Power amplifiers stereo — Constellation Audio Performance 2 Stereo Amplifier

The Performance 2 Stereo Amplifier is a stereo power amplifier from Constellation Audio, based on the company's C-SMPS switch-mode power supply and its Balanced Bridged circuit configuration. It refines the circuits of its direct predecessor and of the earlier Reference series, and in the Performance line it sits below the Performance 2 Monoblock, which delivers 1,200 watts into 8 ohms and 2,000 watts into 4 ohms per unit.

Key specs that matter

Rated output is 600 watts per channel into 8 ohms, rising to 1,125 watts per channel into 4 ohms. Constellation describes the C-SMPS as the best power supply it has made, delivering cleaner and more consistent power than a traditional transformer-based design, which gives a low noise floor and high dynamic range. Besides the conventional balanced input, there is a Constellation Direct XLR input. Large analogue meters on the front panel, a first for this series, show power output in real time.

Engineering and use context

The Balanced Bridged configuration departs from the usual balanced amplifier. A conventional design uses N-type transistors for the positive half of the signal and P-type transistors for the negative half, while Constellation uses only N-type transistors for both halves, so both signal paths run through identical circuitry. The Constellation Direct XLR input bypasses an entire amplification stage, which shortens the signal path and reduces circuit complexity. Thanks to the bridged design, Constellation quotes in-room peaks of around 112dBA at reference volume without overload, and states that the amplifier can drive any loudspeaker regardless of its impedance or sensitivity.

Pairing

The Constellation Direct XLR input is designed for the matching Performance 2 Preamplifier, and together the two form the core of a complete Constellation system. Buyers with very insensitive speakers or very large rooms can move up to a pair of Performance 2 Monoblocks driven by the same preamplifier.

Alternatives

Constellation Audio also makes the Revelation 2 Stereo Amplifier, a stereo power amp from its Revelation series.