Inputs: 1 Constellation Direct XLR, 1 standard balanced XLR, 1 unbalanced RCA
Outputs: metal binding posts
Power output per channel: 8Ω (1 kHz @ 0.2% THD+N) 400 watts
Power output per channel: 4Ω (1 kHz @ 0.2% THD+N) 800 watts
Frequency response: 10 Hz to 80 kHz, +0/-0.5 dB
Gain: 14dB Constellation Direct, 26 dB Balanced & RCA
Output impedance: 0.1Ω
Damping factor: (8Ω load) 80
Input impedance: 20KΩ Constellation Direct, 10KΩ RCA unbalanced, 20KΩ XLR balanced
Siganl-to-noise ratio: >-95 dB, A-weighted
Output noise : <70 µV, 500 kHz BW, -116 dB @ 250 watts
Weight: 55 lbs/24.9 kg
Dimensions: 8.5 x 17.0 x 19.0 in216 x 432 x 483 mm
We're immensely proud of the incomparable sound quality our “dream team” of top engineers and designers achieved with our Reference Hercules II and Performance Centaur monoblock amplifiers. We must admit, though, that building living-room-friendly high-end amplifiers has not been our strong point. Until now.
The Inspiration MONO 1.0 amplifier easily delivers 400 watts per channel into 8 ohms, doubling to 800 into 4 ohms.
This is power enough to produce incredible, concert-hall dynamics with any speaker. Yet it is the size of a standard audio amplifier and weighs just 55 pounds. When you consider that the Centaur Monoblock weighs in at 103 pounds, and the Hercules II Monoblock at 220 pounds, the Inspiration's ability to deliver incredible power from a modestly sized chassis is remarkable indeed.
Also remarkable is that the audio circuits are based on the same original schematics our “dream team” originally created for Hercules. In fact, most of the parts are the same. The output stage uses the same Balanced Bridged topology, combining multiple, small single-ended amplifier modules into a large, fully balanced design. This unique concept allows the Inspiration MONO 1.0 to deliver all the delicacy and musicality of a small single-ended amp, with the dynamics and power of a large monoblock.
The power for the Inspiration MONO 1.0 comes from a custom-wound toroidal transformer, shielded within its own front compartment so its powerful electromagnetic energy does not interfere with the audio circuitry. The transformer feeds a bank of 24 capacitors, each of which offers 10,000 microfarads of storage. With so much energy on tap, the Inspiration can not only deliver incredibly high RMS power, it can also produce breathtaking dynamic peaks
