Transcendent Sound Masterpiece???

Discussion in 'Headphone Amplifiers and Combo (DAC/Amp) Units' started by AllanMarcus, Mar 4, 2018.

  1. AllanMarcus

    AllanMarcus Friend

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    Has anyone heard of this DIY kit shop?

    The Masterpiece looks intriguing. https://www.transcendentsound.com/masterpiece.html
    $699 + tubes + upgrades as desired.

    [​IMG]

    Tube Compliment:
    2-12AU7
    2-300B

    Headphone output power:
    150 mW into 30 ohms
    360 mW into 100 ohms
    100 mW into 600 ohms

    Other specs and measurements on their web site. My guess is the measurements are focused on the pre-outs.

    I'm reading more about the Masterpiece on various other sites, but it appears to be quite interesting.

    Hers's a pic from one guy's build
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Aug 6, 2019
  2. bazelio

    bazelio Friend

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    OTL with shit tons of feedback. Probably sounds like ass.
     
  3. Melvillian

    Melvillian Friend

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    I guess the guy loves Shinkoh resistors
     
  4. AllanMarcus

    AllanMarcus Friend

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    Thanks. Technically, the Masterpiece is a preamp that happens to have headphone output. It's gotten few good reviews from folks that have built it. I just thought it looked interesting and was curious what folks here thought about it, or at least its design.

    here's a cleaner pic someone else posted:

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: May 25, 2020
  5. elmoe

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    Last edited: Aug 5, 2019
  6. AllanMarcus

    AllanMarcus Friend

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    nope, I never pulled the trigger.
     
  7. Eric Brodersen

    Eric Brodersen New

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    I built the "Transcendent Sound" Evermore in March 2016. It is an OTL amplifier using EL34 tubes. I was very pleased with the sound and so decided to build the Masterpiece Preamp/Headphone amp in December 2016. I use the Masterpiece as both a preamp and as a headphone amp.
    Thrilled with the sound of products. Both are extremely quiet. The Masterpiece has a very solid, extended bass response. I have tried over half a dozen headphones on it including Beyerdynamic, Sennheiser, AKG, Sony and Audio-Technica. I've also used several amplifier and loudspeaker combinations. The sound is always detailed and non-fatiguing. The best I can offer is that it makes me want to listen to music more.
     
  8. elmoe

    elmoe Friend

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  9. Zampotech

    Zampotech Friend

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    I really like this montage. Withstand any disasters
     
  10. elmoe

    elmoe Friend

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    Lots of space for film caps and modding too :)
     
  11. Donald North

    Donald North Friend

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    I don’t believe those are Shinkohs - looks more like Xicons. Can’t imagine someone pairing Shinkohs with those bad-sounding brown Panasonic film caps.
     
  12. AllanMarcus

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    I finally ordered a Masterpiece. Should ship next week.
     
  13. bobboxbody

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    Looking forward to listening impressions if you're willing, especially on the preamp side. The description makes it sound pretty colored, but maybe it's just marketing to the crowd of "lush sound" 300b enthusiasts? I'm guessing upgrading the caps would make the most significant improvement in an OTL design if it seems worth it?

    Edit: sorry to derail, but as long as we're in the same thread with @Donald North talking about line stage/HP amp kit, I would be infinitely interested and willing to sell organs for a DNA line stage or line stage/HP combo kit or even purchasing a schematic and suggested BoM.
     
    Last edited: Jul 19, 2023
  14. AllanMarcus

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    I just finished the preamp today, but they were short two caps (which they are sending me now). Once those are in, and assuming I built it correctly, I will let you know. I want to cover the transformers, but I'm not sure with what. I was thinking painted PVC drainage pipe caps. Any other ideas?


    IMG_0573.jpg
     
  15. uniqusrname

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  16. AllanMarcus

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    Thanks. I was considering those, but I'm not sure I like the look of the corners with holes. It's nice to have options. You post got me thinking of a rectangular cover that covers both transformers.
     
  17. bobboxbody

    bobboxbody Friend

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    There's probably a Hammond enclosure that could cover both. The ABS plastic ones(maybe also others) have threaded posts in the corners for attaching the lid, but you could drill holes in the top plate of the amp and secure it with the screws from underneath, once painted it would be pretty seamless and professional looking. Here's a top view of one I was working on:
    https://imgur.com/a/VmRKWQj
     
  18. Biodegraded

    Biodegraded Friend

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    Nah, go cylindrical:

    [​IMG]
     
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  19. AllanMarcus

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    I was thinking the same thing, but I see no reason to actually attach it to the top of the chassis; it could just sit there as it should not move. I was thinking of this one. It's cheap; in fact shipping is way more then the box! The problem is those darned slot holders might get in the way.

    I will just live with it as built for a while and keep my eyes open.

    Thanks.

    Update: I will give this one a try. Free returns, so why not!
     
    Last edited: Jul 21, 2023
  20. AllanMarcus

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    The project box came today, and it looks pretty good as a transformer cover! I still need to paint it (hammered black) and file a little to account for the screws on the green top plate, but I like it. Thanks for the suggestion.

    image.jpg
     
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