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REVIEW: Octave Filter 3-P Passive Components

Model: Filter 3-P
Category: Passive Components
Suggested Retail Price: $3000
Description: Removal of digital component EMI propagation and noise
Manufacturer URL: Octave
Model Picture: View

Review by Audyiodude on March 23, 2021 at 21:04:29
IP Address: 24.66.149.179
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The title of this review could easily be the 3Ps of Analog Perfection: Purity, Precision & Presence. They are in my opinion the key sonic strengths of an analog source distinguishing it from a digital front end. So what does that have to do with a passive device designed for systems with digital components such as CD, SACD and Universal Players, DACs, Digital Music Servers and Digital Streamers? Well, as it turns out - everything.

The contradiction doesn't stop there when you consider the inventor and manufacturer of the Filter 3-P: Octave Audio. For those of you in North America who are unfamiliar with that name, I will enlighten you. Octave, which is better know in the European and Asian markets, is a German company that designs and builds exceptional tube amplifiers, preamplifiers and integrated components. But when you go on its website you will not find a single digital component. So what is a tube gear company doing building a device to better the sonics of a digital front end? More to the point, what would that company know about digital components? Well, as it turns out - a lot.

The critical link between the digital and analog domains in this story is Andreas Hofmann, the owner of Octave and the passion and genius behind everything it builds and offers. He is obsessive about getting things right when it comes to his amps, preamps and integrateds. That is obvious when you see and hear Octave components. But the performance of that gear is, of course, dependent on the ability of the source components to deliver the best possible signal. That's where the Filer 3-P comes in.

The first point I would make in that regard, concerns it's moniker - "Filter". For lovers of this hobby, who are not electrical engineers and stereo component designers, that term often has a negative connotation (i.e. removing one thing at the possible expense of another). After the first 5 minutes of hooking the 3-P into my system it was immediately apparent it removes only the negative digital artifacts and aberrations leaving everything else that is good about the digital source - with no compromises. It's effect is obvious and very impressive.

As I alluded at the beginning of this review, it has a magical ability to make digital sources sound so analog-like. More inner detail as the noise floor is dropped significantly. Everything coming from the speakers is now more precise in terms of sonic accuracy. It now also possesses the body and presence (what I call "palpability") characteristic of excellent vinyl playback systems. And with the same relaxed and unforced delivery of the music. But without any hiss or pop.

This is a must-have upgrade for those with digital sources looking for the Holy Grail of making them sound and feel like analog.

So what motivates a German tube-gear designer and manufacturer to make a device, which significantly improves the quality of digital material? The answer: Mr. Hofmann doesn't want enjoyers of his products to miss out on their full potential when listening to CDs, SACD's, digital music files and streamed content.

It's that simple, though I can't explain how the Octave Filter 3-P accomplishes such a miracle. That part is beyond my limited technical knowledge, so I won't even try. You can go on the Octave website for those details. The other thing I can't explain is how a "passive" device makes such a material improvement. It's like expensive upgrades to the amp, preamp and DAC in one acquisition.

I have been a fan of Octave gear for over 5 years and just when I thought it couldn't get better, along comes this little baby. Thanks Mr. Hofmann!


Product Weakness: I have not discovered or experienced any.
Product Strengths: The Filter 3-P is very effective and even though some may consider it pricey, it is well worth the cost. It is compact and easy to place and connect in any system.


Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Octave MRE 220 monos
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Octave Jubilee
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Esoteric K-01X
Speakers: ProAc K-6
Cables/Interconnects: Synergistic Research Galileo and Nordost Odin 2
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Jazz, Blues and Contemporary
Room Size (LxWxH): 19' x 15' x 9'
Time Period/Length of Audition: 30 days
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): Shunyata Denali
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner




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Topic - REVIEW: Octave Filter 3-P Passive Components - Audyiodude 21:04:29 03/23/21 (0)

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