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  #21  
Old 12-06-2021, 11:43 PM
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Have you removed the top and taken pictures of the insides?
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  #22  
Old 12-07-2021, 01:31 AM
kaarmstrong kaarmstrong is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by crwilli View Post
Have you removed the top and taken pictures of the insides?
Good question. The guts of Constellation gear in my opinion leaves a lot to be desired.
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  #23  
Old 12-07-2021, 02:29 AM
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Originally Posted by kaarmstrong View Post
Good question. The guts of Constellation gear in my opinion leaves a lot to be desired.
I don't care what it looks like on the inside. As long as it works and doesn't break, it meets my requirements for durabilty.

For example, here's a Benchmark AHB2 amp that is pretty complicated...


and here's one of Nelson's First Watt F8s on the inside...


I can tell you which one I'd rather have...the First Watt.

Furthermore, it doesn't care if it's warmed up or not; it sounds almost as good completely cold as fully warmed up (which is saying a lot), and will drive virtually any impedance load.

Functionality is functionality. There is almost always more than one way to mediate a transfer function, Y=f(x).

It sounds fantastic...which is what it's designed to do. What's not to like?
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Lumin P1 streamer/DAC/preamp, Constellation Inspiration integrated TT: Michell Gyro SE MkII, SME V, Koetsu Urushi Vermilion, EAR324. Harbeth 30.2s, REL R-305, Shunyata Alpha V2 ICs, Alpha V2 SPs, Sigma XC, Sigma NRv2, Omega QR-s & Alpha NRv2 PCs, segmented Altaira SG stack w/ Alpha & Omega CGCs, Everest 8000 PD. Remote Server Room: Uptone EtherREGEN, AfterDark Master Clock & LPS, Alita, Battle Angel, (Akasa NUC Roon Core), iFi DC Purifiers (for SMPS used for Alita & router), Shunyata Gemini combo power distributor & Altaira-type CG GP-NR hub, Venom & Alpha CGCs, Shunyata NRv14 power cords for digital components.

Last edited by Puma Cat; 12-07-2021 at 02:57 AM.
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  #24  
Old 12-07-2021, 08:44 AM
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Default Constellation Inspiration: One of the very best integrateds I've ever heard

Stephen, It’s just a question of overall quality and for me, one of curiosity.

Of course SQ must be there but in the world that Constellation plays, it should be built to the highest standards.

That has been called into question elsewhere.
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Main Equipment: Kharma Elegance dB11-S, JL Audio F113v2 X 2, Block Audio Line & Mono SE Amplification, Bricasti M21 DAC, Antipodes Kala K-50 Server
Power: Shunyata Everest 8000, Sigma XC v2, Sigma NR v2, Block Audio PCs, Defender, ADDPowr Wizard
Grounding: Shunyata Altaira CGS - 4 X Alpha CGS cables,
Network : Supra Cat 8+, Twin (Nenon) Modified Buffalo GS2016 Switches, Keces P3 LPSU,
Cables: Wireworld Platinum 8 USB, Wireworld Platinum Eclipse 8 Speaker cables, 6M & 1M Tubulus Concentus ICs,
Other: Multiple GIK products, Stillpoint Apertures, Stillpoint Minis and Ultra SS, Three 20 Amp lines, Furutech GTX - Gold outlets, Adona Rack

Last edited by crwilli; 12-07-2021 at 09:34 AM.
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  #25  
Old 12-07-2021, 09:45 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Puma Cat View Post
I don't care what it looks like on the inside. As long as it works and doesn't break, it meets my requirements for durabilty.

I can tell you which one I'd rather have...the First Watt.

Functionality is functionality. There is almost always more than one way to mediate a transfer function, Y=f(x).

It sounds fantastic...which is what it's designed to do. What's not to like?
Do agree and these are several of the reasons that I've ordered one of Nelson's INT-25 integrated amps. As a very pleased former Threshold owner I can't imagine not being happy with one of Pass Labs' newer offerings. As a believer that "simpler is usually better", the INT-25, like the First Watt, is about as simple as solid-state gets.
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  #26  
Old 12-07-2021, 11:49 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by crwilli View Post
Stephen, It’s just a question of overall quality and for me, one of curiosity.

Of course SQ must be there but in the world that Constellation plays, it should be built to the highest standards.

That has been called into question elsewhere.
Yep, I know, Craig. I get it. I've seen the comments, too. No worries.

One of the things, though, as I've gotten older and most importantly, wiser, is I've learned is to not to...erm, "get bent out of shape" (not sure if that's the right catchphrase) about things that may be "statistically significant", but are not "practically significant". Because in the real world, 95 times out of a 100, it is only what is pratically significant that matters.

And, I've been in this oft-wacky world of audiophile la-la land long enough to know, that guys being guys, they often obssess about things that are only statistically significant, but not practically significant. An example might be the extraordinarly high level of finishing we see under the hood in the motor compartment of those really tricked out hot rods that Dave Kindig makes for Bitchin' Rides.

But, are they really more durable (and reliable) than the much plainer appearing parts in engine bay of my Acura TL Type S? Nope.

So, my personal view is one that is practically significant: if it works and doesn't break, and it sounds fabulous, I don't sweat it. Life's too short at our collective median age to fuss over what is only statistically significant.

I just enjoy listening to it. I don't care about "bling", just sound. The inside of Nelson's First Watt amp is a good example.

And the Constellation sounds fabulous. Having built one of Nelson's DIY amps, I'm sure the First Watt does, too.

Just my 2˘.

Cheers, mate.
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Lumin P1 streamer/DAC/preamp, Constellation Inspiration integrated TT: Michell Gyro SE MkII, SME V, Koetsu Urushi Vermilion, EAR324. Harbeth 30.2s, REL R-305, Shunyata Alpha V2 ICs, Alpha V2 SPs, Sigma XC, Sigma NRv2, Omega QR-s & Alpha NRv2 PCs, segmented Altaira SG stack w/ Alpha & Omega CGCs, Everest 8000 PD. Remote Server Room: Uptone EtherREGEN, AfterDark Master Clock & LPS, Alita, Battle Angel, (Akasa NUC Roon Core), iFi DC Purifiers (for SMPS used for Alita & router), Shunyata Gemini combo power distributor & Altaira-type CG GP-NR hub, Venom & Alpha CGCs, Shunyata NRv14 power cords for digital components.

Last edited by Puma Cat; 12-10-2021 at 12:29 AM.
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  #27  
Old 12-09-2021, 06:29 PM
nc42acc nc42acc is offline
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Wow I have just recently found Constellation equipment. I have the Inspiration preamp and mono amps. The best my system has ever sounded. I am glad I took the chance before I read all the negative press and bought by what my ears have told me instead of looking inside. It seems lots of audio purchases are based on looks versus how it sounds.
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  #28  
Old 12-09-2021, 06:52 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nc42acc View Post
Wow I have just recently found Constellation equipment. I have the Inspiration preamp and mono amps. The best my system has ever sounded. I am glad I took the chance before I read all the negative press and bought by what my ears have told me instead of looking inside. It seems lots of audio purchases are based on looks versus how it sounds.
There is a lot of audio "commentary" that is just..."silliness", if you ask me.

At the end of the day, all that matters is 1) what it sounds like and as such, 2) it creates engaging and involving musical experiences.
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Lumin P1 streamer/DAC/preamp, Constellation Inspiration integrated TT: Michell Gyro SE MkII, SME V, Koetsu Urushi Vermilion, EAR324. Harbeth 30.2s, REL R-305, Shunyata Alpha V2 ICs, Alpha V2 SPs, Sigma XC, Sigma NRv2, Omega QR-s & Alpha NRv2 PCs, segmented Altaira SG stack w/ Alpha & Omega CGCs, Everest 8000 PD. Remote Server Room: Uptone EtherREGEN, AfterDark Master Clock & LPS, Alita, Battle Angel, (Akasa NUC Roon Core), iFi DC Purifiers (for SMPS used for Alita & router), Shunyata Gemini combo power distributor & Altaira-type CG GP-NR hub, Venom & Alpha CGCs, Shunyata NRv14 power cords for digital components.
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  #29  
Old 12-09-2021, 10:47 PM
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And, at least in my case, is the price reasonable (for me); is it reliable; and when I want to upgrade, can it be sold/traded in for a reasonable price.

Last edited by GSOphile; 12-09-2021 at 10:51 PM.
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  #30  
Old 12-10-2021, 12:26 AM
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Originally Posted by GSOphile View Post
And, at least in my case, is the price reasonable (for me); is it reliable; and when I want to upgrade, can it be sold/traded in for a reasonable price.
Hey, Gaines!
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Lumin P1 streamer/DAC/preamp, Constellation Inspiration integrated TT: Michell Gyro SE MkII, SME V, Koetsu Urushi Vermilion, EAR324. Harbeth 30.2s, REL R-305, Shunyata Alpha V2 ICs, Alpha V2 SPs, Sigma XC, Sigma NRv2, Omega QR-s & Alpha NRv2 PCs, segmented Altaira SG stack w/ Alpha & Omega CGCs, Everest 8000 PD. Remote Server Room: Uptone EtherREGEN, AfterDark Master Clock & LPS, Alita, Battle Angel, (Akasa NUC Roon Core), iFi DC Purifiers (for SMPS used for Alita & router), Shunyata Gemini combo power distributor & Altaira-type CG GP-NR hub, Venom & Alpha CGCs, Shunyata NRv14 power cords for digital components.
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