Integrated amplifiers — Constellation Audio Inspiration 2 Integrated Amplifier

The Inspiration 2 Integrated Amplifier is a solid-state integrated amplifier from Constellation Audio, part of the brand's more accessible Inspiration series while still reflecting Constellation's core engineering philosophy. The Inspiration 2 brings that considered approach into a complete integrated chassis combining preamplification and power stages.

Key specs that matter

Two balanced XLR inputs and two single-ended RCA inputs are provided. Input sensitivity spans 3,000-15,000mV, with output impedance held to 50 ohms on both balanced and single-ended connections. Output power is 2 x 125W into 8 ohms, doubling cleanly to 2 x 220W into 4 ohms - a near-textbook power doubling indicating a robust, well-regulated power supply. Gain is switchable across 12-25.2dB. Frequency response spans a wide 10Hz to 80,000Hz within plus-or-minus 3dB. Signal-to-noise ratio reaches 100dB, with damping factor at 64. At 432 x 483 x 140mm and 16kg, the Inspiration 2 maintains a substantial full-width chassis consistent with serious internal engineering.

Sound and use context

Expect the clean, low-distortion character Constellation Audio's broader engineering philosophy pursues across its entire range, scaled to a more accessible price point - the clean power doubling into 4 ohms suggests a design capable of driving a wide range of loudspeaker impedances without strain.

Pairing

The clean power doubling and switchable gain settings suit a wide range of loudspeaker sensitivities and source output levels, easing system matching considerably.

Alternatives

Constellation Audio's Performance and Reference series amplifiers sit above this Inspiration 2 model at considerably higher investment, worth the further expenditure if this model's already substantial performance still leaves ambitions for Constellation's flagship-tier engineering.