Integrated amplifiers — Octave Audio V 70 CLASS A

The V 70 CLASS A is an integrated amplifier with phono stage from Octave Audio, built around pure Class A operation with a wide bandwidth. The V 70 CLASS A brings Octave's considered engineering to a complete Class A integrated chassis.

Key specs that matter

One balanced XLR input and five single-ended inputs are provided. Output power is 2 x 50W into 4 ohms - a modest figure reflecting the inherent power limitations of pure Class A operation. Frequency response spans a wide 20Hz to 70,000Hz within plus-or-minus 3dB. Signal-to-noise ratio is 100dB, with total harmonic distortion plus noise at 0.1%. At 451 x 150 x 415mm and 22.1kg, the V 70 CLASS A's considerable weight reflects the substantial heatsinking required for genuine Class A operation.

Sound and use context

Expect the exceptionally smooth, richly textured character pure Class A amplification combined with tube-informed design is broadly celebrated for, with the built-in phono stage covering vinyl directly.

Pairing

The built-in phono stage covers a turntable directly, and the modest 50W-per-channel Class A output pairs best with notably efficient loudspeakers.

Alternatives

Octave's own V 80 SE offers a considerably more powerful non-Class A alternative within the same broader integrated amplifier catalogue.