Constellation upgrade question

[DaveUK]

Hi All - I just upgraded from Sasha DAW to Alexia V. Very pleased. However, I have been using a Constellation Inspiration 1.0 pre and stereo power with the DAW which I love. I am wondering if it would be worth an upgrade to the Constellation Taurus power with the Alexia V or is the Taurus too similar to the Inspiration to make a sonic difference. Unfortunately no dealer is able to offer me and A/B demo in UK so I'll need to take it on trust. I know Constellation as a brand doesn't get much love these days but, I for one, love their sound so plan to stay with the brand. Thanks for advice!

 

[jbr7]

Hi All - I just upgraded from Sasha DAW to Alexia V. Very pleased. However, I have been using a Constellation Inspiration 1.0 pre and stereo power with the DAW which I love. I am wondering if it would be worth an upgrade to the Constellation Taurus power with the Alexia V or is the Taurus too similar to the Inspiration to make a sonic difference. Unfortunately no dealer is able to offer me and A/B demo in UK so I'll need to take it on trust. I know Constellation as a brand doesn't get much love these days but, I for one, love their sound so plan to stay with the brand. Thanks for advice!

Hi DaveUK.
I have the Taurus stereo amp. I did have the Inspiration for several years and traded up to the Taurus. I liked the Inspiration, when I had it, but I love the Taurus! To me, it sounds better but I would be hard pressed to explain to you why, lol.

I don't have Wilson speakers. I have Von Schweikert Unifield 2 Signature, stand-mounted, bookshelf speakers. My dealer sells both Constellation and Wilson products. At one point you could, and probably still can, audition Wilson with Constellation. I never did because I wasn't going to change speakers. I don't want to go out on a limb and say you will definitely notice a difference, but I think you will be pleased with the upgrade if you do it.

To be honest, I have a fairly small listening space. I sit about 6 to 7 feet from my speakers, so that has to be taken into consideration. However, even though your speakers are much bigger than mine, I think their performance could be enhanced by moving up to the Taurus.

If you are ever in this country and visiting southern California, get in touch. You can come over for a listening session to help you make up your mind, lol.

 

[JackD201]

Hi Dave the Taurus is a different Animal altogether. The monos are in my opinion, and I've said it here on WBF many times, the one of if not the most underrated high power SS amplifiers around. To answer your question directly, I think they are closer to my Centaur 500 S than they are to the Inspiration. If they can handle Magico M3s with ease, grace and brutality when called for, I have no doubt they will do the same with your Alexia Vs. Prior to delivery I ran them on VSA Endeavor E3 Mk1s, ESEs and E5 Mk2s.