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Old 05-10-2017, 09:48 AM
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mdavis mdavis is offline
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Default MSB vs Constellation

I just had an interesting encounter with a Constellation Inspiration Stereo amp. This encounter happened because, after a round of refinements to my system, I felt that the sound wasn't as lifelike as it could be. After reading much about the Constellation amp and its many awards and recommendations, I decided to audition it against my current amp, which is the MSB S200.

When I went to collect the amp from my dealer, he also gave me a pair of Kubala-Sosna Emotion interconnects to try in my system before listening to the Constellation. Interesting thing happened- the KS revealed the "life" that I was looking for, so much so that I didn't connect the Constellation until the next day after hours of enjoyably listening to the impact that the KS had on my system.

However, when I connected the Constellation I was indeed impressed by its effortless transparency through the midrange. Very easy to follow subtle instruments against other activity on stage. Alas, I was very disappointed with everything else about the presentation. Voices were dead flat and the presentation lost a great deal of extension in the upper octaves. The lower octave lost the sudden, visceral impact and control that the MSB delivers.

The Constellation performed like a flat (individual images, especially voices) midrange focused coach in my system that sucked all of the enjoyment out of listening to music for me. And now my back hurts from moving those heavy amps around.

I decided to share my thoughts for those who may be curious about such a comparison as I don't see much written about these particular amps. The MSB is an outstanding partner for my Magico S3s. Further, this experience continues to underscore just how important having a knowledgeable dealer is to this hobby. I told them what I felt I was lacking and they offered something (the KS interconnects) they thought would address my concerns knowing my system and tastes, while obliging my curiosity with the Constellation.

Alright, I'm starting to ramble now, thanks for reading and I hope you at least found my findings worth the click.

Martin
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Magico S3 + SPODS / Pass XA-60.8 / MSB Analog DAC + MQA / Aurender X100 + Kenneth Lau LPS / Kubala Sosna Emotion speaker cable / WW PE7 interconnects / WW PS7 USB / A-P PS-6 / MSB Isolation Base / Kubala Sosna Emotion power cables / 30amp dedicated lines / GIK / Stillpoints / Mapleshade
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Old 05-10-2017, 02:05 PM
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bart bart is offline
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Martin, it WAS worth the click!
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Stereo: Hegel H590, Grimm Audio MU1, Mola Mola Tambaqui, Burmester 948 - V3 & V6 racks, Vivid Audio G2 Giyas, REL Carbon Special (pair), Silent Angel Bonn N8 Ethernet Switch & Forester F1, Wireworld Platinum Eclipse IC and SE SC, Furutech Digiflux
AV: Hegel C-53, Marantz AV8802A, Oppo BDP-203EU, Pioneer Kuro 60", Vivid Audio C1 & V1w's, Wireworld Platinum Eclipse, SE & E
Second system (veranda): Halgorythme preamp and monoblocks, Burmester 061, Avalon Avatar, Sharkwire & Wireworld cables
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Old 05-10-2017, 02:17 PM
JemHadar JemHadar is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bart View Post
Martin, it WAS worth the click!


+1 :-)
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Old 05-10-2017, 04:39 PM
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mdavis mdavis is offline
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Thanks!
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Magico S3 + SPODS / Pass XA-60.8 / MSB Analog DAC + MQA / Aurender X100 + Kenneth Lau LPS / Kubala Sosna Emotion speaker cable / WW PE7 interconnects / WW PS7 USB / A-P PS-6 / MSB Isolation Base / Kubala Sosna Emotion power cables / 30amp dedicated lines / GIK / Stillpoints / Mapleshade
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Old 05-11-2017, 01:21 AM
cmarin cmarin is offline
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+1
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