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Now With the JJ Octal Based EL509
See Beast Parts for DIY Builders

The Most Powerful OTL Amplifier in the World*

It's a Monster.

It's........THE BEAST

160 watts RMS into 8 ohms
110 watts RMS into 4 ohms

Kit without tubes $2499 per pair

 XLR Input: Add $400
With all Tubes:  Add $1400

Assembled with tubes-$5599
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Two monoblocks supplied.

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Nothing sounds better than an OTL.  No transformer coupled amp, no solid state amp can match the sound.  It cannot be imitated.  Striking imaging causes instruments to be layered in a three dimensional sound stage that recreates the experience of a live performance. The music "opens up" and leaps out of the loudspeaker eliminating any box like sound. The most minute and subtle sounds are revealed producing uncanny realism. Musical voices are warm and lifelike yet completely neutral with a razor sharp focus. Nothing else can compare.  Don't just listen to your music.... experience it.

In an OTL, the loudspeaker is directly coupled to the output tubes. There is no output transformer.  There are many practical limitations that have kept the transformer-less output from becoming widely used. Our patented design has finally solved all of these problems.
This is the finest OTL amplifier we have ever produced.  It is the culmination of over 10 years of experience that started with the legendary model T8, the low cost T16, the Single-Ended OTL and now THE BEAST.  The circuits have been completely redesigned and optimized for high power. 

 


 CAGE OPTIONAL-NOT INCLUDED


New Features

1)  Fully balanced XLR and floating differential RCA input.
A true balanced input is obtained by using a top quality input transformer.  This is much more effective than just supplying an XLR jack and only using one leg of the signal.  The RCA jack is routed through the transformer creating a floating differential input.  A second RCA jack is supplied in the XLR model that is directly wired to the input, thereby bypassing the transformer. 

2)  New Drive Circuitry
The input stage is a 12AX7 gain stage and phase splitter with stage voltage regulation, AC coupled to a 12AT7 differential amplifier, also regulated.  This then drives symmetrical 12BH7 cathode followers, both regulated that drive the output stage.  The circuitry maintains the simplicity that Transcendent equipment is famous for while providing for the enormous, low distortion drive voltages that high power OTL operation requires.  As always, reliability is the number one priority in any Transcendent Sound design.


       Rear View
3)  Improved Output Stage
The output tubes, octal based EL509 are arranged in vertical pairs.  Each pair has its own fuse and each fuse has an LED indicator.  If any fuse blows, its LED will go out immediately indicating where the problem is.  The fuses are rated at 1 amp which greatly limits fault currents far below the level that could damage a speaker.  (Fuses normally only blow from tube failure-which is rare).  Each tube is also protected with 3 current limiting resistors, one for each grid and the plate.  These features protect the amp from itself, and completely protect your speakers.  THE BEAST is truly plug and play.  Just turn it on and use it.

4)  Built-in Balance Meter
The direct coupled output requires occasional adjustments to  null any DC on the output to zero.  A simple zero center balance meter is included that is activated at the push of a button.  Merely push a button to determine if an adjustment is needed.  The adjustment is made by turning a knob next to the meter to obtain a center scale reading.  DC balance is very stable and hardly ever needs adjustment.   


Internal View
Large, open chassis allows easy assembly.

Performance Improvements

1)  Quiet Operation
The hum and noise of THE BEAST is less than 800 microvolts.  That's about the same level as a low-noise modified T16.  Furthermore, the noise is mostly 120 Hz with virtually no high frequency buzz rendering it practically inaudible, even with high efficiency speakers.  The amps versatility is increased because although intended for low efficiency speakers, it can drive high efficiency units because of the low noise.     

2)  Low Heat
The idle heat of THE BEAST has been held to only 325 watts per channel.  This is the same heat level as the T8.  It is no small achievement to dramatically boost power and keep the heat down to such low levels.  No other high power OTL can come anywhere close to this low heat level.  Other OTLs typically require a dedicated 20 amp circuit and use all of it.  THE BEAST can be plugged into any standard outlet.

 

   

Includes built-in balance meter for easy adjustments.

Each fuse has its own dedicated LED indicator.

 

3)  Want Even Less Heat.  Pull Out Half the Tubes!
Switch to summer mode!  Removing 8 tubes cuts the idle heat down to about 185 watts per channel.  That's the same as a T16 monoblock.  Power output will be reduced to 60 watts into 8 ohms and 35 watts into 4 ohms.  These lower levels are perfectly adequate for the vast majority of applications and you end up with a 100% compliment of spare tubes.  Removing 4 tubes cuts the heat by 20% and the amp will make 110 watts into 8 ohms and 70 watts into 4 ohms.  It's literally an amp for all seasons. 

4)  Low Output Impedance
The output impedance is less than 0.2 ohm.  That is low enough to easily drive 4 ohm speakers.  Even with only 8 output tubes, the output impedance is only 0.4 ohm.  Low output impedance is essential for clear, tight, percussive bass.  See article on the importance of low output impedance.  Go to Article.

THE BEAST maintains all of the wonderful sonic characteristics that Transcendent Sound amps are world famous for.  It is silky smooth with no harshness or brittleness whatsoever.  It captures the magical three dimensional qualities that only an OTL can produce.  Music floats into the room as if witnessing a live performance.  The increased power gives the amplifier incredible punch and slam.  Music sounds totally relaxed and natural.  It acquires an effortless quality that only a high power OTL amplifier can produce.  This is simply the best we can do. 

*Other manufacturers claim higher OTL power ratings. We feel that these ratings are highly exaggerated.  THE BEAST'S  power rating of 160 watts is based on a continuous RMS sine wave into an 8 ohm resistor, just before clipping, that is, clean usable power.  Until other manufacturers state power ratings on an equivalent basis, Transcendent Sound will maintain that this is the most powerful OTL amplifier in the world.  

Protected by U.S. patent  5,604,461