Smooooooooth......Detailed, two tubes, uses inexpensive 12AT7 tubes, always upgradeable.

Power cord is built into unit, you cannot replace unless you want to do some work...

I am writing this review based on the Transcendence7ECR-The unit is a hybrid pre-amp. This unit retails for 1300, and does not have tone controls, or a phono upgrade. After using 3 different 12AT7 tubes in the unit, I put some Telefunken tubes -12AT7-ECC801S (pair) in. The effect was amazing, the detail and transparency are beyond anything I have heard in a pre-amp.While I did not hear the stock tubes in this amp, (I hear they sound great) the TFK's paired with the pre, sound amazing! My BAT cd player sounds so nice,I am hearing very natural detail, decay, transients,(insert various audiophile adjectives) and most of all soundstage! Van Alstine makes high quality products, at reasonable prices, this pre-amp is a good example.......I obviously made a great deal for a 15 month old pre-amp of such quality!

Similar Products Used:

Forte 4a, Threshold T2, Threshold FET-2/upgraded, Audible Illusions Modulus 1-

Superb value. Amazing sound. Excellent construction and reliability. No quirks. Availability of reasonably priced upgrades as improvements become available.

None.

The AVA Transcendence Seven is a well constructed preamplifier made of top-quality parts. It is a joy to use. The Transcendence Seven made a dramatic difference in the sound of my system. It does a better job of reproducing the rapid dynamic contrasts (e.g. the attack of a drum or piano or the rapid starting and stopping that create the "texture" of the sound of a bowed string) that make performances of unamplified music sound unmistakably "live." This resolving ability has a number of effects. First, it dramatically reduces harshness and sourness that (based on listening to a wide variety of expensive, highly regarded equipment), I always assumed were on (some of) my recordings. Second, it allows me to hear the changes in tonality and volume that are essential to musical communication much more clearly. Third, it portrays each instrument noticably more realistically. Fourth, it makes it much easier to distinguish similar sounding instruments (say, two violins) from one another. Fifth, it allows individual instruments and voices to be heard (and followed) much more easily, even in complex, densely-orchestrated passages. Finally, it captures more of each instrument's "three-dimensional" quality and places each performer more securely in his or her place on the stage. While these characteristics may sound subtle, the net effect is not. The Transcendence Seven makes music more relaxing and enjoyable while making it more dramatic and exciting. It includes a superb headphone amplifier, which allows headphone listeners to appreciate all of its virtues. I've never heard a better preamp, regaradless of price.

Similar Products Used:

Have owned various Audio Research and AVA preamplifers. Have also recently auditioned many brands of electronics, including Mark Levinson, Audio Research, Conrad-Johnson, Cary and Quicksilver.