Constellation Audio Argo - Manual (Page 5)

5
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. While the Argo does not generate as much
heat our larger, dedicated amplifiers, it still must be located in an area with adequate ventilation so that cool
air can flow through its heat sinks.
There should be at least 6 in/15 cm of clearance between the sides and top of the integrated amp and the
nearest wall or cabinet. If the Argo 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 Argo to overheat,
significantly reducing its lifespan.
The Argo 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 Argo 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 Argo 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).
When you connect or disconnect the AC cord, always grasp it by the plug, not by the cord itself. Pulling the plug
out by the cord can damage the cord, the AC socket, and/or the Argo.
The light-dependent resistors used in the Argo’s volume control need 8 hours of continuous operation to reach
maximum linearity. We recommend leaving the Argo on all the time to ensure maximum performance. If the
Argo 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 Argo 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.
Use of external amplifiers and subwoofers
The Argo is equipped with XLR line-level outputs. These allow you to connect a separate, more powerful
amplifier, such as our Hercules or Centaur amps; to connect a second amplifier to drive a second speaker
system in another room; or to connect a powered subwoofer. Should the device you’re connecting to have only
RCA line-level inputs, you’ll have to use XLR-to-RCA adapters between the Argo and the connected device.
Please consult your Constellation Audio dealer if you need adapters.