AXPONA 2025

For me, one of the biggest surprises at Munich High End 2024 was the performance of Constellation’s new Revelation 2 stereo amplifier ($30,000), preamplifier ($25,500), and phono stage ($29,000). I’d expected refinement, but not this level of clarity; previous Constellation gear had sometimes struck me as a little dark. In Munich, the sound was beautifully illuminated, with wonderful colors and an ideal amount of brightness in the treble.

Those impressions were confirmed at AXPONA 2025. Revelation 2 isn’t even Constellation’s top tier—two higher lines are on the way—but its sound rivals much pricier gear.

On Bonnie ’Prince’ Billy’s “Turned to Dust (Rolling On)” from The Purple Bird, the system delivered full-range sound so arresting I assumed I was hearing a hi-rez file; it turned out to be a standard 16-bit/44.1kHz CD.

Equally gripping was the opening of Mahler’s Symphony No.5 on a CD by the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich under Paavo Järvi. The system didn’t just project the enormity of the orchestra; it let me feel the music’s emotional weight, the darkness that Mahler threads throughout. As the story unfolded, the sound turned almost cinematic, and I began to visualize clouds covering the sun. More expensive systems might uncover more detail, but few could better convey the music’s intent.

Central to Constellation’s sound were an Esoteric K-03XD SACD player ($15,000), Magico S3 speakers ($45,000/pair), Cardas and Transparent cabling, and an Artesania rack.

Also present but not auditioned: an Aurender N20 ($12,500) and a TechDAS trio consisting of the Air Force 3 Premium S turntable ($44,500), Air Force 10 air-bearing tonearm ($45,000), and TCC-01 DIA cartridge ($19,000).