Ultimate Electronics

Dan Kolton · « **on:** 12 Aug 2005, 02:35 pm »

Well, Frank has done it again! I always wonder how he could possibly improve on his products and then he does. I just got my T7 and 550EXR back from upgrade to "Ultimate". Hooked up to my 801s ASAP.

First impression was improved image; almost as though one could walk up and touch each player. Symphonies broad and deep; soloists located in space, and the right size.

The biggie was when I played some vocal work, both large choir and small group (sextet and duet). These were all perfomances in which I sang, and I'm pretty familiar with what I did and how these recordings sound. I was astonished at how much better I'm able to hear inner voicings and small details (including occasional small mistakes that I knew about, but was never before able to really hear on the recording).

Thanks again, Frank!

mark funk · « **Reply #1 on:** 13 Aug 2005, 02:10 pm »

hello Dan, I have had my AVA set ( 550EXR6,T5SLR,T-R DAC) since February of this year and am vary happy! Would like to know what kind of upgrade you had done on your 550?

avahifi · « **Reply #2 on:** 13 Aug 2005, 02:19 pm »

The Transcendence Five has been upgraded to a Transcendence Eight model with a new high speed active analog high voltage B+ power supply. The upgrade cost for units without phono is $399 (with phono $499).

The Fet Valve amp has been upgraded to a Fet Valve 550 Ultra series. Upgrade cost $199 from an EXR series.

The Transcendence DAC has been upgraded to an AVA Ultra DAC. Upgrade cost is $799.

I will let Dan and others who have the newest stuff talk about the musical results.

If you were to start with upgrading just one piece at a time, I would recommend that you start with the preamplifier, then the amplifier, and the DAC last.

Frank Van Alstine

mark funk · « **Reply #3 on:** 13 Aug 2005, 03:01 pm »

Hello Frank, Thanks for the info. Let me save some cash and I well be calling!

Dan Kolton · « **Reply #4 on:** 21 Aug 2005, 06:42 pm »

I've had a bit more time to listen to these marvelous electonics (that's not true 'cause one doesn't hear the electronics, only the music). I'm truly in awe of the realism one hears using good source material. The image is, as they often say, quite palpable. I'm hearing things on old favorite CDs that I've never really heard before. There is more space and air around instruments, and everything fades to black between notes - no busy background noises that one doesn't notice until they are gone. I just bought a new Marantz CD player that sounds pretty good until I listen using the Transcendence D/A. The latter sounds cleaner and clearer. However, I'll have to live without it for a while since it's going back for upgrade to Ultimate status. I can hardly wait!

WEEZ · « **Reply #5 on:** 22 Aug 2005, 01:08 am »

WEEZ

Dan Kolton · « **Reply #6 on:** 16 Sep 2005, 01:49 pm »

Just got back my D/A after Frank upgraded it to Ultimate. I had thought that my Marantz CD player sounded pretty good. Not so! The Ultimate D/A removes a glare, and is less forward and more spacious sounding. The difference isn't trivial. I'm very pleased.