Page 3 - PR_HP700_MRE220_AUDIO_2021_10_EN

Amplifiers › PRE-POWER COMBI

preamp at 13,200 euros in its basic con- control, at Octave only in charge for the
PORTRAIT PREAMP
figuration with a separate power supply, level from time immemorial, won’t work
OcTAvE Octave offers a cornucopia of options. any more. Of course, we were already
HP 700 SE
Distributor Octave In line with customer demands, the ow- very happy with the “normal“ motorized
Tel. 0+49 (0)7248 3278
www. octave.de ner can compile – bit by bit or at one go pot. How much pre-gain will be deli-
List price from 13200 Euro – compile his or her desired preamp. vered by the line stage with its ECC 82
Warranty period 2 years (3 years w. registr.) This flexibility, which can be found only and two of the notoriously low-hum,
Dimensions W x H x D 47 x 13 x 48 cm / 18.5 x 5.1 x 18.9
in. (w/o power supply) with very few competitors in high-end, low-distortion Telefunken EF 800, is
Weight 10.0 kg / 22.1 lbs; 3.8 kg / 8.4
lbs (power supply) deserves an extra fanfare. switchable in three (Low, Med, and
cONNEcTIONS Who needs more than the three RCA High) gain levels.
Phono MM/MC optional/optional
Line level RCA / XLR 3/2 (plus 2 optional each) and two XLR inputs can have appropria- But the phono op¬tions are truly
Digital USB/opt./koax –/–/–/– te modules (about 600 euros) screwed awesome. Those who want to run one
Tape/Pre-Out RCA / XLR •/2/2 into the corresponding slots. Owners of or two turntables or pickups respec-
FUNcTIONS
Output selector optional several power amps who like to switch tively, will first have the basic phono
Tone controls/defeatable optional between these can select the two RCA board for 1,500 euro installed which is
Bypass for multi-channel •
Special features Stepped level attenuator (optional) and two XLR outputs via the “Control equipped with one ECC83 (12 AX 7),
Module“ (2,500 euros, see previous pa- ECC81 (12 AT 7) and ECC88 (6922, 6
AUDIOgRAM 10/2021 ge). The control unit also contains a so- DJ 8) each and takes care of the RIAA
Åsuper flexible; open, Ífully equipped not che- phisticated tone control. Ultra high-en- equalization as well as the adaptation
fast and dynamic; sen- ap, only volume remote-
sational MC stage controllable ders who want to make no more com- to line level. However, if you want to
Sound Line/MC 138/135 (step-up) promises at all in terms regarding the connect a moving magnet, a moving
Features depending on option
Operation very good volume control issue, may want to iron (MI) or a high-output moving coil
Verarbeitung überragend choose the 47-position step switch opti- (HOMC) pickup system, you’ll need to
SOUND vERDIcT 138 POINTS on. But with the precise, finely graded shell out another 435 euros for the cor-
PRIcE/PERFORMANcE HIGHENDIG SUPERB resistor network the standard remote responding MM input module with

10/21
HIGHLIGHT
OPtIOn 2: For the review Octave sent the HP 700 SE with no less than two – retrofittable – phono stages (left) for MCs.
The one with the transformer (“step-up transformer“) proved to be a real high flyer

MEASURInG LAB

The very broadband (frequency diagram
left, red graph: line) and low-distortion
(THD: 0.001 %, right graph) HP 700 SE
delights with excellent S/N ratios: the 76
dBs for Phono MC are great for tube am-
ps, the 108 dBs for line RCA absolute
world class. The output impedance of 150
ohms with line and XLR also allows to use
long cables to power amps.

48 www.audio.de ›10 /2021