Constellation Taurus Stereo Power Amplifier

Constellation Taurus Stereo Power Amplifier

"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)

Perfect balance from input to output

Although Taurus has a more compact form factor than our larger amps, it relies on the same technologies developed for our first amplifier, the Reference Series Hercules.

The audio signal chain starts with our Line Stage Gain Module, a fully balanced input stage that employs the same topology used in all of our preamps. Separate circuits are used to amplify the positive and negative halves of the audio signal, and a servo circuit constantly monitors and maintains an essentially perfect balance between the two. This preserves even the subtlest details in audiophile recording, which can be concealed if the positive/negative balance is inaccurate. If a Constellation preamp is used, the Taurus's Direct input can be connected to form the Constellation Link, which achieves maximum possible fidelity by bypassing the amplifier's input stage.

The signal then travels to our Balanced Bridged amplification circuits, which use identical 125-watt, single-ended modules in combination. This unusual arrangement achieves two important goals. First, it gives Taurus the same delicate, musical sound of a small, single-ended amp, but of course with far superior power and dynamics. Second, because these single-ended modules use only NPN output transistors, the positive and negative halves of the signal are treated exactly the same. In a conventional amplifier, NPN transistors power the positive half of the signal while PNP transistors power the negative half. This difference can obscure the details that for many audiophiles are the most important part of a stereo presentation.

This is an amplifier that uses all of the strengths of a balanced amplifier (such as a low noise floor, greater dynamic range, and an ability to use long cable without significantly changing the sound), 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.

Practically limitless dynamics

Taurus's dual toroidal power transformers and massive storage capacitor banks provide the necessary voltage and current to support its expanded power rating, and also to extend its dynamics. It can power even the largest, most demanding speakers to extremely loud levels while maintaining precise control of every note. Yet thanks to our Balanced Bridged design, Taurus always delivers the captivating musicality of a small, single-ended amplifier.

The output is rated at 250 watts into 8 ohms, increasing to 500 watts into 4 ohms and 800 watts into 2 ohms. Even when running at maximum output, Taurus remains completely stable because its modular design does not require a Zobel network at the output to filter out ultrasonic frequencies, a compromise many high-end amplifiers must employ to assure high-frequency stability.

To assure long service life for Taurus's internal components, we use the same thermal management system proven in years of use with the world's most demanding audiophiles. Heat from the output transistors passes into the amplifier's massive, deep-fin heat sinks, which are cooled by consistent airflow through hundreds of large ventilation holes in the sides of the chassis. Thus, when you demand the most from Taurus, it always responds with maximum performance and fidelity.

Reviews

 "I find myself in the Constellation Audio camp; while I liked and respected what the Magico system sounded like, my personal preference for those M2 loudspeakers was in the context of Constellation Audio, as it just made music sound more like music"

Read this review: A tale of two Magicos by HiFi Plus