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1. OCTAVE TECHNOLOGY
1.2.
Description HP 700 SE
The preamplifier HP 700 looks back to a long and successful history, because the basic circuit can
already be found in the classic HP 500 presented in 1986. This concept has been consistently
developed over 30 years and caused furore worldwide.
Refined tube technology and intelligent module technology have made the HP 700 future-proof right
from the start - an innovation in the market. Now it was time to push the innovative HP 700 even
further in terms of sound and technology.
The new HP 700 SE is a tube preamplifier that features both new precision technology and tonal
refinements of the output stage. Like its predecessor, its modular freedom meets the listener's
individual wishes for its high-end setup.
Instead of being bound by the fixed audio and technical parameters of the equipment, listeners can
adapt the technology of the HP 700 SE to their own requirements and preferences.
In the new SE version, there are now two parallel XLR sockets next to the two RCA outputs on the
back, allowing all types of Bi-Amping. But the modifications of the actual Class-A-output stage are
even more important. The search for the even finer sound took place with the help of extremely time-
consuming and complex measurements, as of course also accompanying listening sessions. These
difficult adjustments are responsible for the tonal improvements, especially the mid-tone of the pre-
amplifier. The tube configuration remains unchanged compared to the predecessor HP 700, as do all
the other tried-and-tested technical refinements of the top preamp:
PRECISION TECHNOLOGY IN THE LINE STAGE
The term "precision technology" stands for a circuit in tube technology that has an extreme
bandwidth up to 1 MHz, an impressively low output resistance of 130 ohms and sensationally
low distortion of 0.001 %. Three amplification settings enable perfect fine-tuning of the HP
700 SE to the characteristics of the sound reproduction chain. The three-stage amplification
settings allow optimal matching of the volume control to the efficiency of the speaker.
PSU TECHNOLOGY
In combination with the newly developed, high-precision, low-noise supply-voltage stabilizing
circuitry, the separate magnetically shielded power supply unit for the HP 700 SE (essential
for the low-noise and low-hum function of the MC-input) ensures constancy of the audio
output even when the mains voltage is subject to wide fluctuations and high interference
levels. Added to this, the integrated control logic system guarantees maximum operational
reliability and, backed by our exclusive soft-start technologies, ensures the valves and the
unit have a life of up to twenty years.
BYPASS
The multi-channel bypass function allows the HP 700 SE to be integrated into an existing
home-theater combination. The logic-controlled input selector circuitry allows selection of the
bypass function for an XLR or RCA input on the rear panel. The Home Cinema signal is
present at all outputs.
ADDITIONAL INDIVIDUALIZATION OPTIONS
:
MODULAR INPUTS
The connection possibilities of the generously configured standard model are rounded off by
two user-selectable optional input modules. An optimized input module can be used for
unusual applications, for anything from an MC step-up transformer to a transformer-based
XLR input module. The plug and play modules can be readily installed or upgraded at any
time.
