Triple-transformer power supply:
The design of the power supply in the Inspiration borrows heavily from the Altair II and Virgo II. We chose R-core transformers to power the audio circuits because of their inherently low noise and low radiated magnetic energy -- and because they worked so well in our previous designs. There are separate R-core transformers for left and right channels. A conventional EI transformer powers the control circuits, so the sensitive audio circuits are well-isolated from the noise of the control circuits.
Line Stage Gain Module:
We use our Line Stage Gain Module circuit in all Constellation Audio products, from the Inspiration series to the Reference series. This unique topology uses servo circuits to achieve an essentially perfect balance between the positive and negative halves of the audio signal. The result is, simply, a more lifelike sound, one free of the colorations that conventionally designed balanced preamp circuits can impart.
Fully balanced audio circuitry:
Like our more costly preamps, the Inspiration line stage employs fully complementary balanced circuitry, in which the signal is amplified by two identical, mirror-imaged preamp circuits, one for the positive half of the signal, one for the negative half. This arrangement cancels interference while doubling the slew rate, yielding an impressive 100-kilohertz frequency response.
Double-supported chassis joints to minimize vibration:
The thick, machined aluminum panels that make up the Inspiration Line Stage's chassis are assembled using a unique combination of steel buttresses and a CNC-machined joinery system somewhat like the tongue-in-groove structure found in fine woodwork. The result is a chassis far stiffer and less prone to vibration than in most preamps in this price range.
Mechanically isolated circuit boards:
To prevent microphonics and other vibration-induced distortions in the Inspiration Line Stage's sensitive audio circuits, we isolate the circuit boards from the main chassis using a pliable material. All connections from the power supply are made through cables that float freely between the power supply and the main preamp board, so they can't be affected by external disturbances and so they won't carry vibration from the power supply into the preamp circuits.
Home theater bypass mode:
For those who don't want to sacrifice sound quality, yet want to enjoy two-channel music and home theater surround sound in the same system, the Inspiration Line Stage offers a home theater bypass mode. One of its inputs can be configured to receive the left and right channel signals from a surround-sound processor. In stereo, the signal passes only through the Inspiration line stage and the connected amp, so two-channel performance is completely unaffected by the home theater equipment.
Constellation Direct interface:
Like the Altair II and Virgo II preamps, the Inspiration Line Stage features the Constellation Direct interface. This interface routes the high-level, perfectly balanced audio signal from the preamp's Line Gain Stage Module straight into the voltage gain stage of a Constellation Audio amplifier. It bypasses the amplifier's own Line Gain Stage Module, removing one amplification stage from the signal chain and achieving even greater musicality in the process.
Machined aluminum remote:
Because the Inspiration line stage's elegant chassis comes from the same machine shop that builds our Reference and Performance series products, we simply couldn't use a generic remote. Thus, the Inspiration line stage's remote, like all of our others, is made from machined aluminum and has a suitably gratifying heft and feel.
Full dual mono construction:
The Inspiration line stage's left and right audio channels have their own isolated, separate power supplies, each channel with its own low-noise R-core transformer. The preamp circuits and even the input and output jacks are arranged with the left channel components on the left side and the right-channel components on the right side. This arrangement delivers extraordinary channel separation, resulting in spectacular imaging and soundstaging.
Specification:-
Inputs 3 XLR stereo, 3 RCA stereo, USB (for control)
Outputs 2 XLR stereo, 2 RCA stereo, 12-volt trigger
THD+N Less than 0.001%, 20 Hz - 20 kHz @ 2V out
Less than 0.1%, 20 Hz - 20 kHz @ 10V out
Frequency response 10 Hz to 100 kHz, ±0.5 dB
Signal-to-noise ratio Greater than -105 dB, A-weighted
Input impedance (balanced) 20 KΩ
Input impedance (unbalanced) 10 KΩ
Output impedance Less than 50Ω
Volume control resolution 0.5dB from 0dB to -90 dBFS
Weight 25 lbs, 11.3 kg
Dimensions (W x H x D) 17” x 5.25” x 15”
43.2 cm x 13.3 cm x 38.1 cm