Preamplifiers — Octave Audio Jubilee Preamp

The Jubilee Preamp is a tube preamplifier from Octave Audio, a German manufacturer with over three decades of experience specifically focused on tube-circuit design across preamplifiers, integrated amplifiers and power amplifiers. Sitting within Octave's flagship Jubilee range, this preamplifier reflects the brand's accumulated engineering knowledge applied without the usual compromises a more accessible model must accept.

Key specs that matter

Connectivity is generous - two balanced XLR inputs plus six single-ended RCA inputs, with two balanced and two single-ended outputs, comfortably covering a source-rich system built around both digital and analogue components. Gain is 10dB on the RCA path and 16dB via XLR, a sensible split reflecting the inherent gain difference between balanced and single-ended circuit topologies. Frequency response spans an extraordinarily wide 3Hz to 100,000Hz within plus-or-minus 3dB, an exceptional bandwidth for a tube preamplifier and one that speaks to the care taken in Octave's output-transformer and coupling-stage design. Signal-to-noise ratio (unweighted) is 90dB, with total harmonic distortion plus noise at 0.1% - figures reflecting the inherent character of a well-executed tube gain stage rather than the ultra-low distortion figures solid-state designs typically chase. At 435 x 152 x 480mm and 17.2kg, the Jubilee Preamp is a substantial single-chassis design.

Sound and use context

Expect the smooth, harmonically rich yet resolving character Octave's tube circuitry is known for throughout its range, here extended to the extraordinarily wide 3Hz-100kHz bandwidth that lets the Jubilee Preamp track transients and subtle low-level detail with a speed some tube designs struggle to match, while retaining the tonal warmth tube circuitry is traditionally valued for.

Pairing

The generous six-plus-two input count comfortably accommodates an elaborate source collection without needing an external switcher, and the dual balanced and single-ended outputs let this preamplifier feed two separate power amplifiers simultaneously for a bi-amped or dual-zone configuration.

Alternatives

Octave's own Jubilee Preamp SE sits alongside this standard model with a separate outboard power supply and correspondingly improved signal-to-noise performance, worth the further investment if this standard Jubilee Preamp's already substantial capability still leaves ambitions for Octave's most refined current preamplifier execution.