Constellation Inspiration 1.0 Pre-Amp and Inspiration Stereo Poweramp 1.0 (pre-loved) for sale. In perfecy working condition. Cosmetically close to perfect and out rating of 8 is conservative. We ship free in Canada.
Inquiries Call Philip Meyburgh (604) 351-3485. Please do not e-mail or text, as these cannot be answered.
The Constellation Inspiration Preamp 1.0 is praised for its outstanding transparency and soundstaging, creating a vast, open, and airy presentation that makes speakers disappear and reveals exceptional micro-level details with ease, including the delicate shimmer of cymbals. Reviewers highlight its speed and straightforwardness, delivering music with pinpoint accuracy and no vagueness, along with a deep immersion experience due to its sensitivity to micro-dynamics. While sometimes perceived as slightly cool or clinical in certain systems, it is generally considered a top-tier, high-value performer, offering the quality of Constellation's higher-end electronics at a more accessible price.
Key Strengths
Transparency and Soundstaging: The Preamp 1.0 provides an exceptionally detailed and transparent sound, with a vast, deep, and open soundstage that brings a strong sense of dimensionality and makes loudspeakers “disappear”.
Micro-Dynamics and Detail: It excels at revealing the subtlest nuances and changes in musical levels from one note to the next, creating a deep, immersive listening experience.
Speed and Accuracy: The preamp is noted for its rapid response and recovery, presenting music in a straightforward, fast manner with a focus on pinpoint accuracy and no sense of vagueness.
Musicality: Despite its analytical qualities, it is praised for its musicality, offering a rich texture and tonal shading without compromising the dynamics of heavy music.
Value: For its high-performance capabilities, it is considered a rare and affordable "bargain" for more audiophiles, closely aligning its performance with the company's much more expensive flagship models.
Potential Considerations
System Matching: In certain systems, its very straightforward and transparent nature might come across as slightly cool or clinical, though it is often considered a good partner for high-end speakers.
Ergonomics: Some users noted minor quirks with the unit's ergonomics, though these are generally seen as minor issues in the context of its overall performance.
Internal DAC: The Preamp 1.0 does not include an internal DAC, meaning a separate high-quality digital-to-analog converter is necessary for digital playback.