Audiophilepure

If you have mid- to high-efficiency loudspeakers that you love, you may find the LA90 to be an ideal power or integrated amplifier for your system, too. I can easily see a single LA90 as the “summer amp” in high-efficiency horn systems. I would not recommend that owners of 2-ohm Apogee Scintillas or Theil CS3.5s, or if you have a large room with only moderately efficient speakers, run out and buy a pair. Some loudspeakers simply need more power than even two LA90s can give.

But unless you have a friend who has already purchased an LA90, your chances of hearing one or trying one out before you buy are pretty much nil. If you are intrigued by the LA90’s potential, you’re going to have to take a leap of faith (with a 45-day return window from Apos or 30-day from Amazon) and buy before you try, just like I did. So, while I would usually finish a review by recommending you hear a product for yourself, that’s going to be difficult with the LA90. However, if you’re feeling lucky (like the signature dialog from the film The Mask), I encourage you to take a leap of faith and give the LA90 a try. I seriously doubt you will be disappointed by its capabilities or performance.

https://www.hifinews.com/content/constellation-centaur-ii-stereo-power-amplifier

The same goes with the lavish remastered set of Queen’s The Miracle [EMI 00602508911330]. Bob Ludwig’s overhaul of the album sounds magnificent, from the drive of ‘Breakthrough’ to the funk of ‘The Invisible Man’, and via Constellation’s amp, Roger Taylor’s drums sounded punchy, big and rich, John Deacon’s bass bubbled away, and Brian May’s celebrated Red Special was unleashed in shards of screaming solo. As I realised having sat through most of the boxset, this is no analytical amplifier, even though it has served that purpose well – it’s also a complete blast when you just want to kick back and play some favourite music.

Does that sound like the ideal amp? I reckon so: not only can it do all the clever hi-fi stuff, it also always remains a consistently enjoyable listen. Even when running hard it stays physically cool and sounds like it’s well within its capabilities. Or to put it another way, the Centaur II is always ready to give even more should you want it!