Предусилители — Constellation Audio Performance 2 Preamplifier

The Performance 2 Preamplifier is the line-level preamplifier of Constellation Audio's Performance 2 series, a range the company says eclipses its outgoing Reference series. Constellation states that it incorporates the most evolved technology and circuitry of any preamplifier it has built, and it is built as two enclosures, one for the audio circuits and one for the power supply.

Key specs that matter

Inputs are four stereo XLR and four stereo RCA, plus a USB connection reserved for control. Outputs are two stereo XLR and two stereo RCA, and a 12 V trigger is provided. THD+N is below 0.001% from 20 Hz to 20 kHz at 2 V output and below 0.1% over the same band at 10 V. Signal-to-noise ratio exceeds 108 dB A-weighted. Input impedance is 40 kilohm balanced and 20 kilohm single-ended, and output impedance is below 20 ohms. Volume steps are 0.5 dB from 0 dB down to -90 dBFS. The preamplifier weighs 12.75 kg and measures 43.2 x 13.3 x 40 cm (WHD), while the power supply weighs 5.5 kg and measures 43.2 x 6.4 x 33 cm.

Engineering and use context

The Line Stage Gain Module circuit is fully balanced and mirror-imaged, using ultra-low-noise transistors matched by hand. A servo circuit monitors signal balance and corrects any inaccuracy. The switch-mode power supply produces DC voltage more than 20 dB quieter than a transformer-based linear supply, with consistent results regardless of AC wall voltage, and it sits in its own aluminum enclosure that isolates it from the audio circuits. In the dual-mono layout the left channel mirrors the right and the inputs and outputs for each channel are grouped on separate sides of the rear panel, so the channels are not recombined at the jacks. A resistor ladder under digital control sets the volume in place of a potentiometer. Operation runs through an LCD touchscreen with control buttons and indicators along its lower edge, and a machined aluminum remote control is supplied. The remote shifts channel balance in 0.1 dB steps and has a button that reverses the phase of the output, and muting is done by a relay. The supply connects to the audio chassis through three dedicated cables, for Analog Right, Analog Left and Control power.

Pairing

Constellation pairs this preamplifier with the Performance 2 Stereo or Monoblock amplifiers. When used with a Constellation amplifier, its output can feed the amplifier's Constellation Direct XLR input, bypassing that amplifier's input stage.

Alternatives

The Constellation Revelation 2 Preamplifier is built around the same Line Stage Gain Module and offers three balanced plus three single-ended inputs.