Constellation Pictor Preamp

Triple-transformer, separate power supply

Pictor's power supply resides in a separate chassis made from machined aluminum slabs, connected to the preamp section by three high-current PCOCC cables tipped with Hypertronics connectors originally developed for aerospace. Keeping the power supply separate shields the audio circuitry from the electromagnetic fields generated by the transformers.

Inside the chassis are three separate power supplies, one each for left channel, right channel, and control circuits. This dual-mono design provides separate R-core transformers for left and right channels. Thus, extreme demands in one channel do not affect the other, so the music is reproduced with all the natural imaging and sound staging of the original recording. A third EI-type transformer powers Pictor?s control circuits.

Our optional DC power filter augments the already impressive power storage and filtration in the stock power supply. The added peak output and filtration from the DC filter allow Pictor to achieve even better dynamics with even lower power supply noise.

Line Stage Gain Module for perfect signal balance

The core of Pictor is the Line Stage Gain Module circuit originally developed for our Reference Series Altair line stage. We have found no better method of amplifying and buffering line-level signals. It is a fully balanced topology, with separate mirror-imaged circuits to amplify the positive and negative halves of the audio signal. To assure clear reproduction of even the subtlest details, we use a servo circuit that continuously monitors and maintains the positive/negative signal balance. Use of ultra-low-noise field-effect transistors (FETs) assures that Pictor?s outputs emit pure music and nothing else.

Because Pictor's outputs achieve essentially perfect balance, they can be connected to Direct inputs of our power amplifiers. This forms the Constellation Link, which further improves fidelity by bypassing the amplifier?s own Line Stage Gain Module.

Physically isolated audio circuits

Pictor's audio circuit boards mount on a thick metal plate, which is
"floated" using soft, pliable isolators. This isolation prevents ground-borne vibration from reaching the audio circuits. Vibration control in line-level audio components is especially important because the vibrations can create small fluctuations in the values of passive components. These fluctuations can produce an audio signal of their own, which pollutes the music signal and obscures detail. Thanks to our careful layout and construction, these issues are never a concern with Pictor.

Key chassis components are machined from thick aluminum slabs. The sheer mass of the metal makes it harder for vibrations to affect Pictor, and the unusually thick panels are capable of blocking any electromagnetic or radio-frequency interference commonly encountered in a home.

Elegant, friendly design

All of Pictor's features and adjustments can be controlled through a large, easy-to-read LCD touchscreen on the front panel. Even Pictor?s most advanced features, such as input gain preset and home theater bypass, can be accessed with just a few touches. We chose the touchscreen fonts not only because they look great, but also because they are easy to read from across a room.

Pictor's most commonly used controls, such as volume, input selection, and mute, can also be accessed through its machined aluminum remote, which echoes the style and elegance of the preamp itself.

We have noticed that many audiophiles are gravitating toward simpler systems, perhaps with just a turntable and a digital media server as sources. For them, Pictor may be the ideal preamp. Its sound quality is exceeded only by that of our Altair II and Virgo III preamps. Its versatility allows it to achieve maximum fidelity from any source. And its simplicity and ease of use make it a pleasure to use and hear every day.

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