Have I mentioned I love, love, a nice integrated amplifier?
The Constellation Audio Inspiration Integrated 1.0 which sits at the entry to the Constellation line of electronics is, to my eyes, a very nice looking integrated amplifier with its sandblasted matte aluminum skin, most of it machined from 8.2mm aluminum slabs, raised front control panel, black on white 432 x 230-pixel high-contrast touchscreen, hidden control buttons (under that raised panel), sculpted velvety machined aluminum knobs for balance and volume control, and array of circular vents running down each side. Fit & finish are coolly luscious and precise.
The minimum-feedback Integrated 1.0 is based on Constellation Audio’s Inspiration PREAMP 1.0 and 1/2 of the STEREO 1.0 Amplifier with power output rated at 100 wpc into 8 Ohms, doubling that into 4 Ohms (and reportedly stable down to 2 Ohms). The Integrated 1.0 incorporates the company’s Line Stage Gain Module and Balanced Bridged circuit concept pioneered in the flagship Hercules Amplifier. Additional interior features include a massive toroidal power transformer and banks of large storage capacitors, a digitally controlled resistor-ladder volume control, and a dual-mono power supply for the DC stages with separate rectifiers and capacitor banks for left and right channels.
The Integrated 1.0 offers 2x balanced XLR inputs, 2x single-ended RCA inputs, a pair of XRL outputs for use with an external amplifier, second system, or subwoofer, RS232 and USB inputs for use with third party control systems (AMX, Crestron, Control4), Trigger output, custom Argento speaker cable binding posts, IEC inlet, power switch, and a 1/4″ headphone jack also located around back. You can also set one of the inputs to Home Theater Bypass mode, minimum and maximum volume levels, and LCD Brightness and Mode (Timeout duration or always on) which is done via the touch screen.
As you can see, the Inspiration Integrated has already taken up residence on my Box Furniture rack and it’s powered on powering the Perlisten S7t speakers. My ears are looking forward to more….Stay tuned.
Constellation Audio Inspiration Integrated 1.0
Price: $16,500
Specifications
Inputs: 2 XLR stereo, 2 RCA stereo, USB (for control)
Outputs: 2 XLR stereo, 12-volt trigger
THD+N: <0.001%, 20 Hz – 20 kHz @ 2V out | <0.1%, 20 Hz – 20 kHz @ 10V out
Frequency response: 10 Hz to 100 kHz, +/- 0.5 dB
Signal-to-noise ratio: >-105 dB, A-weighted
Input impedance (balanced): 20K ohm
Input impedance (single-ended): 10K ohm
Output impedance: < 50 ohm
Volume control resolution: 0.5dB from 0dB to -90 dBFS
Weight: 25 lbs | 11.3 kg
Dimensions (W x H x D): 17 inches x 5.5 inches x 19 inches | 43.2cm x 14cm x 48.3cm
Company Website: Constellation Audio