Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
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Black Box
reviews
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Dimensions: 185 x 100 x 310 mm (W x H x D)
- Weight: 3.2 kg
- Cable length: 1m
- Color options: Silver or Black
- Discharge time: Within 2 seconds
Description
Like the Super Black Box, the Black Box is also an external power supply amplifier for the integrated amplifiers V 40 (SE), V 50, V 70 (SE), V 70 Class A, V 80 (SE), V 110 (SE) and V 16 Single Ended and the power amplifiers RE 280 MK2, RE 290, RE 320, MRE 130 and MRE 220 (SE).
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Octave amplifiers, particularly the Class A models, employ a Dynamic Bias Control system that optimizes Class A operation, extending its benefits of finer, purer sound, while also opening up a wider power range.
- Octave offers options to increase the power supply capacity of their amplifiers with external "Black Box" or "Super Black Box" capacitor banks, which the company says will improve current delivery, dynamic range, and overall sound quality, particularly when driving difficult speaker loads.
- These amps allow users to experiment with different power tubes like EL34s, 6550s, KT88s, KT100s, KT120s, or KT150s. The Auto-Bias circuit is a commendably simple controller that lets the user easily optimize the amplifier's settings for each type of power tube.
- Octave prides itself on the longevity and reliability of its amplifiers, incorporating protection circuits, power management, and soft-start functions, with some models even capable of running safely without a speaker load connected.
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Select product comparisons
V 40 SE
- Positioning: The entry-level integrated amplifier in Octave's lineup.
- Description: Offers a refined design with a unique EcoMode for energy efficiency, making it ideal for environmentally conscious users. Compared to the V 80 SE, it provides a more affordable option with essential features like Pre-Out and Bypass, suitable for small to medium-sized rooms and users seeking a balance between performance and cost.
V 16 Single Ended
- Positioning: A specialized integrated amplifier designed for high-resolution headphones and high-efficiency speakers.
- Description: Delivers natural and harmonious sound, particularly in the midrange, due to its single-ended design. Unlike the V 40 SE, it focuses on high-end headphone performance.
RE 320
- Positioning: A stereo power amplifier that uses advanced SE technology from Octave's higher-end models.
- Description: Stands out with its ability to drive nearly any speaker with consistent sound quality, thanks to its KT 150 power tubes. It offers a more compact and cost-effective solution compared to the MRE 220 SE.
MRE 220 SE
- Positioning: A high-performance monoblock power amplifier designed for flexibility with modern speaker systems.
- Description: Features an adjustable damping factor, allowing it to adapt to various speaker types for optimal sound quality. It provides more power and customization options than the RE 320.
V 80 SE
- Positioning: The flagship integrated amplifier in Octave's lineup, offering top-tier performance and features.
- Description: Features high power output and advanced tube design, providing exceptional stability and sound clarity. It surpasses the V 40 SE in power and features, including a high-quality headphone output.
Jubilee Mono Ultimate
- Positioning: Octave's top-of-the-line monoblock power amplifier, representing the pinnacle of their amplifier technology.
- Description: Sets a new standard with its use of eight KT 170 tubes and a massive output transformer, delivering 440 W per channel. It offers superior bass extension and dynamic range compared to all other models.
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Avg. Product Price
$1,001-$2,500
Used For Sale
19
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
171
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
16
Founding Year
1968
Our take on the brand
Octave is a hifi brand specializing in tube amplifiers that use enhanced pentode configurations to ensure stability with difficult speaker loads down to 2 ohms, while their Super Black Box technology increases power supply capacitance for better dynamics
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What if you spend more?
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Synergistic Research
PowerCell 8 SX
3995
3995
/
5
Reviews
The PowerCell 8 SX introduces significant advancements, including a reformulated Ultra Low-Frequency RF bias and the same power supply technology found in the latest Galileo SX PowerCell line conditioner, engineered to ensure the cleanest power delivery and the lowest possible noise floor for your audio system. With the addition of a redesigned Ground Plane Technology, the PowerCell 8 SX achieves one of the blackest backgrounds of any PowerCell to date, allowing the essence of your music to come through.
A highlight of the PowerCell 8 SX is its comprehensive redesign of our patented electromagnetic cell, which, in turn, was taken directly from our work on the upcoming flagship 20-outlet SRX power conditioner, which will retail for over $50,000 when launched. The PowerCell 8 SX gets the first major EM Cell redesign in over a decade, where the patented Electromagnetic Cell is enhanced to have twice the surface area for greater conditioning power compared to previous folded EM Cells. This upgrade is complemented by significant improvements in the internal materials and assembly processes, setting the standard for efficiency and performance.
The PowerCell 8 SX stands out as a testament to our commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance, packing our latest technology into a compact form factor, and is ideal for audiophiles seeking the best possible power conditioner without compromising space or design.
Synergistic Research stands out for their Active Shielding technology, which applies DC voltage bias to cable shielding to reduce noise, and their dual ULF generator system in products like the PowerCell 8 SX that enables switching between different sonic signatures. Their product line includes distinctive electromagnetic cell-based power conditioners and the Tranquility Pod, which uses active EM cells and Graphene to condition the electromagnetic environment within audio components.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Noticeably reduces background noise and provides dead silence when nothing is playing
- Offers tunable RF biasing with red and purple settings to optimize sound to your system and personal tastes
- Provides full current to all 8 outlets, allowing for no compromise when running multiple amplifiers
- Increases detail and resolution, expands the soundstage, and adds clarity to vocals
Product Considerations
- One reviewer found it so light that they needed to affix pads to keep it in place when adding or removing power cords
- The red setting is not optimal for electronic music, as it can become too light
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Furman IT-Reference 15i, the PowerCell 8 SX provides immediately apparent improvements in detail, resolution, and soundstage, whereas the Furman IT-Reference 15i did not have any discernible difference in sound
- Compared to the original PowerCell8 SE, the PowerCell 8 SX has greater transparency, dynamics, inner detail, and resolution—which creates an actively engaging listening experience
Takeaway: The PowerCell 8 SX unlocks a system's potential by cleaning power and reducing noise. It offers tunable settings to optimize the sound for different music types.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Synergistic Research stands out for their Active Shielding technology, which applies DC voltage bias to cable shielding to reduce noise, and their dual ULF generator system in products like the PowerCell 8 SX that enables switching between different sonic signatures. Their product line includes distinctive electromagnetic cell-based power conditioners and the Tranquility Pod, which uses active EM cells and Graphene to condition the electromagnetic environment within audio components.
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IsoTek
V5 Sigmas
4495
4495
/
4
Reviews
IsoTek is a hifi brand specializing in power conditioners that use adaptive gating technology to dynamically adjust filtration based on current demand, with their flagship V5 series praised for improving soundstage and clarity. Their power conditioners feature independent outlet design that isolates each outlet to prevent cross-contamination of noise between connected devices.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- The V5 models (Titan and Sigma) have a much nicer visual design and styling compared to previous EVO3 models, with a better match between the Titan and Sigma aesthetics
- The V5 Sigmas boasts an improved DCR design that brings it closer to the ideal of zero Ohms resistance, which ensures cleaner power delivery and more transparent/accurate audio reproduction
- The V5 Sigmas has seven independent outlets, each with its own dedicated clean power network
- The V5 Sigmas offers versatile outlet configuration with three high current, low impedance outlets (16A) and four medium current outputs (10A)
- The V5 Sigmas has a remarkable 35% improvement in amperage and a 40% increase in current handling capability due to decreased circuit resistance
Product Considerations
- The V5 Sigmas has a premium pricing which may not suit all budgets
- The V5 Titan bass may be a little bit tighter, which may be a problem for the EVO3 Titan because it was a little bit looser—it kind of adds a little bit more bloom and fat to the sound
- The V5 models are hard products to review, because reviewers have to keep powering down and breaking down the whole system to unplug everything, and then have to let it warm up again rinse and repeat multiple times
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- V5 Titan bass was a little bit tighter than the EVO3 Titan, but the Evo III's bass, because it was a little bit looser, kind of adds a little bit more bloom and fat to the sound
- Unless it's used with an amp beyond the Sigmas scope, the V5 is arguably closer in performance to the EVO3 Titan
Takeaway: The Isotek V5 Titan and Sigmas improve a hifi system's sound, opening up the soundstage and giving a better listening experience. With cleaner power and stylish design, these products can make a system sound its best.
Video review
Our take on the brand
IsoTek is a hifi brand specializing in power conditioners that use adaptive gating technology to dynamically adjust filtration based on current demand, with their flagship V5 series praised for improving soundstage and clarity. Their power conditioners feature independent outlet design that isolates each outlet to prevent cross-contamination of noise between connected devices.
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KECES
IQRP-1500
2518
2518
/
2
Reviews
Keces Audio specializes in power conditioning and filtering through their high-quality toroidal transformers and circuits that separate digital and analog grounding. Their products use thick aluminum chassis to block EMI/RFI interference, and they're particularly known for their S3 DAC/AMP that offers balanced, uncolored sound with high resolution and transparency.
Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Significant audible difference to the hifi system
- The most affordable component in the reviewer's setup
- Well-made CNC machined case shields against wireless interference
- More stable mains voltage at late night
Product Considerations
- Priced at $2300 in the US and €2400 locally
Takeaway: The KECES IQRP-1500 power conditioner makes a noticeable and positive difference in the audio experience and makes the system more enjoyable. This is a worthwhile investment for those seeking cleaner power.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Keces Audio specializes in power conditioning and filtering through their high-quality toroidal transformers and circuits that separate digital and analog grounding. Their products use thick aluminum chassis to block EMI/RFI interference, and they're particularly known for their S3 DAC/AMP that offers balanced, uncolored sound with high resolution and transparency.
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What competes at this price?
IsoTek
V5 Elektra
1695
/
Released
2022
The V5 Elektra brings IsoTek's legendary multiple and individual power cleaning networks dedicated for each outlet to a new lower price class. V5 Elektra therefore has to be the most cost-effective power cleaning upgrade money could buy. The new V5 model has instant on tap power, direct current resistance is close to the ideal of zero Ohms. The protection rating is four times the minimum requirement, raised to 67'500A instantaneous. This six-way mains power-cleaning is essentially six power cleaning systems in one box!
IsoTek is a hifi brand specializing in power conditioners that use adaptive gating technology to dynamically adjust filtration based on current demand, with their flagship V5 series praised for improving soundstage and clarity. Their power conditioners feature independent outlet design that isolates each outlet to prevent cross-contamination of noise between connected devices.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The IsoTek V5 Elektra does not restrain the dynamic range of music
- The V5 Elektra lowers RFI (common mode) noise by as much as 55 decibels and also lowers differential noise
- Offers surge protection up to 67,500A
- Each outlet is independently wired and isolated from others, and uses four independent, six-stage 'delta filter' power cleaning networks
- The V5 Elektra improves the stability of AC power and protects equipment from dangerous voltage spikes
- The IsoTek V5 Elektra enhances the sound, allowing more fine details and dynamics to come through
Product Considerations
- The feet feel 'chintzy' for a power conditioner
- Outlets are a little close together, making it difficult to plug in bulky power cords
- One reviewer received the product with no instruction manual included
- Considerable physical size and weight might require sturdy shelf
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Clarus Sextet: The Clarus Sextet is a competitor, but is a bit more neutral-sounding than the V5 Elektra
- Vs Transparent Powerwave: The Transparent Powerwave includes protection for coax, gigabit, and ethernet connections, while the V5 Elektra does not
- Vs PS Audio Stellar PowerPlant 3: The PS Audio Stellar PowerPlant 3 is a power regenerator and has limitations in terms of power delivery to connected equipment, but sends fully-corrected AC to the equipment
Takeaway: The IsoTek V5 Elektra is suitable for audiophiles seeking clean and stable power for their hifi systems, and improves audio quality by reducing noise and enhancing dynamics. Its advanced protection features also safeguard equipment.
Video review
Our take on the brand
IsoTek is a hifi brand specializing in power conditioners that use adaptive gating technology to dynamically adjust filtration based on current demand, with their flagship V5 series praised for improving soundstage and clarity. Their power conditioners feature independent outlet design that isolates each outlet to prevent cross-contamination of noise between connected devices.
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IsoTek
V5 Aquarius
2495
/
Released
2021
The original Aquarius was one of the most cost-effective power cleaning upgrades money could buy. The new V5 model takes the Aquarius concept to a higher level. There is more instant on tap power due to an increased 35% circuit board copper loading, direct current resistance is at least 25% improved moving closer to the ideal of zero Ohms. Protection is also raised to 81'000A instantaneous. This six-way mains power-cleaning unit resets the market standard. Two high-current outlets are provided for amplifiers, subwoofers and so on, with four medium-current sockets for other components.
IsoTek is a hifi brand specializing in power conditioners that use adaptive gating technology to dynamically adjust filtration based on current demand, with their flagship V5 series praised for improving soundstage and clarity. Their power conditioners feature independent outlet design that isolates each outlet to prevent cross-contamination of noise between connected devices.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Brings calmness and focus to the sound
- Features both High Current outputs for power amplifiers and Low Current outputs for sources, with different filtering for each
- Measurably drops the noise floor, which is reproducible
- New enclosure has a sleek design
- Delivers greater power with unrestricted current delivery within the limits of the power supply
Product Considerations
- Impossible to predict which model fits best among power conditioners
- It is necessary to have components of the very highest quality, designed specifically for purpose with the correct architecture
- Some might consider these 'exotic', they represent a critical and important part of the function and appropriate to use
- Building a better EVO3 Aquarius was enough of a daunting prospect that it took IsoTek more than a dozen years to make a viable replacement—that is claimed to improve on the EVO3
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs IsoTek EVO3 Aquarius: The V5 makes the EVO3 sound like it's on strong antipsychotics, providing a peppy, immediate, and upbeat rhythm, leaving the EVO3 behind
Takeaway: The Isotek Aquarius V5 looks great and helps bring out the best sound from equipment by lowering the noise floor. It could be a worthwhile addition to a hifi setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
IsoTek is a hifi brand specializing in power conditioners that use adaptive gating technology to dynamically adjust filtration based on current demand, with their flagship V5 series praised for improving soundstage and clarity. Their power conditioners feature independent outlet design that isolates each outlet to prevent cross-contamination of noise between connected devices.
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Tsakiridis
Super Athena
2137
/
Released
Super Athena is a line conditioner that includes everything needed to provide the best power supply to sound systems. Athena S. provides two direct line outlets, four line balance filter outlets, and four balance isolated outlets. The filter included protects from surge voltages (lightnings etc) and eliminates all parasitic currents superimposed on the power network. The filter power capability is 2500W. Athena S. includes an isolation transformer to provide clean and isolated power to the sound sources. Also a power choke of 2000W ensures that your power amplifiers will have a surplus of power when they need it. One more feature of Athena S. is the power factor correction. At the front panel there is an informative LCD display to monitor all power parameters. Athena S. has a bluetooth data sender to communicate with smartphones. An application is provided by Tsakiridis Devices. As with all our products we provide a 5 year guaranty for our line conditioners.
Tsakiridis Devices is a Greek manufacturer of handcrafted tube amplifiers that delivers high-end sound quality at affordable prices, with their products often matching the performance of much more expensive brands. Their amplifiers feature simple circuits with minimal feedback to showcase the natural valve sound, and offer unique flexibility like manually adjusting bias settings and switching between different output tubes and modes.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Flexible and configurable, with ten Schuko-Steckplätzen allowing optimal adaptation to almost any system setup
- Improves the clarity of the sound image, and enhances spatial representation
- Increases the richness of sound colors
- Does not create dynamic limitations
Product Considerations
- Under-dimensioned filters and isolation transformers can be more detrimental to dynamics
- The optional features were not used in the test
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- It helps the Tsakiridis Theseus provide a sound that is less flat, more colorful, and cleaner than the Linn Majik DSM as a full amplifier
Takeaway: The Tsakiridis Super Athena is a versatile device with configurable settings that allows the user to fine-tune it for their system, bringing improvements to clarity and sound quality. It offers a cleaner listening experience without limiting the dynamics.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Tsakiridis Devices is a Greek manufacturer of handcrafted tube amplifiers that delivers high-end sound quality at affordable prices, with their products often matching the performance of much more expensive brands. Their amplifiers feature simple circuits with minimal feedback to showcase the natural valve sound, and offer unique flexibility like manually adjusting bias settings and switching between different output tubes and modes.
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Musical Fidelity
BPC3
1999
/
Released
2024
The BPC3 is a Balanced Power Conditioner for digital/analogue source devices or very low powered amps.
Musical Fidelity is known for its unique amplifier designs, particularly the A1 integrated amplifier that uses its top plate as a heatsink and features a distinctive current-mode phono stage. The brand stands out for its innovative dual-monoblock approach in integrated amplifiers, where separate power transformers and dedicated power supplies are housed in a single chassis, as seen in their M8xi and M6i models that deliver exceptional power output.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The BPC-3 brings the instruments closer and energizes them strongly, creating a close perspective and high energy
- The BPC-3 increases the emotional temperature of tracks
- The BPC-3 produces long reverberations, resulting in a bigger sound with powerful scale, supported by strong, low, soft bass
Product Considerations
- The presentation is focused on a slightly narrower stage
- With file players, the BPC-3 turned to softness and relaxation, calming down the upper midrange and emphasizing the midbass
- Selectivity and resolution seem a bit lower than with the reference strip
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Acoustic Revive RTP-4eu Absolute produced a softer and darker sound, whereas the BPC-3 increased the emotional temperature of the track, and while the BPC-3 focuses on a narrower stage, reverberations are longer and more unambiguous
Takeaway: The BPC-3 is an interesting device that provides energizing sound and low bass, making the sound bigger and giving it power. It is worth trying because it brings something that passive power strips and conditioners do not have.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Musical Fidelity is known for its unique amplifier designs, particularly the A1 integrated amplifier that uses its top plate as a heatsink and features a distinctive current-mode phono stage. The brand stands out for its innovative dual-monoblock approach in integrated amplifiers, where separate power transformers and dedicated power supplies are housed in a single chassis, as seen in their M8xi and M6i models that deliver exceptional power output.
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Shunyata
Hydra Delta D6 UK
2499
/
Released
The Delta D6 power distributor provides compelling proof of Shunyata Research's commitment to delivering state-of-the-art performance at an affordable price. The Delta D6 deservedly takes its place in our Performance Line of power distributors. For the first time Shunyata Research has incorporated its finest, most exclusive technologies into a package priced so affordably that it redefines value well beyond its price.
Shunyata is a hifi brand known for their power conditioners and cables that use hand-braided Helix geometry and proprietary noise-reduction technologies like Stardust compound and Kinetic Phase Inversion Process. Through their sister brand, they also provide noise-reduction solutions for realtime monitoring equipment in the healthcare industry.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Attenuates high-frequency noise up to 50 dB
- Can remove most of the interference that can occur when connected components send noise back via the power cable
- Significant improvement of the sound throughout the felt
- Improves dynamic contrast
- Improves resolution in sound
Product Considerations
- Requires additional expensive power cables to maximize benefits
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Shunyata made more dramatic improvements than the IsoTek EVO3 Corvus
Takeaway: The Shunyata Hydra Delta D6 improves the sound quality of a stereo system and can help the music grow in scale. It is a high-end power filter that can do wonders for a system if one wants to lift the sound quality.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Shunyata is a hifi brand known for their power conditioners and cables that use hand-braided Helix geometry and proprietary noise-reduction technologies like Stardust compound and Kinetic Phase Inversion Process. Through their sister brand, they also provide noise-reduction solutions for realtime monitoring equipment in the healthcare industry.
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