Product Manual - Constellation Audio

needed at the output in order to assurehigh-frequency stability.The result is as radical as the circuittopology: an amplifier with more thansufficient power for any application, yetwith the musicality of amps rated at onlyone-hundredth as much output.The Input StageThe Hercules’ performance can only beas good as the signal it receives. If thesignal comes from our Altair line stagevia our Constellation Link balanced audiointerface, all is well. But if the signalcomes from another brand of preamplifier,it will not be perfectly balanced.This is why we equip the Hercules withour Line Stage Gain Module for inputconditioning. This module is essentiallythe same topology as the output sectionof the Altair, with hand-matchedFETs, a servo circuit that assures idealpositive/negative balancing, and amachined aluminum shield protecting itfrom interference. The FETs we use inthis circuit have the lowest noise of anywe have found. They are also quite rarebecause their manufacturer has discontinuedproduction. Fortunately we haveamassed a sizeable inventory.The Power SupplyThe finest amplification circuit in theworld makes little difference if it is notsupplied with clean, abundant electricalpower. To this end, we use two customwound,1,500-watt toroidal power-supplytransformers. Its considerable masscontributes to the 275-pound weight ofeach Hercules monoblock.In order to provide ample energy fordynamic peaks and deep bass notes,we specified massive storage capacitorsfor the section of the power supply thatfeeds the output stage. For lower-levelcircuitry, we use active voltage regulationto provide a noise-free, stablesource of DC power.The DesignUpon first encounter, the Hercules is assurprising to the eye as it is delightfulto the ear. The eye notes the distinctivedesign and the flawless finish. The handsenses the perfect fit of the componentsand the immaculately machinedchassis.Hundreds of round ventilation portsperforate the side of the chassis. Theseports are not mere design elements—they allow flow-through ventilation forthe Hercules’ massive aluminum heatsink.A 432- by 230-pixel LCD display on therear panel provides the user with extensiveinformation about the Hercules’operating condition. It displays RMS andpeak output power, operating temperature,hours of use, and overload conditionwarning. All of this information iscommunicated wirelessly for display onthe Pyxis wireless commander providedwith our line-level components.The ResultWith almost limitless reserves of power,yet with the sonic sophistication ofthe most exotic single-ended amps,the Hercules delivers everything anyaudiophile could possibly want from anamplifier. Only our dream team of theworld’s best audio engineers and industrialdesigners could accomplish thisfeat. Audiophiles have long envisagedthe perfect amplifier, one that simplyleaves nothing to be desired. For thefortunate few who acquire the Hercules,the dream is now realized.Constellation reserves the right to changedesigns, and / or specificationsSPECIFICATIONSHercules Monoblock AmplifierPower Output @ 1 kHz @1% THD+N*1000 W amp:....................................................1000 W/ch @ 8 ohm, 1400 W/ch @ 4 ohm, 1800 W/ch @ 2 ohmFrequency response...............................................................................................................................+1, -0,5 dB 10 Hz –100 kHzGain..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................32 dBTHD+N @ 1 kHz @ rated power....................................................................................................................................................