PS AUDIO LAUNCH STELLARGOLD RANGE

The new PS Audio StellarGold Series components launch with StellarGold Preamplifier and StellarGold DAC.

The Boulder, Colorado-based PS Audio has launched a step up from its Stellar Series lineup, with the introduction of its StellarGold preamplifier and StellarGold DAC. The two new high-end audio components incorporate PS Audio’s latest technological innovations, along with flexible configuration options, and user-friendly remote-control operation.

PS AUDIO STELLARGOLD

“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.”

Paul McGowan, PS Audio CEO

To visually distinguish the new range both the preamp and StellarGold DAC feature a new real-gold-plated accent line across the front panel.

 PS AUDIO STELLARGOLD PREAMPLIFIER

Available in silver or black, the StellarGold preamplifier is a flexible audio system control centre 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 engineer Darren Myers, the preamp is fully balanced from input to output, and utilizes pure Class A analogue 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 and attention has been paid to the preamp’s power supply design, with an oversized transformer, multiple stage regulation, and other refinements.

STELLARGOLD PREAMPLIFIER SPECS

Class A pure analogue 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.

PS AUDIO STELLARGOLD DAC

The PS Audio StellarGold DAC has each channel is built by paralleling four high-resolution digital-to-analogue converters, then feeding their combined output into a newly-designed discrete Class A analogue output stage. The use of multiple DACs to form a single ultra-linear channel provides the advantages of lowering noise and channel crosstalk while increasing linearity, dynamic range, and resolution beyond what any single-DAC technology can achieve, says PS Audio.

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.

STELLARGOLD DAC SPECS

Four parallel DACs per channel

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.

PS AUDIO STELLARGOLD PRICING

The PS Audio StellarGold preamplifier and DAC are currently available at a US manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $3,999 each.

HiFi PiG Says: A touch of gold from PS Audio with the new StellarGold series.