CAUTION To reduce risk of electric shock, do not remove any of the preamplifier’s cover plates or screws. There are no user serviceable parts inside. Contact qualified service personnel. WARNING To reduce risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this preamplifier to moisture, rain, or excessive humidity.
Thank you for purchasing the Constellation Audio Virgo II preamplifier. And prepare for a musical experience far beyond your expectations. The Virgo II employs essentially the same revolutionary circuitry pioneered in our Altair preamp. Like the Altair, it’s designed for simple operation. However, as with Altair, the unique design demands that certain aspects of setup and operation are necessarily a bit different from those of typical stereo preamps.
Before you install the Virgo II Unpacking Take care when you remove the Virgo II from its packaging. Because of its machined aluminum top chassis, it is heavier than the average preamp. Have an extra person nearby to help if you need it. You may wish to use gloves to protect your fingers.
Installation notes The Virgo II preamplifier uses passive cooling; there are no internal fans. While the Virgo II does not generate as much heat as an amplifier, it should still be located in an area with adequate ventilation. There should be at least 6 in/15 cm of clearance between the sides and top of the preamp and the nearest wall or cabinet. If the Virgo II is installed in a cabinet or an equipment closet, ensure the cabinet/closet has adequate ventilation.
Source device and amplifier connections 1. XLR inputs On the rear of the Virgo II preamp there are eight XLR inputs, four on each side. As you are looking at the rear panel, the left four XLR inputs are for the right channel, the right four inputs are for the left channel. Underneath each jack is the corresponding input number. Use of XLR connections is recommended for the best possible audio quality. To remove an XLR plug, push on the tab above the jack and pull the plug out.
and the right-channel connection is at the far left side. Connecting the cables in the usual side-by-side fashion will result in an incorrect installation and the mixing of sounds from different source devices. 3. XLR outputs The inner six XLR connections on the rear of the Virgo II are outputs. The signal at these outputs is the same—it does not matter if you use output 1 or output 2. To remove an XLR plug, push on the tab on the connector body and pull the plug out.
Other connections on the Virgo II 5. Power inputs These inputs connect to the power outputs of the Virgo II’s separate power supply. The Virgo II includes special spiral-wrapped, gold-plated copper cables designed for aerospace use. Each cable is rated to handle 30 amps. Each of these jacks mates with a matching jack on the power supply.
Power supply connections 9. AC input This AC input accepts standard 15-amp IEC-type power cords. You may use the high-quality power cord supplied with the Virgo II, or substitute an aftermarket power cord if you wish. 10. Power outputs These cables connect to the power inputs of the Virgo II preamp. These are special spiral-wrapped, gold-plated copper cables designed for aerospace use. Each one is rated to handle 30 amps. Each of these cables mates with a matching jack on the preamp.
Controls / displays / indicators 11 – 17. Front panel controls The front panel includes an LCD touchscreen and two knobs plus five buttons positioned underneath the display. These buttons allow you to control the Virgo II without its remote. The functions of the buttons are shown using icons on the Here are the functions of the buttons and knobs: 11. Balance This knob adjusts left-to-right balance when an input screen is displayed—i.e., when an input is selected.
15. Standby/power Push this button to turn the Virgo II on and off. When you turn the unit on, it will take a few seconds for the power supply and preamp to warm up. When the Virgo II is ready for use, its LCD screen will show the most recently selected input. To put the unit in Standby mode—which will silence the audio but keep the power supply on so the unit stays warmed up—press this button again after turning on the power. Hold this button down for 5 seconds to turn the Virgo II off.
Remote control The remote operates the basic functions of the Virgo II. It does not operate other Constellation Audio components. 18. Standby/power Push this button to turn the Virgo II on and off. When you turn the unit on, it will take a few seconds for the power supply and preamp to warm up. When the Virgo II is ready for use, its LCD screen will show the most recently selected input.
Control screens Many Virgo II functions are controlled through the LCD touchscreen. Here is how the control screens function. Standby screen When the preamp’s power is on, touch the power button to enter Standby mode, which silences the audio but keeps the power supply running. Input selector (or home) screen This screen appears when the power is on and the unit is warmed up. Touching any input button onscreen will switch to that input.
Input setup screen When you press the multifunction button labeled Setup on the input screen, this screen will appear. It allows you to set up a home theater bypass input; set minimum and maximum output levels, and change the phase of the output signal. To flip the phase of the Virgo II’s output signal: Use the multifunction button below the display.
Step-by-step operating process We’ve covered all of the basic controls and indicators of the Virgo II. Here’s how you use them to perform the basic operations of turning the unit on, selecting a source, adjusting the sound, and turning the unit off. STEP 1: To turn on the Virgo II from the front panel, push the Power button in the middle under the LCD touchscreen. Alternatively, you may push the Power button on the remote.
Maintenance The Virgo II requires no regular maintenance. If the preamplifier’s surface becomes dusty, simply wipe it off with a soft dry cloth. Do not spray cleaners on the surface. To clean fingerprints from the surface of the preamplifier, spray a small amount of mild window cleaner such as Windex onto a soft dry cloth, then use the cloth to remove the fingerprints. Do not spray the cleaner directly onto the preamplifier. Troubleshooting Preamplifier will not turn on 1.
G. If none of these actions restores the sound, contact your Constellation Audio dealer. Sound seems unfocused 1. Play a CD of typical pop vocals and sit in front of your speakers at an equal distance from both (at least 8 feet away from each speaker). If the vocals seem to come from between the speakers, they are connected correctly. Alternatively, you can use the “barking dog” test from the Stereophile Test CD or a similar phase check test from another test CD. 2.
For more information Your Virgo II preamplifier should give you many years of trouble-free, maintenance-free service. If you encounter any problems you cannot solve or have technical questions, please contact your Constellation Audio dealer. For more information about Constellation Audio products, please visit our website: www.constellationaudio.
