Constellation Audio Hercules II User 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.

Thank you for purchasing the Constellation Audio Hercules II amplifier. You are about to
experience what we believe is one of the finest amplifiers ever built.

Because of their very high power output, this amplifier demands careful and thoughtful
installation in order to deliver the performance it is 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 amplifier performs at its very best.

Contents

Page Topic

4 Before you install the amplifier

Unpacking
AC connection
Locations
Speakers
In the event of malfunction

6 Connections

BAL input
Direct 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
11 Troubleshooting
14 Specifications: Hercules II Mono
15 Specifications: Hercules II Stereo
16 For more information

4

Before you install the amplifier

Unpacking

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

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

Lift the amplifier by hooking your fingers under the side edges, as indicated by the arrows in the photos at
right. It’s a good idea to wear soft gloves to protect your fingers and help avoid fingerprints on the amplifier.

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 is connected to a 20-amp circuit breaker. A 15-amp breaker will trip

often due to the Hercules’ 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 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.

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.

5

Location

The Hercules II must be installed in an area with adequate ventilation. There should be at least 6 in/15 cm of
clearance between the vents on the side of the amplifier(s) 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 amplifier 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 amplifier to overheat.

The amplifier 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 amplifier 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 more quickly with two Hercules II Monos, so if you place both of them in an
enclosed or tight space, make extra sure to provide plenty of ventilation and air flow.

Make sure that the amplifier 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 both have 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.

You can best appreciate the amplifier’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.

In the event of malfunction

Do not under any circumstances open the cabinet of the amplifier. 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 amplifier’s internal parts or circuit will immediately void your warranty.

If your amplifier 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.