It’s been a busy month for PS Audio. Having just introduced their aspen FR10 loudspeaker, the Colorado-based manufacturer are ending 2023 with the introduction of the new StellarGold preamplifier and StellarGold DAC. Both will set you back $3,999 each. The duo is intended to work together, but each can swap into any system. Both are distinguished by a real-gold-plated accent line across the front panel.
Paul McGowan, PS Audio CEO noted, “our Stellar Series components have always delivered outstanding performance at price points that represent real value. The new StellarGold preamplifier and DAC take this design philosophy to a higher level than ever before.”
PS Audio StellarGold Preamp
Available in silver or black, the StellarGold preamplifier (SRP: $3,999) is a flexible audio system control center with multiple balanced and single-ended inputs and outputs, all accessible via the preamp’s front panel menu system and included remote control.
Designed by renowned engineer Darren Myers, the preamp is fully balanced from input to output, and utilizes pure Class A analog amplification. The StellarGold preamp employs high-slew-rate, high-bandwidth JFET and BJT devices along with hand-selected internal components, and its two discrete audio amplification stages are based on a minimal global feedback design. The high-current Class A output stage can drive long cable lengths with ease. Great care and attention have been paid to the preamp’s power supply design, with an oversized transformer, multiple stage regulation, and other refinements.
The StellarGold preamplifier combines extraordinary resolution, tonal accuracy, spatiality and dynamic impact with flexible operation. It adjusts volume and balance via precision stepped attenuation, and also provides control of input selection, input naming, IR control, and other functions.
Key Features
- Class A pure analog amplification with high slew rate amplification stage
- Fully balanced from input to output
- JFET and BJT discrete architecture
- 2 pairs of balanced and single-ended inputs and outputs
- Volume and balance control via precision stepped attenuation
- Firmware-upgradeable via USB port
- Frequency response: 15 Hz – 150 kHz, +/- 0.1 dB
- Remote control or front-panel operation; remote can be used to operate other PS Audio components
- Available in silver or black
- Dimensions: 17″ wide by 3.3″ high by 13″ deep, weight: 24.1 lbs.
Where to buy: $3,999 at psaudio.com
PS Audio StellarGold DAC
The StellarGold DAC (SRP: $3,999) was also designed by Darren Myers whose mission was to discover how far it might be possible to extend the already extraordinary capabilities of the latest technologies of the top-of-the-line ESS DAC platforms.
What makes the new StellarGold DAC unique is its use of multiple parallel DACs. Each channel of the StellarGold is built by paralleling 4 high resolution digital to analog converters, then feeding the combined output of these DACs into an all new discrete class A analog output stage. PS Audio claims the use of multiple high-precision DACs to form one ultra-linear channel has the advantage of lowering noise and channel crosstalk while at the same time increasing linearity, dynamic range, and resolution beyond what any single DAC technology can achieve.
The StellarGold DAC provides multiple I2S and coaxial digital inputs, plus USB and optical inputs, and balanced and single-ended outputs. Its built-in lossless volume control enables it to be used as a standalone preamplifier. The DAC is compatible with PCM to 768 kHz and DSD to 256 (11.2 MHz). The DAC provides user-selectable digital filters to enable sonic tailoring to the listener’s preferences.
Key Features
- Four parallel DACs per channel for exceptional sound quality
- Designed around ESS 9038 Pro technology
- Fully balanced design
- High slew rate, low-feedback, Class A output stage
- Compatible with PCM 16- and 24-bit from 44.1 kHz to 768 kHz, DoP64 to DoP256, and DSD 64 to 256 (depending on input)
- Adjustable volume control allows use as a standalone preamp
- User-selectable digital filters
- Available in silver or black
- Dimensions: 17″ wide by 3″ high by 12″ deep, weight: 22.5 lbs.
Where to buy: $3,999 at psaudio.com
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ORT
December 24, 2023 at 6:26 pm
Am I the only one that thinks these two excellent pieces of equipment look like…Schiit?
ORT
Ian White
December 24, 2023 at 9:51 pm
ORT,
Not a big fan of the industrial design.
IW
ORT
December 24, 2023 at 10:38 pm
Ian, same here. Schiit is nice stuff and I would suppose these PS Audio pieces are too but I prefer a more Vintage look or if possible, something mixed in with some inspiration (TUBES!!) from Lang’s “Metropolis”.
I even gave my son my Valhalla 2.
I just moved my Dual 1246 into my main record listening setup in place of my Pro-Ject Beatles ’64. I like both but the Dual is vintage sweetness.
Looks matter. Which does not explain how I ever got married. 😉
ORT