The Transcendence Seven ECR can be upgraded to a current Ultra EC because the ECR versions with tone controls were in the big (17" wide) chassis, unlike their smaller SL brothers.
The upgrade consists of a complete new mother board replacing the existing power supply board, line board, phono board if present, and mute board combined. It provides the eight power supply regulators (on unit with phono), 6N1P line circuits, built in mute circuits and more. It also includes a new vented cover.
The price is $999 without phono, $1299 with phono now, $1399 without phono now and to be added. The newest black faceplates with gold graphics and text and black/gold inlay knobs are new round pushbuttons can be provided for an extra $100.
The cost is slightly more than half of the cost of an equivalent new unit and you will essentially have a new unit with a new three year factory warranty.
Is it worth it? Our clients who have done the Ultra upgrade seem to think so, lots of talk about it here at AC for you to find.
Last year at the Rocky Mountain Audio Fair we had not yet realised how important the 6N1P tube, when used right and provided with the right power supply, could be to major musical improvements.
Regards,
Frank Van Alstine