Constellation Audio Argo User Manual

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CAUTION
To reduce risk of electric shock, do not remove any of the integrated 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 integrated 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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LIMITED WARRANTY

DEAR PURCHASER

This product has been designed and manufactured to the highest quality standards.
However, if something does go wrong with this product, Constellation Audio and its
national distributors warrant the replacement of defective parts including labor (exclusions
may apply) in any country served by an official Constellation Audio distributor. This limited
warranty is valid for a period of 3 years from the date of purchase.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1. The warranty is limited to the repair of the equipment. In the event that your equipment requires service,
the customer must first obtain a return authorization from Constellation Audio or its authorized distributor.
The customer is responsible for returning the equipment to Constellation Audio or its authorized distributor.
In the event that the repair is determined to be under warranty, Constellation Audio will return the equipment
to the customer at no charge. Except as indicated, neither transportation, shipping, nor any other costs, nor
any risk for removal, transportation and installation of products are covered by this warranty.

2. With the exception explained below, this warranty is only valid for the original owner. It is not transferable.
It is valid only when purchased from an authorized Constellation Audio dealer or distributor. A valid receipt

showing the purchaser’s name, date of purchase, and dealer information must be submitted with all

warranty claims.

2A. In the event that this equipment is purchased as a used or trade-in equipment from an authorized
Constellation Audio dealer or distributor, the second owner shall receive the balance of the original
warranty based upon the original date of purchase. Valid receipts showing the purchaser’s name, date of
purchase, and dealer information for the current owner and the original purchase must be submitted with
all warranty claims.

3. This warranty will not be applicable in cases other than defects in materials and/or workmanship at the
time of purchase and will not be applicable for damages caused by incorrect installation, connection or
packing; for damages caused by any use other than correct use described in the user manual; for damages
caused by negligence, modifications, or use of parts that are not made or authorized by Constellation Audio,
LLC; for damages caused by faulty or unsuitable ancillary equipment; for damages caused by accidents,
lightning, water, fire, heat, extreme weather condition, war, public disturbances or any other cause beyond
the reasonable control of Constellation Audio and its appointed distributors; for products whose serial
number has been altered, deleted, removed or made illegible; or if repairs or modifications have been
executed by an unauthorized person.

4. This guarantee complements any national/regional law obligations of dealers or national distributors and
does not affect your statutory rights as a customer.

5. Unauthorized dismantling of this product will render this warranty void.

6. Constellation Audio strives to manufacture the very finest possible equipment, and therefore reserves the
right to make changes or improvements without notice.

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Thank you for purchasing the Constellation Audio Argo integrated amplifier. We engineered
the Argo to combine our numerous groundbreaking audio technologies—such as our
Balanced Bridged amplifier circuit, our Line Stage Gain Module, and the nearly impermeable
shielding of our machined aluminum chassis—into a relatively compact and convenient form
factor.

Argo works almost exactly like our Altair II and Virgo integrated amps, but with no power
supply or line-level output connections required. It also offers a couple of new features never
before found on Constellation Audio components. As with all of our components, the
advanced design and unique engineering demand a somewhat different setup and
operating process compared with most other integrated amplifiers. By reading this manual
before you install or operate the Argo, you assure that you get maximum performance from
your system.

Contents

Page Topic

5 Before you install the Argo

Unpacking
Installation notes
In the event of malfunction

6 Input and output connections

XLR inputs
RCA inputs
Speaker outputs
Headphone output
XLR output
AC power input
USB / control
Trigger output
Expansion slots

11 Controls / displays / indicators

Front panel knobs and buttons
Rear panel controls

13 Remote control
14 Control screens
15 Step-by-step operating procedure
18 Maintenance
18 Troubleshooting
20 For more information

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Before you install the Argo

Unpacking

Take care when you remove the Argo from its packaging. Because of its machined aluminum chassis
components and large transformer and heat sinks, it is heavier than most other integrated amps. Have an
extra person nearby to help if you need it. You may wish to use gloves to protect your fingers and avoid leaving
fingerprints on the surface.

Installation notes

To avoid noise, the Argo uses passive cooling with no internal fans. While the Argo does not generate as much
heat our larger, dedicated amplifiers, it still must be located in an area with adequate ventilation so that cool
air can flow through its heat sinks.

There should be at least 6 in/15 cm of clearance between the sides and top of the integrated amp and the
nearest wall or cabinet. If the Argo 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 Argo to overheat,
significantly reducing its lifespan.

The Argo 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 Argo 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 Argo 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).

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 Argo.

The light-dependent resistors used in the Argo’s volume control need 8 hours of continuous operation to reach
maximum linearity. We recommend leaving the Argo on all the time to ensure maximum performance. If the
Argo has not warmed up for 15 to 30 minutes from a cold start, you may notice a slight left-to-right channel
imbalance. This may be corrected temporarily using the balance control.

Installing the Argo 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.

Use of external amplifiers and subwoofers

The Argo is equipped with XLR line-level outputs. These allow you to connect a separate, more powerful
amplifier, such as our Hercules or Centaur amps; to connect a second amplifier to drive a second speaker

system in another room; or to connect a powered subwoofer. Should the device you’re connecting to have only

RCA line-level inputs, you’ll have to use XLR-to-RCA adapters between the Argo and the connected device.
Please consult your Constellation Audio dealer if you need adapters.

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Source components

The Argo integrated amplifier has four analog audio inputs—two balanced (XLR) and two 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 preamp, such as the Constellation Audio Perseus, between the turntable and the
Argo integrated amp.

In the event of malfunction

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

If your Argo 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 liquid is spilled on the Argo, or if any metal object (such as a staple or a paper clip) is inadvertently forced
inside, immediately disconnect the AC power and contact your Constellation Audio dealer.

Input and output connections

1. XLR inputs

On the rear of the Argo integrated amp are four XLR inputs, two on each side. As you are looking at the rear
panel, the left two XLR inputs are for the right channel, the right two 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 true dual-mono operation, the Argo uses a symmetrical circuit layout. This
configuration requires that the Argo’s back panel connections be laid out a little differently from those on most
integrated amps. For example, the left-channel connection for Input 1 is on the right side of the back panel,
and the right-channel connection is at the left side. Connecting the cables in the usual side-by-side fashion will
result in an incorrect installation and the mixing of sounds from different source devices.

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

, 2

right

right—2left

, 1

left

.