Skip to content

PS Audio - Stellar Gain Cell - DAC + Preamplifier

Original price $3,395.00 - Original price $3,395.00
Original price
$3,395.00
$3,395.00 - $3,395.00
Current price $3,395.00
Availability:
1+ in stock
Availability:
1+ in stock

Voted Australia's #1 Hi-Fi Store by Sound+Image Magazine.

Trusted by 40,000+ Aussies who love our Award-Winning Service.

Our Thoughts

Unearth the magic within your music collection with the PS Audio Stellar Gain Cell - DAC + Preamplifier. Impeccably designed to combine the power of an advanced digital to analog converter and state-of-the-art analog amplification, this unit breathes life into even the most ordinary CDs. At its core is a beautifully constructed, Bob Stadtherr designed DAC, based on industry-leading Sabre32 bit Hyperstream architecture. Experience the legendary Gain Cell technology developed by PS Audio Founder Paul McGowan that solves the universal problem facing preamp designers - volume control. Relish the rich, full musical output, delivered with stunning clarity - free from the interference of additional circuitry in the signal path. With a powerful analog headphone amplifier, remote control, and various digital filters to choose from, the PS Audio Stellar Gain Cell is set to redefine your audio experience. Become part of a musical voyage where nothing is lost, and your favourite tunes soar with newfound glory.

🇦🇺 About Our Award-Winning Service

Transform Your Listening Space: Personalised Expertise at Every Step

Ever felt the frustration of a mismatched audio system? The hours lost deciphering reviews, and the disappointment when it doesn't meet your expectations? We understand because we've been there.

Meet Stuart, Yvonne, Nathan, and Vaughan. But more importantly, meet the solution to your audio dilemmas.

Why Trust The Audio Tailor?

  1. Awarded Excellence: 🏆 Honored as Australia’s Hi-Fi Retailer of the Year in 2021 and 2022, and hailed as Queensland’s Best Hi-Fi Retailer. Not just accolades, but a testament to our dedication.
  2. Genuine Audiophiles, Not Salesmen: We aren’t just in this for sales. We're in it for the love of sound, and to enhance your auditory experiences.
  3. Personal Touch: Our commitment is to craft an audio experience tailored to you. Forget one-size-fits-all.

Our Promise?

To be with you at every step. From envisioning a serene evening with your favourite album to setting up the ultimate cinematic audio for movie nights. And once that’s clear, we’ll guide you on making it a reality - harmonising your budget, room dynamics, and dream.

What Makes Us Different?

We aren’t satisfied with the status quo. We rigorously test products, delve deep into the details, ensuring you get nothing but the best. We're about quality, not just brand names.

Act Now!

Remember, the journey to impeccable sound doesn't have to be solo. Let us be your guide.

Ready to Elevate Your Audio Experience?

Call 1300 308 711
Email sales@theaudiotailor.com.au
Or visit our Brisbane store.

ℹ Product Information

PS Audio Stellar Gain Cell DAC + Preamplifier

Experience audio unadulterated by loss or degradation, thanks to the PS Audio Stellar Gain Cell DAC + Preamplifier - a breathtaking combination of full-feature digital-to-analog conversion and top-tier analog amplification, now available as a Display model clearance.

Designed with the insight that even the best DACs come alive with a flawless analog preamp, the Stellar Gain Cell is equipped with state-of-the-art technology that exquisitely combines a cutting-edge DAC output with an uncompromising analog preamplifier. Developed by PS Audio founder, Paul McGowan and designed by Bob Stadtherr, its unrivaled architecture centers on the revolutionary Sabre32 bit Hyperstream DAC - an industry-leading marvel that merges a fully balanced Class A analog output stage with multiple power supplies. To this design imperative, add independent jitter-reduced inputs, DSD, I2S, and asynchronous USB and allow the DAC’s output level to be controlled beautifully by the analog Gain Cell. This product's extraordinary engineering eliminates intrusive elements in the signal path, presenting Volume Control in its purest form. With this preamplifier, explore infinite richness in textures and experience an energetic delight in your music that will make you revel in the extraordinary capabilities of advanced audio technology. Unleash the potential of any analog or digital source with the Stellar’s input, connect a power amp and speakers to its output and let the magic of heart-stopping music fill your soul. Suitable for even the most discerning Audiophile, the PS Audio - Stellar Gain Cell - DAC + Preamplifier is a testimony to excellence, offering an unforgettable aural experience that elevates music to a whole new realm.

Features / Benefits:

  1. Class A Balanced Analog Preamplifier: Experience the full depth and quality of your audio with class A balanced analog preamplification. This feature ensures your audio signal maintains its integrity, resulting in clearer and more vibrant sound.

  2. Full Function DAC: This state-of-the-art DAC offers enhanced audio conversion from digital to analog, amplifying sound quality even from regular CDs. With support for the industry-leading Sabre32 bit Hyperstream architecture, the DAC brings out the finest details in high-resolution PCM and DSD audio.

  3. Remote Control: An intelligent remote control simplifies operation, allowing you to easily select input sources, control volume and choose digital filters. This convenience elevates your listening experience and smoothly integrates the Stellar Gain Cell DAC + Preamplifier into your audio setup.

  4. Numerous Analog and Digital Inputs: The variety of analog and digital inputs, including balanced analog, USB, and I2S, allows connection to any audio source and enhances its reproduction. The Stellar Gain Cell DAC + Preamplifier becomes the nerve center of a high-quality sound system capable of retrieving maximum detail from the source material.

  5. Analog Gain Cell Stage: PS Audio's patented Gain Cell technology takes care of volume control, skillfully preventing the signal's purity from being compromised by the conventional components used for controlling volume. By adjusting its gain directly in response to the front panel controls, the Gain Cell produces cleaner, richer sound.

  6. Headphone Amplification: Built with an integrated headphone amplifier, the Stellar Gain Cell DAC + Preamplifier is capable of driving high-performance headphones, providing powerful, crystal clear sound and superb listening experience even for individual listening.

  7. Versatile Control Options: Separate volume and balance controls, adjustable home theater mode, and selectable digital filters provide a range of customization options, guaranteeing optimal sound performance under every scenario.

  8. Fixed or Variable DAC Mode: With your choice of fixed or variable DAC mode, you gain enhanced flexibility in integrating this device with your existing audio system and aligning it with your listening preferences.

  9. DAC Output Controlled by Analog Gain Cell: The DAC’s output level is beautifully controlled by the analog Gain Cell, ensuring the delivery of precise and biologically believable soundscapes.

  10. Inclusion of the Groundbreaking Gilbert cell: First put into operation during the peak of analog recording and mastering studios, the variable gain amplifier (Gilbert Cell) eliminates signal-disturbing circuitry in the signal path which would diminish reproduction quality. The preamp doesn’t add circuitry to switch volumes but rather changes its natural gain.

  11. Delivery of 100% Pure Analog Signal: The Gain Cell DAC ensures 100% analog input conversion by preserving all signals passed through it, without exiting the analog domain. This ensures a warm, tube-like sound that is rich and offering thrilling audio.

  12. High-Resolution USB Port: The asynchronous USB path, capable of PCM playback up to 384kHz and DSD up to DSD128, makes your computer an immediate media server. This port enables you to stream high-resolution audio directly from your computer, bringing out the best in digital audio.

  13. Seamless Compatibility with PS DirectStream Transport: The Gain Cell DAC's I²S input makes it possible to tap into the raw DSD layer of SACD discs when used with the DirectStream Transport, turning every note and nuance of your favorite music into a live performance.

  14. Choice of Digital Filters: By offering the option of three digital filters for the user to select from, the Gain Cell DAC grants the chance to tune system synergy to your personal taste, leading to an adjusted harmonic series that matches your system and bias the best.

Remember, stellar performance coupled with exceptional flexibility and sonic integrity has never been more accessible than with the PS Audio Stellar Gain Cell DAC + Preamplifier. The real-life audio experience blends with high-resolution music to give you that thrilling experience that reaches your soul. So why not acquire this gem of a preamplifier that's designed with audiophile quality in mind? It will take your sound reproduction to the next level, and your ears will thank you.

Product Specification

Physical Unit Weight 13.5 lbs [6.1 kg]
Physical Unit Dimensions 17” x 12” x 3”
Power Requirements Input Power - Model specific 100VAC, 120VAC, or 230VAC 50 or 60Hz; Power Consumption - 20W
Mains Power Input IEC C14
Fuses 100V T250V-2.0AH (2A Slow Blow), 120V T250V-1.6AH (1.6A Slow Blow), 230V T250V-1.0AH (1.0A Slow Blow)
Accessories Included US (NEMA 5-15P) (all versions), Schuko (CEE7/7) (230V version), UK (BS1363) (230V version)
Analog Inputs RCA - 3 stereo pair; XLR - 1 stereo pair
Digital Audio Inputs I2S - 1 PCM (384KHz max), DSD64 DSD128, Compatible with DirectStream Transport SACD handshake for DSD playback; Coax - 2 PCM (192KHz max); Optical - 1 PCM (96KHz max); USB - PCM (384KHz max), DSD64 (DoP) DSD128 (DoP)
Digital Format PCM, DSD
Analog Audio Outputs RCA - (Analog Unbalanced) 1 stereo pair; XLR - (Analog Balanced) 1 stereo pair; Headphones - One 1/4" headphone connector front panel
Analog Performance Gain - 12dB +/-0.5dB; Maximum output - 20 Vrms; Sensitivity - 5.3Vrms; Input Impedance - 47KΩ single ended RCA, 100KΩ Balanced XLR; Output Impedance - 100Ω single ended RCA, 200Ω balanced XLR
Frequency Response 20Hz – 20KHz +0/- 0.25dB, 10Hz – 100KHz +0.1/-3.0dB
Noise - 20-20KHz S/N Ratio - 1KHz >110dB (max output)
Channel Separation 1KHz >90dB
Input Separation 1KHz >90dB
THD & IM 1KHz < 0.025%, 20-20KHz < 0.05%
Headphone Performance Output power @1% THD - 300Ω 300mW, 16Ω 3.25W; S/N Ratio 1kHz Noise - >95dB (max output); THD & IM 1Vrms out - 300Ω <0.05%, 16
ℹ Specifications
Product Specification Description
Physical Unit Weight 13.5 lbs [6.1 kg]
Physical Unit Dimensions 17” x 12” x 3”
Power Requirements Input Power - Model specific 100VAC, 120VAC, or 230VAC 50 or 60Hz; Power Consumption - 20W
Mains Power Input IEC C14
Fuses 100V T250V-2.0AH (2A Slow Blow), 120V T250V-1.6AH (1.6A Slow Blow), 230V T250V-1.0AH (1.0A Slow Blow)
Accessories Included US (NEMA 5-15P) (all versions), Schuko (CEE7/7) (230V version), UK (BS1363) (230V version)
Analog Inputs RCA - 3 stereo pair; XLR - 1 stereo pair
Digital Audio Inputs I2S - 1 PCM (384KHz max), DSD64 DSD128, Compatible with DirectStream Transport SACD handshake for DSD playback; Coax - 2 PCM (192KHz max); Optical - 1 PCM (96KHz max); USB - PCM (384KHz max), DSD64 (DoP) DSD128 (DoP)
Digital Format PCM, DSD
Analog Audio Outputs RCA - (Analog Unbalanced) 1 stereo pair; XLR - (Analog Balanced) 1 stereo pair; Headphones - One 1/4" headphone connector front panel
Analog Performance Gain - 12dB +/-0.5dB; Maximum output - 20 Vrms; Sensitivity - 5.3Vrms; Input Impedance - 47KΩ single ended RCA, 100KΩ Balanced XLR; Output Impedance - 100Ω single ended RCA, 200Ω balanced XLR
Frequency Response 20Hz – 20KHz +0/- 0.25dB, 10Hz – 100KHz +0.1/-3.0dB
Noise - 20-20KHz S/N Ratio - 1KHz >110dB (max output)
Channel Separation 1KHz >90dB
Input Separation 1KHz >90dB
THD & IM 1KHz < 0.025%, 20-20KHz < 0.05%
Headphone Performance Output power @1% THD - 300Ω 300mW, 16Ω 3.25W; S/N Ratio 1kHz Noise - >95dB (max output); THD & IM 1Vrms out - 300Ω <0.05%, 16Ω <0.06%; Output impedance - <4 Ω
Features Volume Control - 0-100 (1/2 and 1dB steps, 80dB total range); Balance Control - 24dB each direction in 1/2dB steps; Home Theatre Mode - Assignable to any analog input, Adjustable (in setup) to any level; Polarity (phase) Control - Digital sources only; Filter Control - 3 selectable digital filters (PCM digital sources only); Trigger output - (3.5mm 5-15VDC) 2; Remote Control - Yes. Infra Red

Transform Your Experience with PS Audio

Get expert advice. Speak with our team. We're Australia's PS Audio experts.
Voted #1

Australian Hi-Fi Retailer Of The Year

40K+ Aussies Trust Us

Decades of Experience

Highest Rated Hi-fi Store

Australia's Highest-Rated Hi-Fi Store

Ridiculously Good Service

AV Experts, Not Salespeople

Customer Reviews

Based on 2 reviews Write a review

Compare products

{"one"=>"Select 2 or 3 items to compare", "other"=>"{{ count }} of 3 items selected"}

Select first item to compare

Select second item to compare

Select third item to compare

Compare