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Mastersound Evolution 845 Integrated Amplifier
"Many may view Mastersound’s top integrated as poster child for the passionate but irrational behavior which is common currency in certain high-end circles: To set up the amp requires more space than a standard rack offers. To move its 53 kilos will likely require a helping hand. Once you power it up, 540 watts of idle dissipation substitute for central heating. The Evolution 845 Reference is hot stuff on numerous levels including literally."
Then, you have to go to the trouble of getting an Electrical contractor to provide a dedicated 220V line (or use a 500 Watt 110/220 transformer. This what some of us are prepared to do.
In casual slang one could call the Evolution 845 a SET amp on steroids.
Today, Mastersound's stated goal is to produce tube amplifiers of the highest quality available on the market. To this end, the company hand-builds each amplifier in its own laboratory, "one by one, with extreme care," their "Made in Italy" webpage asserts, "using the best components" and manufacturing techniques. Mastersound output transformers are hand-wound on a mechanical winding machine in a secret, closely guarded process the company claims makes them "unique in the world."
Reviews
We found a review of the similar Mastersound Mono Poweramps;
"The soundstage was stunningly natural and so expansive that it at times it seemed to extend beyond the walls of my listening room in a more organic way than the KSA 450. Listening to the great Jaqueine du Pre XRCD of Elgar’s Cello concerto, or Sir John Barbirolli conduction the London Symphony Orchestra (EMI 7243 8 2677202 4) was moving and very emotional. Jaqueline’s performance was breathtaking and the Final 845s are easily able to scale the dramatic and powerful heights of the full orchestral crescendos. At the same time they preserved the playing of the soloist the sound is highly dramatic and powerful with sudden dynamic shifts that requires an amp with great authority. A lesser amplifier might sound strained and compressed, but it was no sweat for the Final 845s. "
"The Master Sound Final 845s amps have opened my eyes and ears to the beauty of SETs. They have shown me what tube magic is when done correctly. I’ll be sad when trucker picks up the amps next week and I’ll be searching for more tubes amps to review in the future. Until then stay tuned! The Master Sound 845 mono amplifiers are my Stereo Times “Most Wanted Components” award winner. Highly recommended!!"
read the review in Stereo Times
We found a review of the smaller Mastersound Compact
"The Mastersound Compact 845 hits all my sonic sweet spots: gorgeous, burnished tube tone, palpable instrumental texture, unerring naturalism, lush, rich, transparent midrange, solid bass, open treble, black background, precise layering of instruments and vocals—and the deepest, punchiest soundstage I've heard. It was also eerily quiet. Like the Audio Note Meishu Tonmeister integrated amplifier, I would be happy to live with this amplifier for the rest of my days. With the Compact 845, Mastersound moves to the front row in the hallowed hall of master tube-amplifier manufacturers, alongside Shindo, Audio Note, Air Tight, Line Magnetic, Luxman, and PrimaLuna"
read the review in Stereophile
Specifications
- Pure Triode Parallel Single Ended Dual Mono in Class “A”
- Power: 2 x 50w class A
- Inputs: 3 x line-level, 1 x main-in
- Tubes 4 x 845 – 2 x ECC802 – 2 x 6SN7
- Dimensions 55 x 45 x 28cm (WxDxH)
- Weight: 53kg
- Trim: Black chassis with Walnut cheeks
- Speaker terminals with 4/8Ω tabs
- Other: Walnut body remote control for volume comes standard
- Power consumption: 540 watts, no standby
- Voltage 220V
