PS Audio Stellar Gain Cell DAC and Preamplifier

Even the best DACs in the world benefit from a zero-loss analog preamp. That fact was the basis of the Stellar Gain Cell design imperative. Combine a cutting edge DAC’s output with a no compromise analog preamplifier. A unique combination of a gorgeous full-featured digital to analog converter and state of the art analog amplification. Add any analog or digital source to Stellar’s input, a power amp and speakers to its output, and music filled with rich textures and toe-tapping energy surprise and delight even the most critical Audiophile.

At the heart of Stellar Gain Cell DAC is a stunning, Bob Stadtherr designed, digital to analog converter. Based on industry leading Sabre32 bit Hyperstream architecture, Stellar DAC features a fully balanced Class A analog output stage with multiple power supplies, independent jitter-reduced inputs, DSD, I2S, and asynchronous USB.

The DAC’s output level is controlled by the analog Gain Cell. Developed in the early 2000’s by PS Audio founder Paul McGowan, the Gain Cell elegantly solves the fundamental problem facing preamp designers. Volume control. Nearly all analog preamplifiers use additional sonically-degrading elements inserted in the signal path to control volume. These impediments to the signal path’s purity range from simple potentiometers to exotic stepped attenuators, relays, solid state switches, ladder networks, transformers, light dependent resistors. All share intrusive elements in the signal path. The Gain Cell eliminates this problem without additional circuitry in the signal path by varying its gain in response to front panel controls.

FEATURES

• Class A balanced analog preamplifier
• Full function DAC
• Class A headphone output
• Remote control
• Fixed or variable DAC mode
• 2 output 12 volt triggers

Analog preamplifier

• One balanced analog input
• Three single ended analog inputs
• Analog Gain Cell stage
• Fully balanced input to output
• Balanced XLR analog output
• Single ended RCA analog output
• Home theater bypass
• Direct coupled without any capacitors in output signal path

Digital To Analog Converter

• Four digital inputs
• I2S input
• Digital Lens technology
• Native Mode
• Three user selectable digital filters
• Compatible with PS Audio DMP for SACD playback in DSD
• DSD direct through I2S
• 192kHz asynchronous coax and TOSLINK inputs
• 192kHz asynchronous USB
• Single and double rate DSD
• CPLD input (FPGA) lowers jitter, waveshapes, reduces propagation delay
• Native mode standard
• No added Sample Rate Conversion
• High current class A hybrid output stage
• Passive output filter lowers transient distortion
• Direct coupled without any capacitors in output signal path
• High bandwidth output stage -3dB 60kHz
• Low jitter clocks
• High Current oversized analog power supply
• 7 voltage regulators
• High speed power supply diodes
• Massive 15,000 mFd low ESR capacitors
• ESS Hyperstream