PS Audio has this week added two new members to its Stellar Collection: the StellarGold DAC and StellarGold pre-amplifier.
The StellarGold DAC is constructed round an octet of ESS 9038 Professional chips – 4 per channel – whose mixed outputs are fed into a totally discrete (learn: op-amp-free) Class A analogue output stage.
From the press launch: “The usage of a number of DACs to kind a single ultra-linear channel gives the benefits of decreasing noise and channel crosstalk whereas rising linearity, dynamic vary, and backbone past what any single-DAC know-how can obtain. The proof is within the listening.”
Digital audio decoding right here extends to PCM 768kHz and DSD256. On connectivity, we get two I2S inputs, USB, a pair of coaxial and TOSLINK with a alternative of balanced XLR or single-ended RCA outputs. The StellarGold DAC additionally sports activities a lossless quantity management in order that it might function a pre-amplifier.
Nevertheless, in case your expertise mirrors mine, that placing an analogue pre-amplifier between DAC and energy amplifier fattens up the sound, then you definately’ll additionally need to pay attention to PS Audio’s second StellarGold providing.
The StellarGold pre-amplifier follows the DAC’s slimline kind issue and adopts is gold-plated front-panel accent to supply two units of balanced XLR inputs, two single-ended RCA inputs plus balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs.
In response to PS Audio, the brand new pre-amp’s inner circuit is absolutely balanced from enter to output and its two amplification levels are Class A, all discrete and utilise minimal quantities of world suggestions. The quantity management is a stepped attenuator.
From the press launch: “The StellarGold preamp employs high-slew-rate, high-bandwidth JFET and BJT gadgets together with hand-selected inner elements…” and “…can drive lengthy cable lengths with ease.” The Colorado firm additionally stories that the StellarGold pre-amplifier’s transformer is outsized and that important consideration was paid to the ability provide design and regulation.
The design work on each items was performed by Darren Myers who left PS Audio to hitch Parasound in Might. Every unit sells for US$3999. Each ship with a distant management. Your alternative of silver or black.
Additional data: PS Audio
