
PS Audio - Stellar Gain Cell - DAC + Preamplifier
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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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 |