I'm interested as well. I now own a First Sound pre-amp, but my reference for 10 years was the Cary SLP-98P which served me well. For a second system, I'm considering the new AE pre. A quick inquiry to Katie Wright of Cary Audio resulted in a reply that read: "the AE Constellation is an excellent pre amp, but not on the same level as the SLP-98. For half the price, that should not be expected. I like the simplicity of the AE product and of course that it is tubed. Cary uses the same tubes in it's PH-302 phono pre and I have that unit as well, and it is very desirable piece. One obvious difference is that the 98 has a separate power supply, which is a key feature of all the First Sound pre amps. Any feedback on the Constellation would be interesting. I'm guessing it will have the same delicious sound of other Cary products, maybe lacking in some refinement, but imminently listenable. It's a strange world when we think of a $1500 product as 'inexpensive'. I could buy a boat for that!
Cary Audio Electronics Constellation
Anyone have impressions / comparisons yet of the new Constellation preamp from Cary's Audio Electronics line?
Wondering if the incredibly low price (for a Cary) is because they took out the convenience features of the flagship line, or because its really just a $1500 preamp.
Also curious as to how it lines up against the SLP-03 and SLP98.
Wondering if the incredibly low price (for a Cary) is because they took out the convenience features of the flagship line, or because its really just a $1500 preamp.
Also curious as to how it lines up against the SLP-03 and SLP98.