Constellation Centaur Stereo Power Amplifier

Time for Evolution. Today's hi-end amplifiers all use an age old design, which is actualy far from perfect. The only difference between hi-end designs now are the attention they give to parts quality, transformer quality etc, but fundamentally it comes down to building a better steam engine. Time to move on.

"This Constellation Audio Hercules II stereo amplifier from the company’s Reference Class is the best amplifier I have ever heard, and by a significant margin." read the review HiFi Plus (note this review is of the bigger Hercules model, but the same design topology is used in all Constellation models)

How did they do this? To build the world's best amplifier, Constellation contracted the world's top amplifier designers to address the problem with all amplifiers today. The "Dream Team" sat around the boardroom and agreed on the remaining obstacle to perfect sound. Here is how they defined the issue: The problem lies in the fact that hi-powered amplifers use pairs of output devices. This leads to an asymmetrical signal output and distortion.

Constellation's amplifier design uses all of the strengths of a balanced amplifier (such as a low noise floor, greater dynamic range), and combines them with the refined and sophisticated sound of a single-ended design. Instead of the usual arrangement of P-type (Positive-Negative-Positive) transistors handling the positive rail of the balanced line, and N-type (Negative-Positive-Negative) transistors handling the negative rail, the Hercules II modules are two single-ended amplifier designs, ending in N-type transistors in the output stage. This design has significant advantages over other circuits, because N-type and P-type transistors behave very differently, and that difference undermines the sound quality.

The result is an incredible refined product.