Constellation Inspiration Preamp 1.0 Owner's Manual

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CAUTION
To reduce risk of electric shock, do not remove any of the preamplifier’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 preamplifier 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 Inspiration PREAMP 1.0. This
preamplifier has been engineered to deliver an unmatched combination of sound quality,
user-friendliness and flexibility.

The PREAMP 1.0 employs the same revolutionary circuitry pioneered in our Altair and Virgo
preamps. The biggest difference is that the user can now control all functions from the
front panel. As with the original, the advanced design necessarily demands a somewhat
different setup process compared with typical stereo preamps. By reading this manual
before you operate the PREAMP 1.0, you assure that you get maximum performance from
your system.

Contents

Page Topic

4 Before you install the PREAMP 1.0

Unpacking
Power supply setup
Installation notes
In the event of malfunction

5 Source device and amplifier connections

XLR inputs
RCA inputs
XLR outputs
RCA outputs

7 Other connections on the PREAMP 1.0

USB / control
Trigger output

8 Controls / displays / indicators

Front panel knobs and buttons
Rear panel AC master power switch

10 Remote control
11 Control screens
13 Step-by-step operating procedure
14 Maintenance
14 Troubleshooting
16 For more information

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Before you install the PREAMP 1.0

Unpacking

Because of its machined aluminum parts, the PREAMP 1.0 may be heavier than you expect. Be sure to have
a place cleared to put it down when you remove it from the shipping box, and place it only on sturdy surfaces
that can bear its weight. You may wish to use gloves to protect your fingers.

Installation notes

If you will be using the Constellation Audio Inspiration MONO 1.0, STEREO 1.0, Centaur or Hercules amplifier
(or any other high-powered amplifier), we recommend you do not plug the PREAMP 1.0 into the same AC
socket or into any other outlet connected on that circuit. Constellation Audio amplifiers draw a great deal of
power and could affect the PREAMP 1.0’s performance if the amplifier(s) and preamp are plugged into the
same electrical circuit or AC outlet.

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 PREAMP 1.0.

The PREAMP 1.0 uses passive cooling; there are no internal fans. While the PREAMP 1.0 does not generate
as much heat as an amplifier, it should still be located in an area with adequate ventilation.

There should be at least 6 in/15 cm of clearance between the sides and top of the preamp and the nearest
wall or cabinet. If the PREAMP 1.0 is installed in a cabinet or an equipment closet, ensure the cabinet/closet
has adequate ventilation. Installation in an unventilated cabinet or closet may cause the PREAMP 1.0 to
overheat, significantly reducing its lifespan.

The PREAMP 1.0 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 PREAMP 1.0 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.

Make sure that the PREAMP 1.0 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).

We recommend leaving the PREAMP 1.0 on all the time, except when you’re changing cables. This way, it will
always be at its optimum operating temperature and will always achieve maximum performance.

Installing the PREAMP 1.0 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.

Amplifier note

The PREAMP 1.0 is designed to be paired with any high-quality audio amplifier; ideally Constellation's own
Inspiration MONO 1.0, STEREO 1.0, Centaur or Hercules amps. Both balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA)
connections are available. XLR will provide the highest quality/lowest noise signals, and should be used when
possible.

Before making or changing any connection to the PREAMP 1.0, first turn off the master power switch on the
preamp and turn off the power on the power amplifier.

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Source components

The PREAMP 1.0 has six analog audio inputs, three balanced (XLR) and three unbalanced (RCA), and can be
used with any audio component with line-level analog outputs. An XLR connection will provide the highest
quality signal, and should be used when possible. If you are using a record turntable, you will need to connect
a high-quality phono preamplifier, such as the Constellation Audio Perseus, between the turntable and the
PREAMP 1.0.

In the event of malfunction

Do not under any circumstances open the chassis of the PREAMP 1.0. There are no user-serviceable parts
inside. Opening the chassis presents a shock hazard even if AC power is disconnected. Alteration or
modification of the PREAMP 1.0’s internal parts or circuit will immediately void your warranty.

If your PREAMP 1.0 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 preamp, or if a metal object such as a staple or a paper clip is forced inside,
immediately disconnect the AC power and contact your Constellation Audio dealer.

Source device and amplifier connections

1. XLR inputs

On the rear of the PREAMP 1.0 there are six XLR inputs, three on each side. As you are looking at the rear
panel, the left three XLR inputs are for the right channel, the right three inputs are for the left channel.
Underneath each jack is the corresponding input number. Use of XLR connections is recommended for the
best possible audio quality. To remove an XLR plug, push on the tab above the jack and pull the plug out.

IMPORTANT NOTE: To preserve dual-mono operation, the PREAMP 1.0 uses a symmetrical circuit layout. This
requires that the PREAMP 1.0’s back panel connections be laid out differently from most preamps. For
example, the left-channel connection for Input 1 is at the far right side of the back panel, and the right­channel connection is at the far left side. Connecting the cables in the usual side-by-side fashion will result in
incorrect installation and the mixing of sounds from different source devices.

The input numbers from left to right, looking at the back of the PREAMP 1.0 are:
1

, 2

, 3

——3

, 2

, 1

right

right

right

left

left

left

.