Welcome to the AudioShark Forums.
Results 1 to 15 of 15
  1. #1

    Argo - Anyone know more about it?

    I want to find out more about the Argo integrated amplifier, but it's like it doesn't even exist!

    I believe that it was announced last summer, but there is very little information available about it on the internet. Even Constellation's own web site has no mention of it! Don't they want to market it???

    Anyway what is the US retail price of it? I read $20,000 but someone mentioned $22,500. Anyone know what exactly it is?

    And what the specifications of it? Like inputs, size & weight, does it have home theater bypass?

    Thanks.

  2. #2
    Audioshark
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Sarasota, FL
    Posts
    30,044

    Re: Argo - Anyone know more about it?

    I know David at Design Audio is wanting to get one. No idea of details though. I THINK its going to be $22,000 and 125 watts/channel.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

    https://suncoastaudio.com/
    Phone: 941-932-0282
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/

  3. #3

    Argo - Anyone know more about it?

    It is 22500.00 and they are shipping now. It does not have a DAC or phono but will be able to add a card for each later this summer. I have one that is shipping next week. They will also have an integrated in the new inspiration line. This one will have a built in DAC and retail for 12500, shipping end of September.
    Design Audio Video is a dealer for:

    Electronics:
    Accuphase, Constellation, Pass Labs, McIntosh, Krell, Bryston, Devialet, Mark Levinson, EAR, T+A, Octave

    Speakers:
    Raidho, Focal, Revel, Dynaudio, JBL, Sonus Faber

    Cables:
    Tara Labs, Shunyata, Nordost, Straightwire, Ansuz, Transparent

    Accessories:
    Stillpoints, Quadraspire, Shelter, Transrotor

  4. #4

    Argo - Anyone know more about it?

    It does have a headphone input and a theater bypass/pass thru
    Design Audio Video is a dealer for:

    Electronics:
    Accuphase, Constellation, Pass Labs, McIntosh, Krell, Bryston, Devialet, Mark Levinson, EAR, T+A, Octave

    Speakers:
    Raidho, Focal, Revel, Dynaudio, JBL, Sonus Faber

    Cables:
    Tara Labs, Shunyata, Nordost, Straightwire, Ansuz, Transparent

    Accessories:
    Stillpoints, Quadraspire, Shelter, Transrotor

  5. #5

    Re: Argo - Anyone know more about it?

    Is there a spec sheet anywhere out there? Thanks.

  6. #6
    Audioshark
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Sarasota, FL
    Posts
    30,044

    Re: Argo - Anyone know more about it?

    Thanks David. I knew you would know. We are so lucky to have you (and all our knowledgable dealers and experts) here.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

    https://suncoastaudio.com/
    Phone: 941-932-0282
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/

  7. #7

    Argo - Anyone know more about it?

    It's getting officially introduced at Munich so there should be specs on the website after the show
    Design Audio Video is a dealer for:

    Electronics:
    Accuphase, Constellation, Pass Labs, McIntosh, Krell, Bryston, Devialet, Mark Levinson, EAR, T+A, Octave

    Speakers:
    Raidho, Focal, Revel, Dynaudio, JBL, Sonus Faber

    Cables:
    Tara Labs, Shunyata, Nordost, Straightwire, Ansuz, Transparent

    Accessories:
    Stillpoints, Quadraspire, Shelter, Transrotor

  8. #8

    Re: Argo - Anyone know more about it?

    I posted the launch announcement of Constellation's Inspiration line in another thread here: http://audioshark.org/constellation-...18-a-4896.html

    Here's the text of the announcement with specs on the Inspiration line in case you are interested:

    Constellation Audio, the innovative manufacturer of high performance amplifiers, preamplifiers, and digital playback systems, is pleased to announce the debut of its new Inspiration Series preamplifier and amplifiers at the Munich High End Show in Munich Germany from May 15 – 18. Derived from the highly acclaimed Reference and Performance Series components which established Constellation Audio as a premiere electronics manufacturer, the Inspiration Series components bring the engineering, design, and manufacturing expertise of Constellation Audio to a new generation of listeners.

    Drawing on their rich heritage, Inspiration offers listeners the best of Constellation Audio designs, performance which has been distilled to the essence, but not diluted. The amplifier and preamplifier are the first of the Inspiration Series components to be released, with an integrated amplifier, phono preamplifier, DAC, and media player to follow later this year.

    Murali Murugasu, CEO of Constellation Audio, states that the Inspiration Series “are landmark components that offer a unique value proposition to the high end audio customer. Their ability to deliver such high performance at a relatively modest price is unmatched in our industry.”

    According to Peter Madnick, VP of Engineering for Constellation Audio, the reasons for being able to bring the Inspiration Series of components to market are unique. “Because we do everything in-house, we are able to utilize many of the same circuit topologies found in our more sophisticated designs. The strong aesthetic family resemblance is achieved through using the same industrial design team (led by Alex Rasmussen of Neal Feay) which created the Reference and Performance Series products.”

    Inspiration power amplifiers are available in both stereo and monaural configurations and are designated AMP 1.0 and MONO 1.0, while the preamplifier is called PREAMP 1.0.

    The heart of the amplifiers’ design is our unique Balanced Bridged circuit topology, which combines multiple single-ended amplifier modules in a fully balanced design – the same design used in our Reference and Performance Series amplifiers. To assure a perfectly balanced signal, the AMP 1.0 and MONO 1.0 also incorporate the servo circuits in our Line Stage Gain Module to make certain that both halves of an incoming signal are perfectly balanced, no matter what the source.

    With AMP 1.0 delivering a conservatively rated 200 wpc into 8 Ohms (400 wpc into 4 Ohms) and MONO 1.0 delivering twice that (into 8 and 4 Ohm loads respectively) per chassis, it is highly unlikely that anyone will exhaust the dynamic reserves of these powerful amplifiers.

    From the Reference Series’ Altair II to the Performance Series’ Virgo II to the new Inspiration Series PREAMP 1.0, the lineage is unmistakable. Technologically, PREAMP 1.0 uses the same Line Stage Gain Module design in a fully balanced configuration as does its more costly siblings. To this, we incorporate such real world features as a home theater bypass, remote turn-on/turn-off capability, and an elegant machined-aluminum remote control. PREAMP 1.0 is equally suited to be the centerpiece of a great music system or as an integral part of a multi-channel home entertainment system. Either way, the user gets the benefits of Constellation Audio performance and design in an affordable package.

    Constellation Audio will be demonstrating the new Inspiration Series at the Munich High End Show at:

    Building: ATRIUM 4 First Floor, Room F-118

    Specifications

    AMP 1.0

    Power Output: 200 W/ch. into 8 Ohms, 400 W/ch. into 4 Ohms @ 0.2% THD+N Bandwidth: 10Hz-80 KHz @ 0.5% THD+N
    S/N ratio: >95dB, A-weighted
    Inputs: Constellation Direct, XLR Balanced, RCA Unbalanced
    Output: 1pr. Binding post/Banana socket/channel
    Features: 12V trigger, USB control
    Power consumption: @idle = 110W, @full power TBD
    Dimensions (W x H x D): 17” x 8.5” x 19”; 43.2 cm x 21.6 cm x 48.3 cm
    Weight: 55 lbs.; 25 kg.

    MONO 1.0
    Power Output: 400 W/ch. into 8 Ohms, 800 W/ch. into 4 Ohms @ 0.2% THD+N Bandwidth 10Hz-80 KHz @ 0.5% THD+N
    S/N ratio: >95dB, A-weighted
    Inputs: Constellation Direct, XLR Balanced, RCA Unbalanced
    Output: 2 pr. Binding post/Banana socket/channel
    Features: 12V trigger, USB control
    Power consumption: @idle = 110W, @full power TBD
    Dimensions (W x H x D): 17” x 8.5” x 19”; 43.2 cm x 21.6 cm x 48.3 cm
    Weight: 60 lbs.; 27.2 kg.

    PREAMP 1.0

    Bandwidth: 10Hz-100 KHz @ 0.1% THD+N S/N ratio: >105dB, A-weighted
    Output = 17 Volts RMS
    Inputs: 3-XLR Balanced, 3-RCA Unbalanced Output: 2pr XLR & RCA/channel
    Remote Control: Volume, Balance, Home Theater Bypass, Mute, Phase Features: internal power supply, 12V trigger, USB control
    Power consumption @50W
    Dimensions (W x H x D): 17” x 5.25” x 15”; 43.2 cm x 13.3 cm x 38.1 cm
    Weight: 25 lbs.; 11.3 kg.

    Pricing and Availability

    The US retail price of the AMP 1.0 is $10,000, the MONO 1.0 is $20,000/pr., and the PREAMP 1.0 is $9,000. Deliveries worldwide will begin in June 2014.

    Source: Press Release
    Cyril
    Speakers/Amp/Preamp: Thiel CS2.4 / ARC Ref 110 / ARC Ref 3
    Sources: Basis 2001/Graham2.2/Nagra BPS/Benz Micro Glider SL, Dynavector 20X2-L, ARC CD7, Oppo BDP-83 SE
    Cables/Power/Other: Nordost Heimdall ICs, SCs / Shunyata Hydra 8, Shunyata Python Helix PC / VPI 16.5, HRS Nimbus isolation system

  9. #9
    Audioshark
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Sarasota, FL
    Posts
    30,044

    Argo - Anyone know more about it?

    Cyril - I think the OP is asking about the Constellation integrated, not the new Inspiration Series.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

    https://suncoastaudio.com/
    Phone: 941-932-0282
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/

  10. #10

    Re: Argo - Anyone know more about it?

    Thanks for the information about the Inspiration series. Very interesting. So the pre/power combo at $19K is quite a bit less than the Argo. What is the logic?

  11. #11

    Re: Argo - Anyone know more about it?

    Quote Originally Posted by BiggusDiccus View Post
    Thanks for the information about the Inspiration series. Very interesting. So the pre/power combo at $19K is quite a bit less than the Argo. What is the logic?
    Their entry line with trickle down technology from their Reference and Performance series at a more affordable price. If the reviews of the Reference and Performance series are anything to go by and if this new Inspiration series comes close to that performance, I suspect these will be a big hit. I believe David said the integrated in the Inspiration series is going to be $12,500 and shipping later this year in case that makes sense for you to consider.
    Cyril
    Speakers/Amp/Preamp: Thiel CS2.4 / ARC Ref 110 / ARC Ref 3
    Sources: Basis 2001/Graham2.2/Nagra BPS/Benz Micro Glider SL, Dynavector 20X2-L, ARC CD7, Oppo BDP-83 SE
    Cables/Power/Other: Nordost Heimdall ICs, SCs / Shunyata Hydra 8, Shunyata Python Helix PC / VPI 16.5, HRS Nimbus isolation system

  12. #12

    Re: Argo - Anyone know more about it?

    The point I was trying to make was that the Argo seems over priced in comparison, especially being introduced at the same time as the Inspiration series. Maybe the Argo is part of the "Performance" series? Then it would make some sense, but like you said if this Inspiration pre/power are anything like their big brothers, then they will be quite a hit.

  13. #13
    Audioshark
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Sarasota, FL
    Posts
    30,044

    Re: Argo - Anyone know more about it?

    Quote Originally Posted by BiggusDiccus View Post
    Maybe the Argo is part of the "Performance" series?
    I believe it is.
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

    https://suncoastaudio.com/
    Phone: 941-932-0282
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/

  14. #14

  15. #15

AudioShark - The Best High End Audio Discussion forum.

AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.

The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.

At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.

We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!

Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com

Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.

Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team

Argo - Anyone know more about it?

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •