence" of being there, that only top tube gear can create, my system has gone from making beautiful music to bringing music to life.
What makes dynamics really work isn't transient speed, it's the accuracy of the getting to the top of the range and back at the correct pace or timing. The Jubilee does it masterfully and effortlessly.
I got hooked on high end thirty years ago when I walked into a "real" stereo store and listened to a system that made me "feel" the music in the same way as a live performance. I have now achieved that completely with the Jubilee pre. There are no shortcomings or compromises that leave me wanting.
For anyone wondering how these two top Titans rank in a competition, you now know.
Re: Octave Jubilee Preamplifier vs. Audio Research Ref. 10: Battle of the Titans
What an interesting read.
Was the Audio Research Ref 10 compared to the Octave Jubilee in exactly the same audio system? No other changes other than the pre-amp?
Like you I enjoyed gear reviews written by hobbyists and I should share with you that here in Asia the Octave brand is very popular indeed. Their fresh look (AR cosmetically looks terribly dated), German engineering and craftsmanship combined with their wonderful sound makes them winners here.
Re: Octave Jubilee Preamplifier vs. Audio Research Ref. 10: Battle of the Titans
“My reference Pass Labs XP-20 provided a more realistic timbre and all the control features I want at a considerably lower price. So, for that matter, did a friend’s much cheaper Parasound JC-2. The Octave Jubilee Mono monoblock power amplifier is a superb product and one of the two or three best power amplifiers I’ve heard. The Octave Jubilee Preamplifier may have great potential, but—to me—the sound is not of equal class.”
http://www.theabsolutesound.com/arti...ifier-tas-212/
Re: Octave Jubilee Preamplifier vs. Audio Research Ref. 10: Battle of the Titans
Quote:
Originally Posted by
kiwi_1282001
What an interesting read.
Was the Audio Research Ref 10 compared to the Octave Jubilee in exactly the same audio system? No other changes other than the pre-amp?
Like you I enjoyed gear reviews written by hobbyists and I should share with you that here in Asia the Octave brand is very popular indeed. Their fresh look (AR cosmetically looks terribly dated), German engineering and craftsmanship combined with their wonderful sound makes them winners here.
If I read his post correctly, he sold his REF 10 before he purchased the Jubilee which means his comparison was done by memory.
Re: Octave Jubilee Preamplifier vs. Audio Research Ref. 10: Battle of the Titans
Quote:
Originally Posted by
mep
If I read his post correctly, he sold his REF 10 before he purchased the Jubilee which means his comparison was done by memory.
Which is why I never put too much stock in these reviewers. That's just me. It's hard to figure out what's best in your system, in your room, to your ear if you can't put it in your system. or at least hear it with your components. I think this is why I often am loyal to a few dealers as they have me gear and I can hear how things sound etc... There is no science, just our ears, lol. Good reads though. Thanks.
Re: Octave Jubilee Preamplifier vs. Audio Research Ref. 10: Battle of the Titans
If you also have a TT the Jubilee is a good choice. If I remember correctly it has an optional phono module that is really good.
Re: Octave Jubilee Preamplifier vs. Audio Research Ref. 10: Battle of the Titans
Good question. I should have confirmed that in my review. The answer is - yes. Same system except for swapping out the Ref. 10 for the Jubilee. I would add that the Jubilee in its appearance/cosmetics is also a clear step up from the Ref. 10.
Re: Octave Jubilee Preamplifier vs. Audio Research Ref. 10: Battle of the Titans
I actually sold the ARc. Ref. 10 after I bought the Jubilee. The comparison was done on the first day I swapped them out. The Jubilee wasn't broken in at that time.
Re: Octave Jubilee Preamplifier vs. Audio Research Ref. 10: Battle of the Titans
I am familiar with the Pass Labs XP-20, but not in my sound room. I did recently compare the Jubilee to D'Agostino Momentum. I preferred the Jubilee and so did the two fellows from our local audio club. More life and verve.
Thanks guys for your comments. I always appreciate others perspectives.
Re: Octave Jubilee Preamplifier vs. Audio Research Ref. 10: Battle of the Titans
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mike
“My reference Pass Labs XP-20 provided a more realistic timbre and all the control features I want at a considerably lower price. So, for that matter, did a friend’s much cheaper Parasound JC-2. The Octave Jubilee Mono monoblock power amplifier is a superb product and one of the two or three best power amplifiers I’ve heard. The Octave Jubilee Preamplifier may have great potential, but—to me—the sound is not of equal class.”
http://www.theabsolutesound.com/arti...ifier-tas-212/
Thanks Mike for the feedback. I don't know when you last listened to the Jubilee Pre but as you may know Andreas has a restless sole and does not stop in his pursuit of perfection. There have been numerous tweaks from the earliest days of the Jubilee offering. I am familiar with the "Pass sound" and it is rich in timbre and timing, but for my ear the Jubilee bests it because of its command and balance over the entire range. I do concede the Jubilee is more expensive, but the value has for me exceeded the price. I also concede that components can be influenced by the how they are paired, wired and placed (e.g. speakers). All those factors come into play.
All I can say and all I am trying to share is that the Jubilee preamp has been the best stereo acquisition I've made in 30 years. It far surpasses the ARC 10, which I found amazing given how good that pre was in my system.
I agree with your assessment of the Octave 220 MRE (monos), for which I wrote an earlier review on AudioShark when I purchased them as a replacement to my Ayre MX-R's. They too have been a phenomenal find.
All the best. Keep enjoying the music!
Ray
