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Installation notes
The Altair II preamplifier uses passive cooling; there are no internal fans. While the Altair 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 Altair II is installed in a cabinet or an equipment closet, ensure the
cabinet/closet has adequate ventilation. Installation in an unventilated cabinet or closet may cause the
Altair II to overheat, significantly reducing its lifespan.
The Altair II requires a room-temperature environment to operation properly. Ambient temperature
should be about 70°F/21°C, plus or minus 10°F/5°C. Never install the Altair II in a place where it may
be exposed to direct sunlight, and do not install it next to a room heater, radiator, air conditioner,
etc.
Make sure that the Altair II will not be exposed to moisture. Do not locate it in an area where it might
be spilled on, and do not place it in a humid location (such as an unfinished basement).
The light-dependent resistors used in the Altair II’s volume control need 8 hours of continuous
operation to reach maximum linearity. We recommend leaving the Altair II on all the time to ensure
maximum performance. If the Altair II has not warmed up for 15 to 30 minutes from a cold start, you
may notice a slight left-to-right channel imbalance. This may be corrected temporarily using the
balance control.
Installing the Altair II in a place where it will be exposed to direct sunlight or moisture, or where it will
not have adequate ventilation, will void your warranty.
Amplifier
The Altair II preamp is designed to be paired with any high-quality audio amplifier; ideally
Constellation's own Centaur or Hercules amps. Both balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) connections
are available. XLR will provide the highest quality/lowest noise signals, and should be used when
possible.
Source components
The Altair II preamp has eight analog audio inputs, four balanced (XLR) and four unbalanced (RCA), and
can be used with any audio component with line-level analog outputs. As with the outputs mentioned
above, 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 preamplifier, such as
the Constellation Audio Perseus or Orion, between the turntable and the Altair II preamp.
In the event of malfunction
Do not under any circumstances open the chassis of the Altair II. There are no user-serviceable parts
inside. Opening the chassis can present a shock hazard even if the AC power is disconnected. Any
alteration or modification of the Altair II’s internal parts or circuit will immediately void your warranty.
Summary of Contents for Altair II
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