Constellation audio Orion User manual

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CAUTION
To reduce risk of electric shock, do not remove any of the phono preamplifier’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 preamplifier to moisture, rain, or excessive
humidity.
The lightning flash with arrowhead, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the
user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that
may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electrical shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the
presence of important operating maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.

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Thank you for purchasing the Constellation Audio Orion phono preamplifier. Our “dream
team” of acclaimed audio engineers and industrial designers set a high goal for the Orion:
We wanted it to not only be the best phono preamp ever made, but also to be exceptionally
versatile and convenient to use. We designed the Orion to bring you a higher level of sound
quality and musicality than you have ever before experienced.
The Orion’s no-compromise design required that we do a few things differently from
conventional phono preamps. Thus, you’re probably not used to the Orion’s connections
and setup. Please read this manual all the way through before you set up the Orion. The
few minutes you spend will pay off in greatly enhanced performance.
Contents
Page Topic
4 Before you install the Orion
Unpacking
Power supply setup
Installation notes
In the event of malfunction
6 Turntable and preamp connections
XLR inputs
RCA inputs
XLR outputs
RCA outputs
Chassis and signal grounds
10 Other connections on the Orion
Power inputs
RS-232
USB / control
Hub
11 Controls / displays / indicators
Front panel knobs and buttons
Rear panel controls
14 Remote control
16 Control screens
19 Step-by-step operating procedure
20 Maintenance
20 Troubleshooting
21 For more information

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Before you install the Orion
Unpacking
Take care when you remove the Orion from its packaging. Because of its machined aluminum chassis, it is
much heavier than the average phono preamp. Have an extra person nearby to help if you need it. You may
wish to use gloves to protect your fingers.
Power supply setup
The Orion's separate power supply (bottom component in the picture above) must be connected to the Orion
main chassis (top component in the picture above) as shown above before you plug the unit into a wall. Make
sure the power switch on the power supply is in the off (O) position.
The supplied cables are spiral-wrapped, gold-plated copper designed for aerospace use, and can handle up to
30 amps.
Connect one of the supplied cables to the Analog Left power socket on the Orion, then into the Analog Left
power socket on the power supply as shown above. Repeat with the Analog Right and Control power
connections.
At this point you can plug the Orion power supply into the wall socket. Leave the master power switch off
until you connect your other equipment to the Orion.
DO NOT remove the power cables while the unit is powered on. If you do happen to accidently pull one of
them out, DO NOT plug it back in. Turn off the power supply using the hard switch on the rear panel, unplug
the unit, then replace the cable. Failure to power down the unit before replacing a power cable can result in
substantial damage to your Orion.
If you will be using the Constellation Audio Centaur or Hercules amplifiers (or any other high-powered
amplifier), do not plug the Orion into the same AC socket or into any other outlet connected on that circuit.
Constellation Audio amplifiers draw a great deal of power and could affect the Orion’s performance if the
amplifier(s) and preamp are plugged into the same electrical circuit or AC outlet.
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 Orion.

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Installation notes
The Orion preamplifier uses passive cooling; there are no internal fans. While the Orion 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 Orion 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 Orion to overheat,
significantly reducing its lifespan.
The Orion 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 Orion 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 Orion 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).
We recommend leaving the Orion on all the time to ensure maximum performance and the best possible
sound quality.
Installing the Orion 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.
Connected components
The Orion phono preamp is designed to be paired with any high-quality turntable, and with any quality
preamp; ideally Constellation's Altair or Virgo preamps. Both balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA)
connections are available. XLR will provide the highest quality/lowest noise signals, and should be used when
possible.
Before making or changing any connections to the Orion, first turn off the master power switch on the back of
the power supply, and turn off the power on the preamp and power amplifier(s).
In the event of malfunction
Do not under any circumstances open the chassis of the Orion. 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 Orion’s internal parts or circuit will immediately void your warranty.
If your Orion does not function correctly, refer to the Troubleshooting section at the end of this manual. If you
are still unable to resolve the problem, contact your Constellation Audio dealer.
If any liquid is spilled on the preamp, or if any metal object (such as a staple or a paper clip) is inadvertently
forced inside, immediately disconnect the AC power and contact your Constellation Audio dealer.

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Turntable and preamp connections
1. XLR MC inputs
The two XLR inputs farthest to each side of the back panel of the Orion are for use with MC cartridges. As you
are looking at the rear panel, the left XLR inputs are for the right channel, the right inputs are for the left
channel. These correspond with inputs MC-1 and MC-3. These XLR connections cannot be used concurrently
with the RCA input below them; for example, you can use either MC-1 (XLR) or MC-2 (RCA), but not both. Use
of XLR connections is recommended for the best possible audio quality. To remove an XLR plug, push on the
tab above the jack and pull the plug out.
IMPORTANT NOTE: To preserve true dual-mono operation, the Orion uses a symmetrical circuit layout. This
configuration requires that the Orion’s back panel connections be laid out a little differently from those on
most preamps. For example, the left-channel connection for input MC-1 is at the far right side of the back
panel, and the right-channel connection for MC-1 is at the far left side. Connecting the cables in the usual
side-by-side fashion will result in an incorrect installation and the mixing of sounds from different tonearms
or turntables.
The MC input numbers from left to right, looking at the back of the Orion are:
MC-1right, MC-3right——MC-3left, MC-1left.
2. XLR MM input
The two XLR inputs closest to the center of the Orion back panel are for use with MM cartridges. As you are
looking at the rear panel, the left XLR input is for the right channel, the right input is for the left channel.
These XLR connections cannot be used concurrently with the RCA input below them; for example, you can
use either MM-1 (XLR) or MM-2 (RCA), but not both. Use of XLR connections is recommended for the best
possible audio quality. To remove an XLR plug, push on the tab above the jack and pull the plug out.
IMPORTANT NOTE: To preserve true dual-mono operation, the Orion uses a symmetrical circuit layout. This
configuration requires that the Orion’s back panel connections be laid out a little differently from those on

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most preamps. For example, the left-channel connection for MM input is on the right side of the back panel,
and the right-channel connection is on the left side. Connecting the cables in the usual side-by-side fashion
will result in an incorrect installation and the mixing of sounds from different source devices.
3. RCA MC inputs
These unbalanced inputs are provided as a convenience for use with turntables having only unbalanced
output. Whenever possible, we recommend using XLR connections instead. Connecting to an unbalanced
turntable is handled in the same way an XLR balanced source. As you are looking at the rear panel, the left
RCA input is for the right channel, the right input is for the left channel. These cannot be used concurrently
with the corresponding RCA inputs; for each input, you can use either XLR or RCA, but not both.
The RCA input numbers from left to right, looking at the back of the Orion are:
MC-2right, MC-4right——MC-4left, MC-2left
IMPORTANT NOTE: To preserve true dual-mono operation, the Orion uses a symmetrical circuit layout. This
configuration requires that the Orion’s back panel connections be laid out a little differently from those on
most preamps. For example, the left-channel connection for MC-2 is at the far right side of the back panel,
and the right-channel connection is at the far left side. Connecting the cables in the usual side-by-side fashion
will result in an incorrect installation and the mixing of sounds from different source devices.
4. RCA MM input
This unbalanced input is provided as a convenience for use with turntables having only unbalanced output.
Whenever possible, we recommend using XLR connections instead. Connecting to an unbalanced source is
handled in the same way an XLR balanced source.
IMPORTANT NOTE: To preserve true dual-mono operation, the Orion uses a symmetrical circuit layout. This
configuration requires that the Orion’s back panel connections be laid out a little differently from those on

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most preamps. For example, the left-channel connection for MM is on the right side of the back panel, and
the right-channel connection is on the left side. Connecting the cables in the usual side-by-side fashion will
result in an incorrect installation and the mixing of sounds from different source devices.
5. XLR output
The inner XLR connections on the rear of the Orion are outputs. To remove an XLR plug, push on the tab on
the connector body and pull the plug out. Be sure to match the output to the correct channel on your preamp.
As you are looking at the back of the Orion, the output on the left side is for the right channel, the output on
the right is for the left channel.
6. RCA output
RCA unbalanced outputs are also supplied for preamplifers not equipped with XLR connections. When
connecting to an amplifier, be sure to match the output to the correct channel on your amp. As you are
looking at the back of the Orion, the output on the left side is for the right channel, and the output on the
right is for the left channel. To remove an RCA plug, grasp it by the connector body and pull the plug out.

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7. Chassis ground
The chassis ground terminal is one of two ground terminals provided on the Orion. Two separate grounds
provide more grounding options and will allow you to reduce hum to an absolute minimum. Typically the
chassis ground will be connected to the ground terminal on the turntable or the motor, while the other ground
terminal (signal ground) will be connected to the tonearm. However, you may find that you get less hum by
connecting the chassis ground to the center plate screw on the AC outlet, and grounding both the tonearm
and turntable to the signal ground. Experiment and go with whatever configuration gives the best results.
8. Signal ground
The signal ground terminal is one of two ground terminals provided on the Orion. Two separate grounds
provide more grounding options and will allow you to reduce hum to an absolute minimum. Typically the
signal ground will be connected to the ground terminal on the tonearm, while the other ground terminal
(chassis ground) will be connected to the turntable or motor. However, you may find that you get less hum by
connecting both the tonearm and the turntable to the signal ground, and connecting the chassis ground to
the center plate screw on the AC outlet. Experiment and go with whatever configuration gives the best
results.

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Other connections on the Orion
9. Power inputs
These inputs connect to the power outputs of the Orion’s separate power supply. The Orion power supply
includes permanently attached, spiral-wrapped, gold-plated copper cables designed for aerospace use. Each
cable is rated to handle 30 amps.
Each of these jacks mates with a matching jack on the power supply. Be sure to connect the Analog Right
power jack on the phono preamp to the Analog Right power jack on the power supply, the Analog Left power
jack on the phono preamp to the Analog Left power jack on the power supply, and the Control power jack on
the phono preamp to the Control power jack on the power supply.
Before connecting these cables, switch off the Orion’s power supply and disconnect it from the AC power.
Failing to do this can damage the Orion or its power supply.
10. RS-232
This DB-9 style serial connection can be used to interface
the Orion with third-party control systems such as those
from AMX, Crestron and Control4. It can also be used to
update the Orion’s firmware. For more information,
contact your dealer.
11. USB / control
This USB jack is used to interface the Orion with third-party
control systems such as those from AMX, Crestron and
Control4, and also to update the Orion’s firmware. For
more information, contact your dealer.
12. Trigger
This 3.5mm (1/8-inch) jack emits 12 volts DC whenever
the Orion is on. It can be used to turn on an amplifier or
other component equipped with a 12-volt trigger input.