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  1. #1
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    Centaur Stereo Amp

    Well, my good friend David Baskin @ Design Audio Video is expecting some new Constellation products the first part of Feb. He's getting both the Centaur mono's and the stereo version. I'm going to have a chance to pair the stereo amp with my Salon 2's I'll let you know how it pairs with the Revel's. Waiting is a bitch !!!!!!
    Mark


    Kharma DB9 Signature
    Pass Labs XP32......incoming
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    Esoteric N-05XD
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  2. #2

    Re: Centaur Stereo Amp

    Mark, sweet. Look forward to your listening impressions.


    Allen



  3. #3
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    Re: Centaur Stereo Amp

    How long do they take to break in?
    Jock

    If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don't have integrity, nothing else matters.

    ---------

    House: Naim ND555/2PS, Naim 552, Naim 500, Studer A80/Doshi V3, Magico M2s, 2 Magico Q-Sub 15s, Lumina IC/SC, Shunyata Everest and Omega PCs.

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  4. #4
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    Re: Centaur Stereo Amp

    Quote Originally Posted by the professor View Post
    How long do they take to break in?
    I don't know Jock, but when it is we're going to pair it with your D3's. I think it might be a match made in heaven !!!!
    Mark


    Kharma DB9 Signature
    Pass Labs XP32......incoming
    Pass Labs X350.8
    Esoteric N-05XD
    VPI Avenger with Magnetic Drive
    Manley Chinook Phono Pre
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  5. #5
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    Re: Centaur Stereo Amp

    That's what I was thinking.

    Quote Originally Posted by MDP View Post
    I don't know Jock, but when it is we're going to pair it with your D3's. I think it might be a match made in heaven !!!!
    Jock

    If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don't have integrity, nothing else matters.

    ---------

    House: Naim ND555/2PS, Naim 552, Naim 500, Studer A80/Doshi V3, Magico M2s, 2 Magico Q-Sub 15s, Lumina IC/SC, Shunyata Everest and Omega PCs.

    Workshop: Naim ND555/2 PS, VAC Master Pre, VAC Sig 200iQ, Border Patrol pre/power, Avant Garde Duo Mezzo XD, 2 Magico Q-Sub 15s, Shunyata IC/SC, Shunyata Typhon QR/Triton V3/Sigma PCs.

  6. #6

    Centaur Stereo Amp

    I'm not sure how long either. But I have Pass, Krell, Soulution, Mark Levinson No52, No53's, Constellation stereo and mono's all coming within 30 days of each other. I can only burn in so much at one time so I may need to loan out some to coupe of locals for some help. Very exciting but a little nervous with this investment.
    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

  7. #7

    Re: Centaur Stereo Amp

    Nothing I have had in my system drives my Magicos like my centaur stereo. Magic

  8. #8
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    Re: Centaur Stereo Amp

    very cool Darin !
    Mark


    Kharma DB9 Signature
    Pass Labs XP32......incoming
    Pass Labs X350.8
    Esoteric N-05XD
    VPI Avenger with Magnetic Drive
    Manley Chinook Phono Pre
    Ortofon Cadenza Black cartridge
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  9. #9
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    Re: Centaur Stereo Amp

    Hmmmm. I may have to move closer to you



    You know, just to help out



    Quote Originally Posted by DAV View Post
    I'm not sure how long either. But I have Pass, Krell, Soulution, Mark Levinson No52, No53's, Constellation stereo and mono's all coming within 30 days of each other. I can only burn in so much at one time so I may need to loan out some to coupe of locals for some help. Very exciting but a little nervous with this investment.
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

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    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

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  10. #10
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    Re: Centaur Stereo Amp

    Where does one sign up?

    Quote Originally Posted by DAV View Post
    I'm not sure how long either. But I have Pass, Krell, Soulution, Mark Levinson No52, No53's, Constellation stereo and mono's all coming within 30 days of each other. I can only burn in so much at one time so I may need to loan out some to coupe of locals for some help. Very exciting but a little nervous with this investment.
    Jock

    If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don't have integrity, nothing else matters.

    ---------

    House: Naim ND555/2PS, Naim 552, Naim 500, Studer A80/Doshi V3, Magico M2s, 2 Magico Q-Sub 15s, Lumina IC/SC, Shunyata Everest and Omega PCs.

    Workshop: Naim ND555/2 PS, VAC Master Pre, VAC Sig 200iQ, Border Patrol pre/power, Avant Garde Duo Mezzo XD, 2 Magico Q-Sub 15s, Shunyata IC/SC, Shunyata Typhon QR/Triton V3/Sigma PCs.

  11. #11
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    Re: Centaur Stereo Amp

    Quote Originally Posted by DAV View Post
    I'm not sure how long either. But I have Pass, Krell, Soulution, Mark Levinson No52, No53's, Constellation stereo and mono's all coming within 30 days of each other. I can only burn in so much at one time so I may need to loan out some to coupe of locals for some help. Very exciting but a little nervous with this investment.
    http://youtu.be/Dj3GH5myc3M


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
    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/
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  12. #12
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    Re: Centaur Stereo Amp

    Quote Originally Posted by DAV View Post
    I'm not sure how long either. But I have Pass, Krell, Soulution, Mark Levinson No52, No53's, Constellation stereo and mono's all coming within 30 days of each other. I can only burn in so much at one time so I may need to loan out some to coupe of locals for some help. Very exciting but a little nervous with this investment.
    You can sign me up to break in the Soulution, love to hear them with my TAD's.
    Gryphon Essence stereo amp and preamp/dac Hurricane power cords
    Fyne Audio F1-10, Lumin T2, Moon 260 Transport
    Shunyata Research Everest, Sigma V2 XC,
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  13. #13

    Re: Centaur Stereo Amp

    Oooooh, the updated power supply in the Soulutions are going to be real good, lots of fun there.

  14. #14
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    Re: Centaur Stereo Amp

    Quote Originally Posted by sharkmouth View Post
    Oooooh, the updated power supply in the Soulutions are going to be real good, lots of fun there.
    Kev - the new 711 paired with the S3's was superb. Very musical with some of the best sound staging I've ever heard. You could pin point each instrument with amazing clarity.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
    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/

  15. #15

    Re: Centaur Stereo Amp

    Mike, technology straight out of the 520 preamp. Everyone that hears mine tells me never to sell it, even the dealer & he has the 710's soon to be updated.

  16. #16
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    Re: Centaur Stereo Amp

    Kev - it's a winner for sure. The 710 was a little too sterile sounding. But not the 711 or 5 series.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
    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/

  17. #17

    Centaur Stereo Amp

    I'm excited to hear the Centaur stereo sounds good with the Magico's.
    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

  18. #18
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    Re: Centaur Stereo Amp

    Quote Originally Posted by DAV View Post
    I'm excited to hear the Centaur stereo sounds good with the Magico's.
    You'll have to wait until I break it in
    Mark


    Kharma DB9 Signature
    Pass Labs XP32......incoming
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    Esoteric N-05XD
    VPI Avenger with Magnetic Drive
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  19. #19
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    Re: Centaur Stereo Amp

    Mark I have said this before I have heard Magico with several different amp/pre-amps and the only time I walked away impressed was when they were matched with Centaur and Virgo II. They should work well with Salons.
    Jim

    D'Agostino Momentum M-400's MxV’s & HD Pre-amp
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  20. #20

    Re: Centaur Stereo Amp

    "You'll have to wait until I break it in " as quoted by Mark.


    Yeah! QUIET at the back!

  21. #21
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    Re: Centaur Stereo Amp

    Quote Originally Posted by still-one View Post
    Mark I have said this before I have heard Magico with several different amp/pre-amps and the only time I walked away impressed was when they were matched with Centaur and Virgo II. They should work well with Salons.
    Thanks Jim, I really appreciate it !!
    Mark


    Kharma DB9 Signature
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  22. #22
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    Re: Centaur Stereo Amp

    Well, I'm leaving in a few minutes to go pick up the Constellation Centaur stereo amp from David

    I will have it up and running by late afternoon. I hope I don't love it...............it aint cheap
    Mark


    Kharma DB9 Signature
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  23. #23

    Re: Centaur Stereo Amp

    Look forward to hearing your impressions, Mark.

    Will you listen to it first on the S5s while at David's?


    Allen



  24. #24

    Re: Centaur Stereo Amp

    Quote Originally Posted by MDP View Post
    Well, I'm leaving in a few minutes to go pick up the Constellation Centaur stereo amp from David

    I will have it up and running by late afternoon. I hope I don't love it...............it aint cheap
    I'm looking forward to hearing your impressions. It's going to take something special to move out the Classe monos.

  25. #25
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    Re: Centaur Stereo Amp

    Enjoy Mark! I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the amp.
    Michael

    Magico S5s; PASS Labs Xs150s and Xs preamplifier; Lumin A1; Synergistic Research Galileo LE Powercell, Galileo LE speaker cables and interconnects, Galileo LE Analog and Digital power cords, Transporter Ultra SE, Tranquility Bases, MiGs, HFTs, XOTs, FEQ, Vibratron and Bass Station.

  26. #26
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    Re: Centaur Stereo Amp

    Quote Originally Posted by mdkim View Post
    Enjoy Mark! I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the amp.
    +1

    Remember Mark, the amps don't need to be cheap as long as you are.
    Doug



  27. #27

    Centaur Stereo Amp

    That's a good one!!
    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

  28. #28
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    Re: Centaur Stereo Amp

    Very cool!

    The stereo amp is dirt cheap compared to their top of the line amps. It's all relative.
    Jock

    If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don't have integrity, nothing else matters.

    ---------

    House: Naim ND555/2PS, Naim 552, Naim 500, Studer A80/Doshi V3, Magico M2s, 2 Magico Q-Sub 15s, Lumina IC/SC, Shunyata Everest and Omega PCs.

    Workshop: Naim ND555/2 PS, VAC Master Pre, VAC Sig 200iQ, Border Patrol pre/power, Avant Garde Duo Mezzo XD, 2 Magico Q-Sub 15s, Shunyata IC/SC, Shunyata Typhon QR/Triton V3/Sigma PCs.

  29. #29

    Re: Centaur Stereo Amp

    Best amp I have paired with my S5 Magicos is the constellation. Brings its full potential to bear.

  30. #30
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    Re: Centaur Stereo Amp

    I am certainly looking forward to Mark's opinion.
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

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    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

  31. #31

    Re: Centaur Stereo Amp

    Now this is getting interesting........subscribed!

  32. #32

    Re: Centaur Stereo Amp

    Quote Originally Posted by dlb2 View Post
    +1

    Remember Mark, the amps don't need to be cheap as long as you are.



    That's a great line Doug!!


    Allen



  33. #33

    Re: Centaur Stereo Amp

    Mark, back home and listening to the Centaur driving your Salons yet? Inquiring minds would like to know...


    Allen



  34. #34
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    Re: Centaur Stereo Amp

    I was wondering the same thing Allen...
    _______________

    Mike

    Amplification: MBL 6010D, MBL 9008A Monos
    Analog: Kuzma R, Kuzma 4Point (11”), MSL Ultra Eminent EX
    Phono Pre: Pass XP-27
    Digital: Esoteric N01XD Esoteric K05
    Speakers: MBL 101E MKII
    Subwoofers: REL Carbon Specials
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    Rack: Artesania Exoteryc

  35. #35
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    Re: Centaur Stereo Amp

    +1



    Quote Originally Posted by socfan12 View Post
    Mark, back home and listening to the Centaur driving your Salons yet? Inquiring minds would like to know...
    Quote Originally Posted by Ritmo View Post
    I was wondering the same thing Allen...
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

  36. #36
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    Re: Centaur Stereo Amp

    Ok boys, I've been listening for several hours and I'm liking what I'm hearing.

    The amp only has 40 hours on it right now, Constellation says it needs 300. But so far I can't find anything that pisses me off. And for me, that's how I audition gear. I look for things I can't live with.
    It's easy to pick out the things you like. It's what a piece of gear does wrong that will eventually make you crazy.

    It may be a real contender !!
    Mark


    Kharma DB9 Signature
    Pass Labs XP32......incoming
    Pass Labs X350.8
    Esoteric N-05XD
    VPI Avenger with Magnetic Drive
    Manley Chinook Phono Pre
    Ortofon Cadenza Black cartridge
    Kharma Elegance speaker cables
    Kharma Elegance interconnects
    REL Subs

  37. #37

    Re: Centaur Stereo Amp

    Quote Originally Posted by MDP View Post
    Ok boys, I've been listening for several hours and I'm liking what I'm hearing.

    The amp only has 40 hours on it right now, Constellation says it needs 300. But so far I can't find anything that pisses me off. And for me, that's how I audition gear. I look for things I can't live with.
    It's easy to pick out the things you like. It's what a piece of gear does wrong that will eventually make you crazy.

    It may be a real contender !!
    I like that approach - will use it in future. What irritates me as std then move into what sounds great.

  38. #38

    Re: Centaur Stereo Amp

    Quote Originally Posted by Dpod4 View Post
    I like that approach - will use it in future. What irritates me as std then move into what sounds great.
    +1. That is a good way of approaching any demo. It's so easy to get seduced by the good stuff we like and overlook the annoying things we don't like, but would live with should we make the purchase. Mark, good tip!

    Mark, please keep us posted as the amp burns in and you get more time with them on the Salons!


    Allen



  39. #39
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    Re: Centaur Stereo Amp

    Glad your are liking it so far Mark. Did you get to hear it with the S5s as well?
    _______________

    Mike

    Amplification: MBL 6010D, MBL 9008A Monos
    Analog: Kuzma R, Kuzma 4Point (11”), MSL Ultra Eminent EX
    Phono Pre: Pass XP-27
    Digital: Esoteric N01XD Esoteric K05
    Speakers: MBL 101E MKII
    Subwoofers: REL Carbon Specials
    Conditioner: Shunyata Triton 3
    Power Cables: Shunyata Sigma 1 & 2, Alpha 2, Delta and Venom
    ICs and SCs: Wireworld Platinum 8
    Rack: Artesania Exoteryc

  40. #40
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    Re: Centaur Stereo Amp

    Mike, I heard the Centaur monos with the S5's at David's place, it was also very good.
    Mark


    Kharma DB9 Signature
    Pass Labs XP32......incoming
    Pass Labs X350.8
    Esoteric N-05XD
    VPI Avenger with Magnetic Drive
    Manley Chinook Phono Pre
    Ortofon Cadenza Black cartridge
    Kharma Elegance speaker cables
    Kharma Elegance interconnects
    REL Subs

  41. #41
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    Re: Centaur Stereo Amp

    Day 3, and nothing is bothering me one bit. This amp may be staying.
    Mark


    Kharma DB9 Signature
    Pass Labs XP32......incoming
    Pass Labs X350.8
    Esoteric N-05XD
    VPI Avenger with Magnetic Drive
    Manley Chinook Phono Pre
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    Kharma Elegance speaker cables
    Kharma Elegance interconnects
    REL Subs

  42. #42
    Senior Member
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    Re: Centaur Stereo Amp

    It looks good on your floor
    Jock

    If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don't have integrity, nothing else matters.

    ---------

    House: Naim ND555/2PS, Naim 552, Naim 500, Studer A80/Doshi V3, Magico M2s, 2 Magico Q-Sub 15s, Lumina IC/SC, Shunyata Everest and Omega PCs.

    Workshop: Naim ND555/2 PS, VAC Master Pre, VAC Sig 200iQ, Border Patrol pre/power, Avant Garde Duo Mezzo XD, 2 Magico Q-Sub 15s, Shunyata IC/SC, Shunyata Typhon QR/Triton V3/Sigma PCs.

  43. #43
    Senior Member
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    Re: Centaur Stereo Amp

    Quote Originally Posted by MDP View Post
    Day 3, and nothing is bothering me one bit. This amp may be staying.
    Nice Mark!! But where are the pics!!
    Michael

    Magico S5s; PASS Labs Xs150s and Xs preamplifier; Lumin A1; Synergistic Research Galileo LE Powercell, Galileo LE speaker cables and interconnects, Galileo LE Analog and Digital power cords, Transporter Ultra SE, Tranquility Bases, MiGs, HFTs, XOTs, FEQ, Vibratron and Bass Station.

  44. #44
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    Re: Centaur Stereo Amp

    Quote Originally Posted by MDP View Post
    Mike, I heard the Centaur monos with the S5's at David's place, it was also very good.
    Quote Originally Posted by MDP View Post
    Day 3, and nothing is bothering me one bit. This amp may be staying.
    So you'll be getting new amps and speakers huh?
    Doug



  45. #45
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    Re: Centaur Stereo Amp

    Quote Originally Posted by MDP View Post
    Day 3, and nothing is bothering me one bit. This amp may be staying.
    ... but wait, there's more! What about the Pass .8s?
    _______________

    Mike

    Amplification: MBL 6010D, MBL 9008A Monos
    Analog: Kuzma R, Kuzma 4Point (11”), MSL Ultra Eminent EX
    Phono Pre: Pass XP-27
    Digital: Esoteric N01XD Esoteric K05
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    ICs and SCs: Wireworld Platinum 8
    Rack: Artesania Exoteryc

  46. #46

    Re: Centaur Stereo Amp

    Quote Originally Posted by MDP View Post
    Day 3, and nothing is bothering me one bit. This amp may be staying.
    Great to hear, Mark! Do they do anything more/better than your Classe's?

    Are you demoing the Stereo or Monos?


    Allen



  47. #47
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    Re: Centaur Stereo Amp

    +1 Mark. All kidding aside, if you are impressed, it must sound fantastic.

    Enjoy the journey my friend!
    _______________

    Mike

    Amplification: MBL 6010D, MBL 9008A Monos
    Analog: Kuzma R, Kuzma 4Point (11”), MSL Ultra Eminent EX
    Phono Pre: Pass XP-27
    Digital: Esoteric N01XD Esoteric K05
    Speakers: MBL 101E MKII
    Subwoofers: REL Carbon Specials
    Conditioner: Shunyata Triton 3
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    ICs and SCs: Wireworld Platinum 8
    Rack: Artesania Exoteryc

  48. #48
    Behavior Moderator (be nice police!)
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    Re: Centaur Stereo Amp

    Well, Jock came today and picked up the Constellation Centaur stereo amp. He left me a couple of other amps to play with, but I already miss the Constellation !

    I will be doing a in-home demo of the Magico S3's in the next week or so, thanks to David Baskin and a certain one of our members.
    If the S3's don't better the Salon 2's, I will most likely be buying a Constellation stereo amp. It's hands down the best solid state amp I've ever heard in my system.
    And here is the list of amps I've heard with the Salon 2's;

    Mc 402
    Mc 501 monos
    Anthem D1 monos
    Accuphase 6100
    D'Agostino stereo
    Mark Levinson No.53's
    Bryston 14b SST
    Solution 710
    ARC 450 class D
    Classe' CA M600's
    I'm probably forgetting a few more, along with some good tube amps.

    The Centaur is without a doubt, the best amplifier I've ever heard on the Revel speakers !! If I'm honest, I simply cannot find fault with it. That's not to say it's perfect , it's not. But it's as perfect,to me, as anything else I've heard.
    I reminds me of the Lumin music streamer, it doesn't play music, music just flows out of it in the most beautiful and natural way. Its really quite hard to explain it.
    I think that I read that they design their circuits a little differently than others, I don't know if that matters, but I do know that I miss it already.
    Mark


    Kharma DB9 Signature
    Pass Labs XP32......incoming
    Pass Labs X350.8
    Esoteric N-05XD
    VPI Avenger with Magnetic Drive
    Manley Chinook Phono Pre
    Ortofon Cadenza Black cartridge
    Kharma Elegance speaker cables
    Kharma Elegance interconnects
    REL Subs

  49. #49

    Re: Centaur Stereo Amp

    Mark...very cool. What happens if you also like the S3s will you replace both speaker and amp at same time or will it have to be one or the other at first?
    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

  50. #50
    Audioshark
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    Re: Centaur Stereo Amp

    Mark - that is great! I'm sure Darrin will agree to the exceptional sound of the Constellation.
    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.

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Centaur Stereo Amp

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