Полочная акустика — Chario CONSTELLATION DELPHINUS MK2

The Constellation Delphinus MK2 is the bigger bookshelf entry of the second-generation Constellation range from Chario of Italy, a line whose first version appeared in 1998. The current family has four members - the Lynx and Delphinus bookshelf models and the Cygnus and Pegasus three-way floorstanders - and all of them share the same 38 mm tweeter. Prices at launch were GBP 1,699 per pair in the UK, and North American pricing was USD 3,300 without stands or USD 4,485 with the matching Chario supports.

Key specs that matter

Chario combines this soft-dome tweeter with a 160 mm woofer that uses a paper compound cone. The crossover works at 1,500 Hz with a fourth-order Linkwitz-Riley type slope. Sensitivity is 90 dB SPL, measured at 1 m with 2.83 V and decorrelated left and right pink noise. The bass response is rated at 55 Hz at -3 dB. Chario gives the impedance as a modulus of 4 ohm with a phase argument of plus or minus 36 degrees. Every speaker is 410 mm high, 230 mm wide and 330 mm deep and weighs 12 kg. The only finish is walnut.

Engineering and use context

The cabinet has a core of high-density fibreboard, with slightly curved side panels in real walnut from sustainable forestry, supplied in matte or gloss. Bass loading follows Chario's vented NRS principle, with the port opening on the underside of the enclosure. For that reason the cabinet stands on built-in feet, whose height is calibrated to leave the right gap between the port and the top plate of a stand so the reflex system works as intended. The dedicated stands also damp vibration of the cabinet. Compared with the smaller Lynx, the Delphinus is 3 dB more sensitive, which means it needs only half the amplifier power to produce the same sound pressure. Connection is through one set of terminals only, which rules out bi-wiring. Chario specifies the speaker for rooms between 9 m2 and 20 m2.

Pairing

The manufacturer quotes a minimum of 30 W and a suggested maximum of 70 W average power at the rated impedance. That range covers most integrated amplifiers, and the high efficiency keeps demands on output modest, though the low nominal load still favours an amplifier designed to handle lower impedances. Chario's own stands are the intended support because of the port and feet arrangement.

Alternatives

The Chario Constellation Lynx MK2 offers a more compact Constellation bookshelf cabinet, built around a 130 mm woofer and rated at 87 dB.