Constellation Hercules II Owner's Manual

2

CAUTION

To reduce risk of electric shock, do not remove any of the amplifier’s cover plates or screws. There are no

user serviceable parts inside. Contact qualified service personnel.

WARNING
To reduce risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this amplifier to moisture, rain, or excessive humidity.

The lightning flash with arrowhead, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the

user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that

may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electrical shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the
presence of important operating maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.

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Thank you for purchasing the Constellation Audio Hercules II amplifier. You are in for a
truly extraordinary musical experience.

Because of their very high power output, Hercules II amplifiers demand careful and
thoughtful installation in order to deliver the performance they are designed to achieve.
This is especially true of the Hercules II Mono, which delivers double the power of the
Hercules II Stereo. By reading through this brief manual and following the simple steps
outlined within, you can ensure that your Hercules II performs at its very best.

Contents

Page Topic

4 Before you install the Hercules II

Unpacking
AC connection
Locations
Speakers
In the event of malfunction

6 Connections

BAL input
XLR input
RCA input
Speaker-cable binding posts
20-amp IEC AC socket
Trigger jack

8 Controls / displays / indicators

Front power switch
LED status indicator
Master power switch
Mute switch
Input select switch

10 Operation
Initial installation and power-up
Normal operation
11 Maintenance
12 Troubleshooting
14 Specifications: Hercules II Mono
15 Specifications: Hercules II Stereo
16 For more information

4

Before you install the Hercules II

Unpacking

DO NOT lift the Hercules II amplifier by the power button on the front panel. Lift it only by the side edges as
described below.

At more than 200 pounds each, the Hercules II amplifier is too heavy for one
person to lift safely. Four strong people are require to lift each amplifier and to
move it from place to place.

Likewise, do not place this amplifier on surfaces that cannot support its weight.
Lightweight furniture and equipment racks should not be used to support this
amplifier.

Lift the amplifier by hooking your fingers under the side edges, as indicated by

the red around in the picture at right. It’s a good idea to wear soft gloves to

protect your fingers and help avoid fingerprints on the amplifier.

NOTE: Before using the Hercules II, remove the four shipping screws next to the red arrows on bottom front.

AC connection

Each Hercules II should be plugged into its own dedicated 20-amp AC outlet,
with no other component but the Hercules II connected to that AC circuit. In
the U.S., all 20-amp AC outlets have a T-shaped hole next to an I-shaped hole,
as shown in the photo.

Confirm at your home’s electrical box that the outlet you use to power the
Hercules II is connected to a 20-amp circuit breaker. A 15-amp breaker will
trip often due to the Hercules II’s high current demands.

Do not use a “cheater” cord to plug the Hercules II into a 15-amp AC socket—
you will significantly reduce the amplifier’s maximum power output. Also, do

not plug two Hercules II amplifiers into the same 20-amp AC socket or into
the same AC circuit. If you do, each amp will get only half the AC current it
needs for maximum performance, and you will probably trip your home’s
circuit breaker often. Each amplifier should be connected to its own 20-amp
circuit with its own circuit breaker at the electrical box.

Do not plug the Hercules II into a power strip or AC line conditioner—few such units are designed to handle
the current that the Hercules II can pull.

Before you make or change any connections to the Hercules II, be sure to turn off the master power switch on
the back panel and let the unit cool down for at least 1 minute.

When you connect or disconnect the AC cord, always grasp it by the plug, not by the cord itself. Pulling the
plug out by the cord can damage the cord, the AC socket, and/or the Hercules II.

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Location

The Hercules II must be installed in an area where it has adequate ventilation. There should be at least 6
in/15 cm of clearance between the vents on the side of the amplifier and the nearest wall or cabinet. Ensure
that no curtains or shades can be lowered in a way that will block the amplifier’s vents. If the Hercules II is
installed in a cabinet or in an equipment closet, ensure that the cabinet/closet has adequate ventilation.
Installation in an unventilated cabinet or closet may cause the Hercules II to overheat.

The Hercules II requires a room-temperature environment to operation properly. Ambient temperature should
be about 70°F/21°C, plus or minus 10°F/5°C. Never install the Hercules II in a place where it may be
exposed to direct sunlight, and do not install it next to a room heater, radiator, air conditioner, etc. Ambient
temperature can rise even faster with two Hercules II Monos, so if you place both of them in an enclosed or
tight space, make sure to provide plenty of ventilation and air flow.

Make sure that the Hercules II will not be exposed to moisture. Do not locate it in an area where it might be
spilled on, and do not place it in a humid location (such as an unfinished basement).

Installing the Hercules II Mono or Stereo in a place where it will be exposed to direct sunlight or moisture, or
where it will not have adequate ventilation, will void your warranty.

Speakers

The Hercules II Mono and Stereo deliver sufficient voltage and current to drive practically any loudspeaker
made, regardless of the speaker’s impedance, sensitivity, or “power rating.” However, the Hercules II Stereo
and, especially, the Hercules II Mono have enough power to damage some loudspeakers if used carelessly.
When you turn up the volume on your preamp, do it gradually. If you hear distortion, crackling noises, or
mechanical thumps from the speaker, turn the volume down immediately.

BE VERY CAUTIOUS if you intend to connect the output of the Hercules II to the speaker-level input of a
powered subwoofer or subwoofer amplifier. It could result in serious damage to the Inspiration amplifier.
Before attempting this, read the full explanation on page 7.

You can best appreciate the Hercules II’s performance by connecting it to a large set of full-range
loudspeakers. It will sound excellent with small speakers, too, but if you connect it to a small set of speakers,
avoid turning the volume on your preamp to maximum. Constellation Audio is not responsible for damage of
any speaker connected to the Hercules II amplifiers.

Before making or changing any connection to the Hercules II, turn off the master power switch on the rear
panel and allow the amplifier to cool down for at least 1 minute.

In the event of malfunction

Do not under any circumstances open the cabinet of the Hercules II. There are no user-serviceable parts
inside. Opening the cabinet can present a shock hazard even if the AC power is disconnected. Any alteration
or modification of the Hercules II’ internal parts or circuit will immediately void your warranty. If your Hercules
II does not function correctly, refer to the Troubleshooting section at the end of this manual. If you are still
unable to resolve the problem, contact your Constellation Audio dealer. If any liquid is spilled on the amp, or
if any metal object (such as a staple or a paper clip) is inadvertently forced in through the vents, immediately
disconnect the AC power and contact your Constellation Audio dealer.