Towers of power plus Pre.
You’re looking at 8 x KT 170s per side that help put out 440 W into 4 ohms.
Here’s Octave on what’s new with the Jubilee Ultimate as compared to the Jubilee Mono which were originally released in 2000:
What’s new?
KT 170 output tubes
Oversized ultra broadband output transformer
Speaker windings using multi-wire technology to minimize the skin effect
Further developed driver stage with changed tube layout
Mains transformer unit with 3 mains transformers
New power supply electrolytics with higher current delivery capability
BIAS display and setting with significantly higher long-term precision Resonance-optimized base construction (8 mm aluminum, 2 mm steel, 50 mm X-MDF)
Around back reside a single set of RCA and XLR inputs, a switch for selecting between them, another switch to run the amps in ECO Mode “that automatically switches off the tube section of the device after approx. 7-10 minutes during breaks in operation without a music signal”, a pair of binding posts, 20 Amp IEC inlet, and a Remote Control input that allows for control of the Monos from an attached Octave preamp.
An Octave preamp very much like the Jubilee Preamplifier that’s also here for review. I prefer to review a company’s separates together, in pre/power pairs, because it just makes (perfect) sense. At least to me. The Jubilee Pre is, just like the matching Jubilee Mono, Octave’s flagship preamplifier. Chief among its standout featured are its “precision balancing stage utilizing tube technology; the discrete output stage featuring semiconductors; and zero feedback.” The tubes in use are 4x ECC 82s.
Here’s a bit more on that precision balancing stage from Octave:
The precision balancing stage serves to provide an absolutely constant phase and amplitude symmetrical signal generation. This ensures that no phase or time error will occur between phase and anti-phase of the balanced output signal. The perfect symmetrical signal controls balanced power amplifiers with an unprecedented level of precision. The performance potential of such balanced power amp designs is thus able to be experienced at the highest level in terms of sound.
On the Jubilee Pre’s business end is where you’ll find 6x RCA and 2x XLR inputs (optional bypass function for input tape 2) and 2x RCA, 2x XLR, and 2x Tape Record (RCA) outputs. Three toggle switches allow for selecting between the RCA and XLR inputs as well as Ground Lift switch that disconnects the ground for the XLR inputs. On either side reside an RC connector for an infrared receiver and on the right the connection for the external power supply.
The Jubilee Preamp and Mono amps come in black or silver with a number of stone and wood options running down their centers. Sleek.
You may recall my enthusiastic reviews of Octave’s V 16 Single Ended Integrated/Headphone Amplifier and V 70 Class A Integrated Amplifier, both sitting comfortably on my list of Favorite Amplifiers. Here’s a bit of my conclusion for the V 70: “…real-world power, seamless performance with a range of speakers, big current kinda bass grip especially so with the optional Super Black Box, air, depth, and the kind of rich-just-right timbral complexity one comes to expect from an amplifier with vacuum tubes in the output stage.”
I have a hunch, just a guess mind you, that the Jubilee stack may follow suit. And then some.
Octave Audio Jubilee Preamplifier
Price: $40,000
Octave Audio Jubilee Mono ULTIMATE Monoblock Amplifiers
Price: $135,000/pair
Company Website: Octave Audio
US Distributor Website: Dynaudio North America
Jubilee Preamplifier Specifications
Options:HT Bypass, Stepped Attenuator
Design: Silver or Black; Front middle sections: Slate, Granite. On request: Jungle Stone, Birch, Walnut, Makassar Burl
Tube configuration: 4 x ECC 82
Inputs: 6 x RCA, 2 x XLR (optional bypass function for input tape 2)
Outputs: 2 x RCA, 2 x XLR, 2 x Tape Record (RCA)
Dimensions: Preamplifier / Power Supply 43.5 x 15.2 x 48.0 cm / 22.0 x 15.2 x 48.0 cm (W x H x D)
Weight: Preamplifier / Power Supply 17.2 kg / 11.5 kg
RCA Gain factor: 10 dB / 17.5 dB (Gain Low / High)
XLR Gain factor:16 dB / 23.5 dB (Gain Low / High)
Frequency range: 3 Hz – 100 kHz 1.5 dB
Harmonic distortion: 0.1% at 3 V / 7.5 kOhm
Signal-to-noise ratio: 90 dB (Gain High) / 98 dB (Gain Low)
Jubilee Mono ULTIMATE Monoblock Amplifier Specifications
Option: Remote power on
Design: Silver or Black, middle section optionally in stone or wood
Tube configuration: 8 x KT 170
Inputs: 1 x RCA, 1 x XLR
Outputs: Speaker output suitable for banana plugs and cable lugs
Dimensions: 280 x 750 x 484 mm (W x H x D)
Weight: 78.0 kg
Output power: 440 W on 4 ohms
Frequency range: 10 Hz – 80 kHz
Harmonic distortion: < 0.1 % at 10 W on 4 ohms
Signal-to-noise ratio: -103 dB
Gain: +28 dB Cinch
Input sensitivity: 1.5 V