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April 14, 2014, 10:33 PM #1
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Constellation Audio Centaur Monos with ARC Preamp
I am thinking of matching my Ref 10 with Constellation Audio Centaur Mono amps. I am curious if anyone has tried this combo or maybe the Ref 5SE or Ref 40??? Or, for that matter, any tube preamp experience with the Centaurs would be welcome.
Thanks in advance for feedback,
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April 14, 2014, 10:36 PM #2
Re: Constellation Audio Centaur Monos with ARC Preamp
My reference system is ARC Ref 40 and ARC Ref 2SE with Centaur Stereo. Perfection. Better than with Virgo II as preamp. I can only imagine how the Ref 10 sounds with centaur monos!! I have cycled thru many combos. ARC plus Constellation + Magico is incredible. Arc brings holography and texture. Centaur brings delicacy and power. Magico pairs perfectly with constellation
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April 14, 2014, 10:51 PM #3
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Re: Constellation Audio Centaur Monos with ARC Preamp
Thanks Dpod. I have seen some of your comments but I wasn't sure if you had just auditioned or own the combo. It is great to hear you are so positive having lived with them! BTW, I just received an email from Peter Madnick confirming the synergy as well. He indicated certain dealers around the world have taken to matching ARC Preamps with Centaurs.
Thanks again,
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April 14, 2014, 10:53 PM #4
Re: Constellation Audio Centaur Monos with ARC Preamp
Yes I own the arc and Constellation gear. I auditioned and could have purchased the Virgo II. I thought ARC preamp was more synergistic with centaur. More meaty and musical.
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April 15, 2014, 09:39 AM #5
Re: Constellation Audio Centaur Monos with ARC Preamp
Add me to the list, loving my Centaur with Ref 5. I rotate with the Virgo when I want a little tube sound.
IMG_1176.JPG
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April 15, 2014, 09:50 AM #6
Re: Constellation Audio Centaur Monos with ARC Preamp
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/
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April 15, 2014, 09:52 AM #7
Re: Constellation Audio Centaur Monos with ARC Preamp
How is the Strad/601 combo?
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/
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April 15, 2014, 10:13 AM #8
Re: Constellation Audio Centaur Monos with ARC Preamp
Heaven, however MC2301 are the amps to have for the Strads...never heard a sweeter combo than the C500 with MC2301 on the strads.
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April 15, 2014, 11:18 AM #9
Re: Constellation Audio Centaur Monos with ARC Preamp
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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April 15, 2014, 11:39 AM #10
Re: Constellation Audio Centaur Monos with ARC Preamp
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.
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April 15, 2014, 01:32 PM #11
Re: Constellation Audio Centaur Monos with ARC Preamp
Repeated my previous post, sorry but wasn't trying to skewer Joe.
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April 15, 2014, 01:36 PM #12
Re: Constellation Audio Centaur Monos with ARC Preamp
Stick a fork in him. Joe's done.
Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkMy 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/
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April 15, 2014, 10:22 PM #13
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April 16, 2014, 07:41 AM #14
Re: Constellation Audio Centaur Monos with ARC Preamp
Paul, going to hear Constellation and Raidho D3's today...............I'll let you know.
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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April 16, 2014, 08:49 PM #15
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April 17, 2014, 04:55 PM #16
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April 17, 2014, 07:45 PM #17
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Re: Constellation Audio Centaur Monos with ARC Preamp
I was concerned with matching my ref Anni to the centaur stereo's 20kohm input impedance which is in the lower end of what ARC specifies. This proved to be a non issue and the synergy is excellent. I'll be posting my views on a Virgo 2 audition soon.
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April 17, 2014, 08:11 PM #18
Re: Constellation Audio Centaur Monos with ARC Preamp
I found Virgo 2 to excel at resolution and low level listening. The ref 40 excelled at texture and holography
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April 17, 2014, 08:14 PM #19
Re: Constellation Audio Centaur Monos with ARC Preamp
Darrin - how did you like Hegel?
Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkMy 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/
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April 17, 2014, 08:34 PM #20
Re: Constellation Audio Centaur Monos with ARC Preamp
The Hegel P30 and H30 are truly amazing for their price point. I had both in my system. Sold them tho as the ARC and Constellation were/are in a different league. The Hegel did beat CJ GAT and 350 and Hegel beat VAC preamp and 450S amp. All judgments based on synergy with Magico s5 and Maggie 3.7.
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April 17, 2014, 08:42 PM #21
Re: Constellation Audio Centaur Monos with ARC Preamp
Darin, heard the Constellation monos with the D3's at David's, it was perfect !!
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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April 17, 2014, 08:42 PM #22
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April 17, 2014, 08:43 PM #23
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April 17, 2014, 08:45 PM #24
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April 17, 2014, 08:47 PM #25
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April 17, 2014, 09:14 PM #26
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Re: Constellation Audio Centaur Monos with ARC Preamp
Had the Hegel H 30 driving my Q3. Completely outclassed the ref 250 which is a great amp but not the ideal match to the complex magico load. While H30 is a great match to the Q3, the Consrellarion clearly bumps the bar up. Had them side by side with the mighty Krell 600e's. While the krell's bottom end had more weight, the constellation, despite its huge power disadvantage, wasn't far behind. It was the liquid and expressive mids of the constellation that won the day for me.
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April 17, 2014, 09:17 PM #27
Re: Constellation Audio Centaur Monos with ARC Preamp
Thanks guys.
Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkMy 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/
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April 17, 2014, 09:46 PM #28
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April 17, 2014, 10:18 PM #29
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May 6, 2014, 08:21 AM #30
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Re: Constellation Audio Centaur Monos with ARC Preamp
Got a chance to audition the the Virgo 2. Initially, I was impressed by the added clarity and speed, regardless of whether one uses the direct or balanced input. But ultimately, I still preferred the more relaxed and lush presentation of the ref anniversary. I felt that the Virgo, while definitely clearer and more transparent, added a tad of brightness that made it difficult to give up the lusher presentation of the ref anniversary. Depending on speakers and ancillary components, I can, however, see others preferring the Virgo over the ARC line stages. Speakers used were Magico q3 and ML Summit X.
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May 29, 2014, 01:00 AM #31
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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.
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heard the large ones twice, pretty nice
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