The Constellation Mk II series is currently the youngest of the Italian company Chario, but it is an updated version of a line that has passed a solid test of time. So it can be assumed that the speakers included in it are not simplified versions of the models of the senior series, as is often the case, but, on the contrary, sources of ideas and innovative technical solutions for them.
The current range of Chario is represented by three and a half lines – for 0.5 we will take the Belong series with one experimental model. The description of each of them on the company’s website is preceded by a very brief summary. Thus, the flagship Academy S is “High-End sound”, Belong is “Limited edition”, the Aviator series is “High fidelity”, and Constellation Mk II is “Back to the classics”. Indeed, the speakers named after the constellations have been produced by the company since 1998, that is, for almost half of the brand’s existence, so for Chario they represent an established, time-tested canon. However, an outside observer from among Hi-Fi enthusiasts and connoisseurs will certainly note that the Constellation Mk II series models are very unique and bear little resemblance to what is considered the mainstream in the acoustic systems segment.
Currently, the “star” line consists of four elements – the fifth, Ursa Major (Big Dipper), has left it. But it was in these two-module speakers that the ideology of a built-in passive subwoofer was laid, and implemented in the senior model of the Pegasus series Constellation Mk II, as well as its smaller version Cygnus.
Everything for the home
These speakers have been designed for use in regular living rooms, where it is not always possible to follow the “golden rules” of system and listener placement. The large 38 mm soft dome tweeter of the proprietary T38 Wave Guide design creates sound with a 60° directivity pattern, which provides a wide comfortable listening area. The 16 cm woofer is mounted in the bottom panel, raised by three supports above the base plate. The waves it creates, supported by those emanating from the adjacent bass reflex port, are reflected from the base and diverge evenly in all directions. With this design, the required sound pressure is achieved with a smaller amplitude of the speaker diffuser stroke, which guarantees a lower level of nonlinear distortion.
The connecting link is the midrange head of the same diameter, located on the front panel. Its share of responsibility is the most information-significant frequency range – from 170 Hz to 1.5 kHz – where the main tones of voices and most instruments are concentrated. The developers of Chario Acoustics traditionally rely on the results of psychoacoustic research, which show that this way you can achieve maximum purity and intelligibility of sound.
The angle of the front panel reduces the reflection of waves emitted by the tweeter and midrange from the floor and furniture. The streamlined contours of the case also help reduce the diffraction of sound at the edges, and thus its purity. Chario Constellation Mk II Pegasus Acoustics
Italian Beauty
And, of course, when talking about Chario acoustics, we can’t help but dwell on its signature design, the defining feature of which is the solid wood finish, grown on Italian plantations and specially prepared and processed. The cases themselves are made of thick HDF sheets (high-density fiberboard), which prevents the occurrence of parasitic overtones of a resonant nature. Where there are no wooden overlays, they are covered with a pleasant-to-touch paint.
From time to time, the company’s range includes models of other styles and in other finishes, but it is the version we have for the Chario Constellation Mk II Pegasus that makes its products recognizable. Chario Constellation Mk II Pegasus Acoustics
The protective grilles are installed in the recesses provided on the front panels, and not by means of fashionable magnetic fasteners, and now they try to hide the screw heads from sight. Since the speakers look quite organic on the cases, then the grilles are somehow not remembered, although they were invented for a reason. But the auxiliary, albeit small, elements somewhat reduce the integrity and aesthetics of a very pleasing-to-the-eye picture.
The rear view is beyond praise: only a couple of high-quality connectors for connection on a beautiful panel with the model name and its place of manufacture – Italy.
Imagery and emotionality
Chario products are distinguished not only by their distinctive design but also by the developers’ special approach to creating sound: they try not only to convert an electrical signal into sound as accurately as possible but also to take into account many additional factors – in particular, the peculiarities of human perception of acoustic information, taking into account the properties of the room in which music is listened to. Therefore, the sound of Chario speakers is full of originality, which was noted by the authors of many reviews.
The same can be said about Constellation Mk II Pegasus – many familiar recordings will acquire new accents and shades for the listener, but, in general, the presentation of the material is quite high-quality and reliable. During testing, their companions in the audio path were the Naim ND5 XS 2 network player and the Tidal music service, as well as the Denon PMA-2500NE amplifiers, comparable in price to the speakers, and the significantly more expensive hybrid Unison Research Unico Due, also of Italian manufacture. Chario Constellation Mk II Pegasus Acoustics
The speakers create a large, clearly organized, and airy musical stage with a well-defined perspective. At the same time, it feels as if it is placed inside a huge, slightly echoing room. This effect cannot be called unpleasant – rather interesting. Due to this, the performers of arias from the opera “ La Traviata “ by G. Verdi (CD Violetta), whose images are excellently focused and very detailed, are even closer to you, more naturally, since you are in the same hall where the echo “walks”. The voices of A. Netrebko, R. Villazon, and other stars of the world opera are full, rich in timbres, articulated and emotional; coloraturas are ringing and iridescent, pure and euphonious even at volume increases.
When playing large classical works, such as Tchaikovsky’s Sixth Symphony, the effect described above is less noticeable and does not interfere with listening at all. The orchestra groups are fully represented, the instruments are recognizable, and I would especially like to note the voices of the brass instruments – voluminous, rich, and characteristic of each of them. The bass base is solid and weighty, it determines the scale of the sound; the double basses are clearly focused on their proper place. The highs are light, varied, and detailed; the percussion sounds gracefully float above the stage. Microdynamics are excellent, so the dark quiet fragments are full of the smallest musical details. The dynamics are also impressive: the volume increases rapidly and inexorably – listening to this complex, multi-faceted, and tragic music is captivating and evokes corresponding feelings. The sound flows like a wide, smooth river and is distinguished by a pleasant velvety quality. Chario Constellation Mk II Pegasus Acoustics
Rhythm and bass
Also worth noting is the excellent rhythmicity of the Pegasus sound. A. Jamal’s jazz compositions from the album “After Fajr” are presented brilliantly – this definition came to mind, thanks to the excellently drawn, mobile, sparkling highs that give the percussion a vital energy. The piano and the double bass that echoes it set the melodies and rhythms: the first – with all its full-bodied octaves, the second – with deep bass, drawn string textures. The musical stage is spacious, the instruments seem to float in the air next to you.
The weight and depth of the low frequencies are perfectly demonstrated by these Chario speakers in Muse’s “Starlight”. The pulsating bass is felt by the whole body, and the rest of the composition’s elements are strung on it without mixing or getting tangled. This music creates a special drive at high volume, and the Pegasus, providing it, does not show the slightest tension, playing as easily and cleanly as at lower levels. The electronic nature of the sound is not pushed forward, although the detail is quite high. The vocals are articulate, and expressive and take a worthy place on a densely filled sound stage.
With the Denon PMA-2500NE, however, the low frequencies are loose and sometimes slightly delayed – let’s say, a bit “poppy”. Unison Research Unico 150 makes them collected, precise, and detailed, without diminishing the weight and pressure. And in general, a more expensive amplifier with a tube cascade on board adds nobility and sophistication to the sound of the speakers. Already pleasant, it becomes even more caressing to the ear and fascinating – without compromising authenticity and information content.
Conclusions
There is an opinion among Hi-Fi experts that the Chario acoustics are peculiar, and not all true audiophiles are ready to accept this otherness. We also see characteristic features in the Pegasus speakers from the updated Constellation Mk II series, but this can only turn off the most stubborn pedants. They are genre-universal, capable of convincingly presenting musical material of any complexity, and provide a highly emotional listening experience. Well, the fact that the music is a little more pleasing to the ear than it should be is not a big drawback.
Specification
Advantages: detailed, rich, energetic sound; impressive dynamics; deep bass; large-scale and well-developed scene; design
Flaws: a slight coloring of the sound, giving it a signature character
Price: 224,000 rubles
Passport details
Number of stripes: 3
Speakers:
HF: 38mm soft dome
Midrange: 160mm with paper composite cone
LF: 160mm with paper composite cone
Acoustic design of low frequencies: phase inverter
Crossover frequencies: 170 Hz, 1500 Hz
Sensitivity: 87 dB
Resistance: 4 Ohm
The lower limit of the frequency range: is 45 Hz (-3 dB)
Recommended amplifier power: 100 W
Dual-cable connection: no
Dimensions: 103x23x37 cm
Weight: 26 kg
Finish: solid walnut
