excellent channel separation, spatial focus, detail and speed

if nit-picking: soundstage could be a bit wider

The Transcendent Super Compact 150's are one of the best bargains in audio, IMHO. These tubed momoblocks have many of the best attributes of tubes (i.e. inner detail, air, and transparancy) combined with qualities usually relegated to the best solid state amps (i.e. speed, tight bass, and power-a-plenty).

The front to back depth is remarkable, and the side to side soundstaging is fine, if not superb. Presentation is a little forward, more so with instruments than vocals, but never intrusive; you feel like you are closer to the performance, which is a big plus on rock since you feel like you finally get those front row seats you always wanted! More intimate acoustic performances sound just about right to my ears, but female vocalists appear close enough that your spouse might get jealous.

The detail and extension at both ends of the audio spectrum should delight most enthusiasts. The Super Compacts can be mercilessly revealing of source component failings as well as poorly recorded music. However, the upside is that most music sounds better, more revealing in the positive sense; it's somewhat akin to having an entirely remastered music library!

All in all, I would highly recommend these amps to anyone who:

1) is considering tubes on a budget [$2000 pr.],
2) requires power in their system [150 wpc],
3) likes the sound of tubes (i.e. detail, air, transparency) without an overly "tubey" sound (loose bass, lack of extension, warm albeit artificially syrapy presentation)

These amps are very stable and should work well with a wide variety of speakers [Note: mine are 4 Ohm Gallo Solos]. I give the Transcendent Super Compact Tubed monoblocks five stars!

Similar Products Used:

auditioned Audio Research VT100, but like the Super Compacts better.

size

sound, value, output rating is doubtful

I actually bought these small amps based on the size and power rating. I needed these amps to fit on one shelf of my rack. This is the only thing they did right.
The sound is thin and lacking in depth. Sounds like the speakers are in a tin can.
The SS is weak and totally inacurate! When I do get a recording that is recorded with a good SS, the instruments wided to 10 feet! Very unrealistic. I can't play them load because they get distorted without much volume. I seriously doubt the power rating, but I can't prove it otherwise.
I am very dissappointed in this purchase. I recently removed these amps from my system and borrowed my friends VT100.
WOW.. clean realistic sound. Lots of power too! One look at the power supply and you can see why. The super compacts are using cheap parts and it shows and sounds that way. The VT100 is so much better in every way. No comparision.
Look elsewhere if you want a real sound!

Similar Products Used:

VT100 MKII

These monoblocs must be one of the best-kept secrets in the audio industry. No wonder, because Bruce Rozenblit has apparently alienated every dealer in the world by pulling his product and deciding to sell factory-direct. He advertises only at the SoundStage! website. As consumers, we thus get to miss out on the 100% dealer mark-up. The Super Compact 150 is new ( offered only since February '99). EL-509 output tubes are uncommon and should begin to see more widespread use. The amp offers 150 watts each monobloc in a push-pull design; this is plenty of power to drive my 87-sensitivity- rated Gershman RX-20 Avantguardes. It is amazingly quiet, tight and deep in the bass, almost OTL-like in the highs, and warm (but not bloated) in the mid-range. As an owner of a Plinius SA-100 mkIII solid state amp as well as a Joule Electra VZN-80, I can truly say that this Transcendent productbelongs in the best company. It is an outright steal at its current price of $999 per monobloc.
In addition to the ample power output and remarkable sound, the Super Compact 150 looks WAY-cool! It is an elegant, simple design with excellent build quality.

Bottom line: If you are in the market for an amp with plenty of low end punch, clear, clean extended highs, and ultra-quick transient response, you should give the Super Compacts a listen. The presentation is a bit forward, but well balanced, accurate, and detailed without a hint of harshness or grain. They handle both macro and micro dynamics with ease due to their quickness.I consider myself a bit of a tweaker, but since purchasing these mono-blocks, I have lost the urge (at least tweaking my amp). Taking a peek under the hood, you will find excellent build quality, no designer parts, but good quality parts nonetheless. Although I have not tweaked my Super Compacts, I have done some tube rolling. I replaced the stock 12AU7s with RCA clear tops, and the 12AX7s
with Raytheon 5751s. I also tried RCA grey plates (5751s) in the 12AX7 position, but I prefer the Raytheons.
In summary, I highly recommend the Super Compacts. These are not finicky amps, No matter what your musical tastes, or speakers you will be driving, these mono-blocks are likely to deliver the performance you want. One would be hard-pressed to find a better price/performance ratio. Bruce Rozenblit is almost giving these babies away. Furthermore, I prefer directing my audio dollars to small companies and dealing direct with the designers.

Power
Heat output
Clarity
Nice looks
etc

Haven't detected any yet

I had to post after seeing the post by 'Ted' below.

Bruce (Mr. Trancendant) Rosenblit's communication style tends to be somewhat curt which could be taken as arrogant. This may alienate some people but that's no reason to trash his products. I imagine 'Ted' is a bit overly sensitive.

My SC150's are not quite broken in, maybe 60 hours use, but they sound wonderful (and getting better every day). I'm driving a pair of Ohm F's (F190 upgrades) which are 6 ohms and only 89db rated. The highs are crystal clear and wonderfully detailed/staged. The lows at medium volume are unobtrusive and clear. And when you start cranking it up they start shaking the floor and walls. My chess pieces start walking around the board like one of those old football games.

My scope shows I'm getting at least 50 clean volts peak at the speaker, that's the highest I've dared turn it up. I'm replacing a Carver M1.0t which is rated at 450 watts and the SC150's are louder and sound much more realistic.

If you can afford $2400 for tons of pure tube power you'll find no better value on the market.

System:
various vinyl, CD, tape inputs into Super AVA PAS-3 through SC150 to the OHM F190's (budget but kick-ass system).

BTW, I do have an octave EQ but usually bypass it with this system...
SoM

Similar Products Used:

Older lower powered tube amps: HK, Scott, Lafayette