really there are 3 mark IV's, but no one seems to distinguish between the transition and the IVb. the transition has the attached power cord and stereo loop. i don't remember if i noticed a difference between the transition and IVb. as far as between the IVa, an IVb, its documented out there, i can hear and feel it all day. my buddy has one of each in his studio right now. I'm on the "A" team.