CAUTION To reduce risk of electric shock, do not remove any of the integrated amplifier’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 integrated amplifier to moisture, rain, or excessive humidity.
LIMITED WARRANTY DEAR PURCHASER This product has been designed and manufactured to the highest quality standards. However, if something does go wrong with this product, Constellation Audio and its national distributors warrant the replacement of defective parts including labor (exclusions may apply) in any country served by an official Constellation Audio distributor. This limited warranty is valid for a period of 3 years from the date of purchase. TERMS AND CONDITIONS 1.
Thank you for purchasing the Constellation Audio Argo integrated amplifier. We engineered the Argo to combine our numerous groundbreaking audio technologies—such as our Balanced Bridged amplifier circuit, our Line Stage Gain Module, and the nearly impermeable shielding of our machined aluminum chassis—into a relatively compact and convenient form factor. Argo works almost exactly like our Altair II and Virgo integrated amps, but with no power supply or line-level output connections required.
Before you install the Argo Unpacking Take care when you remove the Argo from its packaging. Because of its machined aluminum chassis components and large transformer and heat sinks, it is heavier than most other integrated amps. Have an extra person nearby to help if you need it. You may wish to use gloves to protect your fingers and avoid leaving fingerprints on the surface. Installation notes To avoid noise, the Argo uses passive cooling with no internal fans.
Source components The Argo integrated amplifier has four analog audio inputs—two balanced (XLR) and two unbalanced (RCA)— and can be used with any audio component with line-level analog outputs. An XLR connection will provide the highest quality signal, and should be used when possible. If you are using a record turntable, you will need to connect a high-quality phono preamp, such as the Constellation Audio Perseus, between the turntable and the Argo integrated amp.
2. RCA inputs These unbalanced inputs are provided as a convenience for use with unbalanced signal sources. Whenever possible, we recommend using XLR connections instead. Connecting to an unbalanced source is handled in the same way an XLR balanced source. The input numbers from left to right, looking at the back of the Argo are: 1right, 2right—2left, 1left. IMPORTANT NOTE: To preserve true dual-mono operation, the Argo uses a symmetrical circuit layout.
4. Headphone output The Argo offers a single headphone output on a 1/4-inch/6.2mm jack. To activate this output (and mute the speaker outputs), you must use the front-panel controls. The Argo’s headphone amplifier has enough power to drive any dynamic or planar magnetic headphones. If your headphones have a 1/8-inch/3.5mm plug, use a 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch adapter. Many headphones come with the adapter. 5. XLR outputs The two inner XLR connections on the rear of the Argo are outputs.
6. AC power input This connector accepts a standard 15-amp IEC AC connector. You can use the AC cord supplied with the Argo, or substitute your own cord. Before making this connection, turn the power switch above the AC input off. Connect the AC cord to the Argo, then plug the AC cord into the wall or your power conditioner, then turn the Argo’s power switch on. 7.
8. Trigger output This 1/8-inch/3.5mm jack outputs a 12-volt DC trigger signal when the Argo is powered on. This signal can be used to automatically turn on a connected amplifier (if the amp has a DC trigger input), or to trigger home automation systems. 9. Expansion slots These two slots are intended for future upgrade and expansion of the Argo’s capabilities and are currently inactive.
Controls / displays / indicators 10 – 16. 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 Argo without its remote. The functions of the buttons are shown using icons on the touchscreen. Here are the functions of the buttons and knobs: 10. Balance This knob adjusts left-to-right balance when an input screen is displayed—i.e., when an input is selected.
13. Return/back This button brings you back to the previous control screen. For example, from any input’s screen, such as XLR 1, it will take you back to the input selector screen. 14. Standby/power Push this button to turn the Argo on and off. When you turn the unit on, it will take a few seconds for the power supply and integrated amp to warm up. When the integrated amp is ready for use, its LCD screen will show the most recently selected input.
Remote control The remote operates the basic functions of the Argo. It does not operate other Constellation Audio source devices, such as the Perseus phono preamp and the Cygnus digital file player. 18. Standby Push this button to turn the Argo on and off. When you turn the unit on, it will take a few seconds for the power supply and integrated amp to warm up. When the integrated amp is ready for use, its LCD screen will show the most recently selected input.
22. Input Press this button to select among the Argo’s XLR and RCA inputs. You will have to wait a second or so between pushes of this button, because for best sound quality the Argo uses relays to switch inputs. 23. Phase Push this to flip the phase of the Argo’s output signal for the selected input. Use whichever setting sounds best. Control screens Many Argo functions are controlled through the LCD touchscreen.
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. The setup screen can be accessed from this screen using the multifunction button below the display. Input screen When you select an input, this screen will appear. It provides a large volume display as well as the display for the balance control. The balance control functions only when this screen is shown.
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, and set minimum and maximum output levels. To set minimum and/or maximum levels: Adjust the Argo’s volume to the desired minimum or maximum level, and press either the Set Min or Set Max button, depending on which function you want, and hit Apply to accept the setting.
Step-by-step operating process We’ve covered all of the basic controls and indicators of the Argo. 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 Argo from the front panel, first make sure the power switch on the back of the unit is flipped up. Now touch the touchscreen. It will illuminate and a power button will appear onscreen.
If the unit’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 integrated amplifier, 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 integrated amplifier. Troubleshooting Unit will not turn on 1. First, check to see if the rear master power switch is flipped up.
2. If the vocals seem to come from all around you, make sure that the cables between the Argo and your speakers are connected properly, with the marked connector or cable connected to the positive (red or +) binding post on the amplifier, and the unmarked connector or cable connected to the negative (black or -) binding post. 3. If you need to change the speaker cable connection, turn the Argo off first.
