Results 1 to 21 of 21
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April 17, 2013, 11:52 AM #1
Constellation Centaur Stereo Amplifier
cut and pasted from posting in Constellation forum...
I knew in the first few notes we had a (clear) winner...sorry to preempt the voting. Not even warmed up and with compromised cabling, the impact and impression was OVERWHELMING. Last night I listened extensively to Burmester CD 03 thru the VAC and Ref 40, a great way to sonically and musically test gear, in addition to some prized vinyl. I've never listened to a component and immediately felt compelled to grap a pad of paper and pen, but this Centaur made me want to. As I listened here is what I wrote (noting it may be very system and room dependent):
Not hyperbole....I'm finicky and fickle and not easily impressed, I knew in the first few notes, this is as it should be. Left me wanting for nothing (a feeling I cannot ever remember having). I cannot believe what I am hearing. Instant connection like when I met my wife or first drove my R32 (even more instant than my SL600...price doesn't dictate outcome). The Centaur is a game changer, transformative (truly)....as impressive (actually more) of an upgrade than any component change I've made including ARC Ref40 or Magico speakers...and those two were huge upgrades.
In short, more of everything...liquid smooth, all there for the taking, smooth and musical. Only amp that has been able to grab me by the balls and whisper in my ear at the same time.
This is how I want my Magicos to sound, for real. Enveloping; heard detail not there before; all the nuances captured...felt like human beings were singing to me; wanted to kiss the singer of track track one...never heard anything like this before.
What I read about all the potential of my ARC Ref 40 preamp, I'm now experiencing, in spades. I understand its potential now. Makes me feel better about acquiring it by a country mile.
Sound stage laterally is FINALLY balanced and even in height and width and presence. Layers, layers, layers. Round, round, round.
Dynamics finally. Not artificial or hyped but there and in my face (or I should say in my chest). But perfect flow and timing. Fast when needed. Slow when necessary. Transients galore. Everything but never too much, but always climactic and engaging.
Finally, detail and all of it at low volumes.
Totally balanced across the spectrum and continuous not disenfranchised presentation.
Now I understand macro and micro detail and dynamics in perfect tandem.
I'm done, the race is finished, I'm in love finally with an amp (ok that may be hyperbole).
The Centaur's sound is "transcendent, emotional, beautiful, pretty, determined, in control, effortlessly powerful, balanced; and, it conveys the drama and nuance/detail perfectly in the same moment"
Sorry for the rambling, but wow wow wow wow wow. I am very impressed and happy. All the hours researching, dollars spent, and the reach was worth it for sure.
PS, the bass and slam and movement of air from my Magicos is now in a different league, naturally and harmonically correct at same time.
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April 17, 2013, 05:36 PM #2
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April 18, 2013, 11:35 AM #3
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April 18, 2013, 12:17 PM #4Fleetwood 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.
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April 18, 2013, 12:52 PM #5
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April 18, 2013, 04:43 PM #6Fleetwood 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.
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April 18, 2013, 06:10 PM #7Gryphon Essence stereo amp and preamp/dac Hurricane power cords
Fyne Audio F1-10, Lumin T2, Moon 260 Transport
Shunyata Research Everest, Sigma V2 XC,
Shunyata Research Sigma USB and Ethernet
Argento Audio speaker cables and interconnects
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April 18, 2013, 06:27 PM #8Fleetwood 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.
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April 18, 2013, 07:20 PM #9
Great review, Darrin! Really giving me something to think about...
Allen
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April 19, 2013, 12:35 AM #10
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April 19, 2013, 01:39 AM #11Fleetwood 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.
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April 19, 2013, 06:14 PM #12
I asked my dealer about the Centuar. His response was and I trust his ears.
"I love the Centuar. Amazing amp. Probably the best solid state I have heard. The best way to describe would be delicate. Not being a girl here, but it just sounds delicate and effortless. We have a guy who purchased centaur. Has Magico and vac amps. Lost his mind. Smokes his 40k vac amp.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,
Shunyata Research Sigma USB and Ethernet
Argento Audio speaker cables and interconnects
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April 19, 2013, 06:40 PM #13
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April 19, 2013, 06:43 PM #14
Your dealer sounds spot on. I have the VAC Statement 450S, too. Probably the best sounding large watt tube amp on the market. But with the Magicos, the Centaur is in a completely different (better) league. I felt all my previous purchases were good solid incremental improvements and for the most part worth the extra dough (e.g., VAC 300.1a to VAC 450S), but the Centaur was a startling, completely unexpected and quantum leap in improvement. I feel like Constellation Centaur is the drug Bradley Cooper took in the movie Limitless....my Magicos are experiencing their full potential!
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April 19, 2013, 07:41 PM #15
Darrin... It's great to hear when somebody reaches audio nirvana!!!
__________________________________________________ _____________________________________________
Jeff
AMP: McIntosh MC402 PRE: McIntosh C2300 Digital: Gold Note DS-10 & PSU-10 EVO TURNTABLE: Dr. Feickert Blackbird PHONO STAGE: Gold Note PH-10 & PSU-10 SPEAKERS: Aerial Acoustics Model 8B’s
“The more you tighten your grip Tarkin the more star systems will slip through your fingers”
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April 19, 2013, 08:21 PM #16
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January 15, 2014, 01:31 PM #17
Re: Constellation Centaur Stereo Amplifier
Darrin, I just re-read your post on the Centaur. It got me thinking that it was the Centaur that made me go insane when I demoed the S5's at Goodwins. I initially thought it was the speakers, after hearing the S5's with different amps I'm convinced now that it was synergy with the Centaur that made me write about the S5's being game changers.
Damn hobby, the more I learn, the less I know.Last edited by MDP; January 15, 2014 at 01:33 PM.
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
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January 15, 2014, 01:57 PM #18
- Join Date
- Apr 2013
- Location
- SWFL and MRV
- Posts
- 267
Re: Constellation Centaur Stereo Amplifier
I'm afraid you might have had the same experience if you had heard the Q3 with Constellation, which I did in NYC at Ears Nova. Just a great combination. But so are Vitus or Soulution with the S5 or Q3. All state of the art in performance.
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January 16, 2014, 04:11 PM #19
Re: Constellation Centaur Stereo Amplifier
I loved the S5s on their own but when the Centuar was installed it was only then I realized what the S5s were capable of, especially low end grip and presence as well as finesse and touch on mids and highs. Interestingly the air tight ATM-2 is pretty darn close on all fronts too at a fraction of the price. I think impedance matching and current are the keys along with an SET amp type harmonic approach
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January 16, 2014, 06:49 PM #20
Re: Constellation Centaur Stereo Amplifier
Thanks Darrin !!
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
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January 16, 2014, 08:06 PM #21
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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,
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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
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