Constellation Audio Unveils Virgo III Preamplifier and Centaur II Power Amplifier

Constellation Audio, the innovative manufacturer of high performance preamplifiers, amplifiers, and digital playback systems, is pleased to announce the debut of the new Virgo III preamplifier and Centaur II power amplifier at the Munich High End Show in Munich Germany from May 14 – 17. Building on the success of the original Virgos and Centaur, and benefitting from the research and development used to create the Reference Series Altair II preamplifier and Hercules II amplifiers, this new combination resets the bar for high performance preamps and amplifiers. Products of the Constellation Audio “dream team,” the Virgo III and Centaur II deliver outstanding audio performance across the entire musical range and regardless of the type of music.

Constellation Audio CEO Dr. Murali Murugasu observes, “Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the Virgo III’s performance is that it reaches optimum operating efficiency almost instantly. When coupled with the Centaur II, the bass, dynamics, and musical realism is unlike that of any other combination I have ever heard – short of the Altair II and Hercules II. All of the music is there; nothing is added, sacrificed, or compromised.” The Virgo III represents an evolutionary improvement from the highly-regarded Virgo II. Like the Virgo II, the Virgo III utilizes a separate power supply for better isolation and lower noise. Compared to its predecessor, the Virgo III offers improved remote control operation, smoother operation of front panel knobs, and new internal circuitry that allows a quicker warmup time for virtually instantaneous peak operation. As part of its user-friendly design, the Virgo III has a theater bypass feature which can be configured for any of its inputs, and a DB-9 port for easy integration into whole house automation systems.

The Centaur II is a completely new amplifier design that is built on a redesigned chassis. Incorporating a new capacitor board derived from the Hercules II and specifically adapted for the Centaur II, the power supply capacitance of the Centaur II is greater than the original Centaur by a whole order of magnitude. While the rated power output is the same as the original Centaur (which remains in the line), the increased capacitance results, according to VP of Engineering Peter Madnick, in palpably better bass at all listening levels. Dynamics, both macro and micro, are also significantly improved. The larger chassis of the Centaur II allows us to increase the internal shielding, thereby lowering the overall noise of the amplifier. A final benefit of the new chassis design with its larger heat sinks is more efficient cooling. Like all Constellation Audio amplifier designs, the Centaur II is available in both stereo and monaural configurations.

Display Location

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

Virgo III

• Bandwidth: 10Hz-200 KHz @ 0.5% THD+N
• Output = 17 Volts RMS
• Inputs: 4-XLR Balanced, 4-RCA Unbalanced
• Output: 2pr XLR & RCA/channel
• Remote Control: Volume, Balance, Input, Mute, Phase
• Features: External power supply, 12V trigger, USB control, DB-9
• Preamp Dimensions: (W x H x D): 17” x 5.5” x 15.75”; 43.2 cm x 14 cm x 40 cm; Weight: 35 lbs.; 16 kg.
• Power Supply Dimensions: (W x H x D): 17” x 5” x 14.5”; 43.2 cm x 12.7 cm x 36.8 cm; Weight: 22 lbs.; 10 kg.

Centaur II Stereo

• Power Output: 250 W/ch. into 8 Ohms, 500 W/ch. into 4 Ohms @ < 0.05% at rated power
• Frequency Response: 10Hz – 100 KHz +1/-0.5 dB
• Inputs: Constellation Direct, XLR Balanced, RCA Unbalanced
• Output: 1pr. Binding post/Banana socket/channel
• Input Impedance: 10KΩ Unbalanced, 20KΩ Balanced
• Features: 12V trigger, USB control
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 18.75” x 11.7” x 22.3”; 47.6 cm x 29.7 cm x 56.6 cm
• Weight: 130 lbs.; 48.5 kg.

Pricing and Availability

The US retail price of the Virgo III is $30,000. Deliveries are expected to begin in early summer of this year. The US retail price of the Centaur II is $40,000 for the Centaur II Stereo and $80,000 for a pair of Centaur II Monos. Deliveries for the Centaur II are expected to begin in late summer of this year.

Source: Press Release