System upgrade - Constellation Audio Inspiration Integrated amp

[mcq]

I've had the Constellation Audio Inspiration Integrated amp inhouse for over two weeks now and I had intended to set down my listening impressions by now because my mind has long been made up.  However, every time I start to put down my thoughts I find myself utterly captivated by what I am hearing and unable to put down more than a few brief sentences before I switch off the iPad, close my eyes and settle back and allow myself to be swept away by the music.  But, after two weeks of blissful submersion in my music, I felt compelled to put something down in writing.

For the past five years my system has comprised the Kharma DB7 speakers, Lavardin IT-15 amplifier, Meridian 808.5 CD player and Nordost Valhalla cabling and I have loved every moment that I have spent listening to music.  However, over the past year I have begun to consider the internal synergy of the components and how it could be improved.  The Lavardin amplifier drives the Kharma speakers beautifully but I suspected that a more synergistic match would complement the Kharmas more effectively.  As much as I love what the Lavardin does in terms of musical communication, I decided that I had to make a decision and either build my system around my amp or my speakers.  If I wanted to keep my Lavardin and improve the synergy of my system, I would have to replace my Kharmas and consider options like Living Voice, Focal or Harbeth.  However, I loved the treble sweetness, natural midrange and bass warmth of the Kharmas and could not part with them so I began to consider alternatives that would more naturally complement my speakers.

I do have practical considerations so I did not want to worry about the excessive power consumption or heat output of a valve amp or a Class A solid state amp.  I prefer to leave my equipment running 24/7 so that my system is ready to perform at its best when I sit down to listen to my music.  I also have a preference for the simplicity and space-serving practicality of an integrated amp. 

After much research, I settled upon the Constellation Audio Inspiration Integrated amp and arranged a home demo.  From a practical standpoint, the power consumption is moderate at 70 watts at idle and 450 watts at maximum consumption.  From a visual standpoint, the build quality is excellent and the clean minimalist lines are understated but quietly striking in person.  There is a strong sense of pride of ownership even before you switch on the amp.

Upon firing up the amp, what struck me immediately was the heightened sense of clarity and detail combined with a tonal sweetness and warmth that is utterly seductive.  The bass control of the Constellation is superior to that of the Lavardin.  The Constellation also drives the Kharmas more cleanly than the Lavardin.  I can wind up the volume level to two-thirds of its maximum output and there is no sense of strain or fear that my relatively small room is being overwhelmed by the sound.  There is such a sense of natural ease with this amplifier and you get a very palpable sense of intimacy and transparency.  You find yourself utterly involved and lost in the musical performance.  

This sound of this Constellation amp is beautifully judged on so many levels.  There is a tonal clarity and crispness that never veers into brightness or shrillness.  There is also a holistic warmth about the musical reproduction that never lapses into a dull, uninvolving smooth sound.  There is a delicacy and refinement here but there is also plenty of punch to the sound.   Most importantly, it is the most emotionally transporting sound that I have ever heard in my room.  

[Diapason]

Great report, mcq, and I'll admit to some envy here. That's some beautiful gear you're listening to, and I can only imagine how well those components work together. If the Constellation drives more cleanly than the Lavardin it must be a special amplifier indeed.

I wish you many happy listening sessions. Enjoy!

[mcq]

Many thanks, Simon.  The sound has really blossomed and filled out over the last two weeks and it struck me quite forcibly this weekend just how profoundly satisfying my system sounds right now. The happiness and calmness I feel in my heart and mind when I listen to my music has taken me to a beautifully tranquil place and has impressed upon my mind just how priceless such an emotional dividend really is.