RE 290
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INTRODUCTION
Congratulations and thank you for choosing OCTAVE!
RE 290
You are now the owner of one of the world's most innovative and reliable amplifiers. Look
after it, and it will provide you many years of listening pleasure.
You often hear people claim that tube amplifier design has not progressed for years. The
operating principles of tubes have indeed been documented extensively and are well
known to amplifier designers. Of course, the same can be said for transistor amplifiers.
However, advances in both technologies are still possible thanks to the development of
innovative and improved components, our greater appreciation of the fundamental
principles and, of course, deeper and more advanced insights into the interaction of
amplifier and loudspeaker. With tube amplifiers in particular, a general reluctance to
depart from the classic circuit designs has not done the technology any favors. Although
today's loudspeakers and source equipment provide better performance than ever before,
they also present greater demands on amplifiers. Modern sound reproduction equipment
delivers a level of performance at a price that simply would not have been possible 20 or
even 10 years ago.
These advances have been achieved through the application of the latest technological
developments as they become available and affordable. OCTAVE has specialized in tube
amplification for the past 25 years, during which time we have developed a number of
innovative technologies that have earned us a reputation as one of the leaders in the
field.
Here's wishing you many happy hours of musical pleasure!
Andreas Hofmann
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CONTENTS
Page
Introduction ................................................................................................. 3
1. Description of the RE 290 ............................................................................ 7
2. Safety instructions ....................................................................................... 8
2.1 Before you begin .......................................................................................... 8
2.2 Placement .................................................................................................... 9
2.3 Warranty ....................................................................................................... 9
3. Getting started .............................................................................................. 10
3.1 Unpacking, package contents ...................................................................... 10
3.2 Removing the grille ...................................................................................... 10
3.3 Installing the power tubes ............................................................................ 11
3.4 Switching on for the first time: the soft-start feature .................................... 11
3.5 Checking the tubes (BIAS) ........................................................................... 12
3.6 Connecting the unit ...................................................................................... 12
4. Front panel controls ..................................................................................... 13
5. Rear panel connections ............................................................................... 14
6. Advanced functions ...................................................................................... 16
6.1 Power selector, alternative power tubes ...................................................... 16
6.2 Electronic Protection System ....................................................................... 17
6.3 Soft-Start, Inrush current limitation .............................................................. 17
6.4 Ecomode (power saving mode) ................................................................... 18
7. Tubes ........................................................................................................... 19
7.1 Removing the grille ...................................................................................... 19
7.2 Tube layout .................................................................................................. 19
7.3 BIAS measurement facility ........................................................................... 20
7.4 Replacing the tubes ..................................................................................... 23
7.5 Running in the tubes .................................................................................... 23
7.6 Tube service life ........................................................................................... 23
8. Using Black Box or Super Black Box ........................................................... 24
8.1 The Black Box option ................................................................................... 24
8.2 The Super Black Box option ........................................................................ 25
9. Troubleshooting ........................................................................................... 26
10. Specifications and dimensions ..................................................................... 27
11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ............................................................. 30
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1. DESCRIPTION OF THE RE 290
The new Octave RE 290 stereo power amplifier is a push-pull pentode design delivering 2 x 100 W
RMS output power (into 4 ohms loads). As with all Octave models, all research and development
(R&D) and production has been conducted exclusively in-house, and the amplifier is
comprehensively safeguarded against user error and parts wear – including catastrophic power
tube failure.
The RE 290 is based on the stable and reliable electronic circuits of the RE 280 MKII model, while
incorporating the benefits of the recently-developed KT120 power tube. The KT120 allows an
output power of more than 100 W via two tubes in push-pull mode, while its current capacity is
higher compared to the classic KT88 tube designs. Increased stability with difficult, low impedance
speakers is achieved through the increased bandwidth and OCTAVE’s specially designed output
and mains transformers.
BIAS Measurement
The RE 290 is fixed BIAS, and utilizes external precision BIAS trim pots and LED confirmation
which allows the user to readily monitor the output tubes and simply correct their BIAS individually
at the front panel of the unit without the need of a micrometer let alone any special knowledge or
tools – just the supplied 3 mm flat-head screwdriver.
Black Box Option
The RE 290 is fitted with a connector for the optional Octave “Black Box” capacitance modules –
available in normal and “Super” versions. The use of the Black Box or Super Black Box significantly
increases power supply capacitance to stabilize current delivery and reduce impedance interaction
of the load, thus improving dynamic range, separation, depth, soundstage size and articulation.
This enables optimizing the RE 290 in respect to the speaker, which is a tremendous benefit if the
speaker is difficult to drive.
Input Section
Unlike other designs, the RE 290 offers single ended RCA and true balanced XLR inputs with a
very high common mode rejection ratio that eliminates unwanted hum and high frequency distortion
induced in the small signal connection to the preamp.
Power Management
The RE 290 input and output tube heaters as well as its high-voltage rails are logic-controlled to
ensure that the conduction of the output tubes as well as the input stage voltages are constantly
monitored and controlled by the Power Management System, which serves to protect the vital
internal parts (tubes, rectifier, electrolytic caps, switches, etc.) against excessive turn-on current.
This increases the lifetime of not only the tubes, but all power related components as each derives
benefit through this system.
Ecomode
The Ecomode serves to reduce heat and unnecessary power consumption when the unit is
switched on but not in use. After 10 minutes without receiving signal, the RE 290 Ecomode is
activated, turning down the power. In this “sleep” mode, the RE 290 draws only 20 W Idle current.
Therefore, the unit produces no heat while it remains switched on. When a music signal is once
again detected by the RE 290, the Ecomode circuit will power the unit back on, with a short warmup/start-up delay (approximately 35 seconds) before the unit will operate.
The Ecomode also serves to increase the lifetime of the tubes, while providing an added benefit of
increased safety allowing the RE 290 owner a level of security against any problems when leaving
the unit switched on.
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2. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
2.1. Before you begin
Before using the RE 290 for the first time, remove the grille and install the power tubes! (See
Section 3.2 "Removing the grille"). Replace the grille before switching the RE 290 on.
Operating the amplifier without its protective grille is dangerous and not recommended.
In case of emergency: unplug the unit from the wall outlet
Never use an amplifier that is damaged or faulty. Make sure that no one can use it until it has been
repaired by a qualified service technician. Ensure that there is easy access to the IEC socket and
power cord.
Do not open the case
There are dangerously high voltages and hot tubes inside this equipment. To avoid a burn or the
risk of electric shock, never allow anyone except qualified personnel to open the case.
Servicing and maintenance
For reasons of safety, please ensure that any servicing, repairs or other modifications to OCTAVE
equipment are carried out only by a qualified technician. Always get an engineer to replace blown
fuses with ones of the same type and rating. If your amplifier requires servicing, please ship or take
your equipment directly to OCTAVE or to one of our authorized service centers.
Modifications to OCTAVE equipment
Use "audio grade" fuses and other power cables at your own risk. The use of such devices will void
the warranty. This also applies to the use contact fluids on the tube sockets.
Explanation of the warning symbols:
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of un-insulated, 'dangerous
voltages' within the product's enclosure that may be sufficient to constitute
a risk of electric shock to persons
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the
user to important operating and maintenance instructions
Before connecting up
Make sure that the voltage of your amplifier matches your electricity supply voltage.
Grounding
This amplifier is a protection class I device (with an earth conductor). To avoid the risk of electric
shock in the event of a fault, the unit must be grounded. To do this, use the power cable supplied
with the amplifier.
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2. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
2.2. Placement
1. Location
OCTAVE equipment is designed strictly for use in a dry domestic environment. Do not use it in the
open air or in damp environments!
Never place plants or liquid-filled containers on your OCTAVE equipment. Take care to avoid
dropping objects or spilling liquids into the case. Should this happen, remove the mains plug
immediately and have your amplifier checked by a qualified service technician.
Condensation may form if the amplifier is taken from a cold environment into a warm one. If you do
this, wait until the amplifier has reached room temperature and is dry before switching it on.
Avoid installing the unit close to sources of heat such as radiators or anywhere that may be in
direct sunlight.
Do not operate the unit near flammable materials, gases or vapors. Avoid areas where there may
be heavy accumulations of dust or where the unit may be subject to mechanical vibration.
Place your OCTAVE amplifier on a stable, level surface.
2. Grille
Never operate the amplifier without the protective grille in place.
3. Ventilation
Make sure that your amplifier has an adequate flow of air around it. If you intend to install your
equipment into a cupboard or on a wall shelf unit, ensure that there is at least a ten centimeter (4
inch) gap between the ventilation slots and the walls all around the amplifier. The rear panel of
cupboards should have ventilation holes to prevent heat build up. Do not rest the equipment on a
soft surface such as carpet or foam sheeting.
2.3. Warranty
OCTAVE can only guarantee the safety, reliability and performance of this unit if modifications and
repairs are carried out by specialized personnel and when the amplifier is operated in accordance
with the instructions contained in this manual.
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3. GETTING STARTED
3.1. Unpack and check the contents of the box.
Package contents standard
- RE 290 serial equipped with 5 x KT120 power tubes
- 5 power tubes packed separately with tube layout diagram
- Power cord
- 4.0 x 100 flat-bladed screwdriver for adjusting the bias
- Owner's manual with warranty card
3.2. Removing the grille
Operating the amplifier without its protective grille is dangerous and not recommended.
To remove the grille:
1. For your own safety, switch the amplifier off using the on/off switch or disconnect the
power cord.
2. Pull the grille upward to remove.
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