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

Spyder said:
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.
 
Spyder said:
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.

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.
 
Spyder said:
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
 
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