California Audio Show 2011

[c1ferrari]

Thanks, Myles

Some more pics from the CA Show!

http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue56/cas1.htm

 

[microstrip]

Just to point that the Constellation Audio Altair Preamplifier and Hercules Power Amplifier that Steve refers to in his report of the show is reviewed in the last issue The Absolute Sound.
It seems the LAMM ML3 has a concurrent with remote. I quote Robert Harley review:

"In this presence of instruments at the front of the stage, the Altair and Hercules reminded me of a single-ended triode amplifier. SETs have a palpability and directness of communication in the midrange that brings vocalists to life and imbues instrumental timbres with an addictive immediacy. The Constellation electronics had a similar presentation, along with a timbral warmth and liquidity in the mids and treble that was also reminiscent of single-ended amplifiers. I heard a complete absence of grain and electronic haze overlaying instrumental textures.

 

[LL21]

Interesting Keith cuz at the show Alon told me it was over $100K and when I looked it up I saw $70 and thought that was for the pair

Hi Steve,

yes, i think these were the Constellation Hercules if i am not mistaken? i have not read any reviews, but apparently the company assembled a pantheon of great audio designers, engineers with the aim of creating the no holds barred assault on the state of the art. i agree the amps look ugly (though the specs are intriguing at 1000 watts with ridiculously low distortion). i look forward to hearing more about these amps (and the pre) as they make their way into the marketplace. sometimes, it aint about the money, or even the attempt at all out technology...its just about the music. so i will certainly refrain until i heard/read more.

 

[LL21]

Looks like Microstrip is all over this one! Thanks!!! sounds intriguing! SET midrange and ridiculous SS power (1000 watts per channel 8 ohm).

 

[MylesBAstor]

Looks like Microstrip is all over this one! Thanks!!! sounds intriguing! SET midrange and ridiculous SS power (1000 watts per channel 8 ohm).

I've only head the Constellation gear at the last two CES but if what I heard was any indication, Robert and I have different ideas of SET midrange. SET midranges by the by, is far from accurate; it's what I wish music sounded like but really doesn't

 

[LL21]

i will say, i was a little underwhelmed when i read the full review...for $140K of amplification, i was expecting a bit more. Yes, there were clear accolates...but the fact that the bass felt light on all but the Sonus Fabers (ie, light on the TAD Ref Ones and the Rockport Altairs)...seemed a bid odd to me.