PS Audio Stellar DAC – First Look
All Image Credit: PS Audio
PS Audio of Bolder, Colorado are now shipping their new Stellar DAC. It offers many high-end features including: built-in Digital Lens reclocking technology, I²S inputs, adjustable filters, and a hand-matched class-A analog balanced output stage. The Stellar DAC also features a built-in volume control, enabling it to be used as a standalone preamp. This latest model is available in either a black or silver finish.
At the heart of the DAC is the ESS Sabre ES9018K2M 32-bit Hyperstream digital-to-analog converter, which is fed by PS Audio’s Digital Lens reclocking technology. The Digital Lens technology detects the sample rate, re-clocks the data, reducing jitter, and then applies other processing. The DAC drives a hybrid Class A balanced analog output stage that has no capacitors in its signal path. All these stages being fed by a high-current, oversized analog power supply that provides multiple supplies. Three selectable digital filters enable sonic fine-tuning while the built-in lossless fixed/variable volume control allows the DAC to become a center piece for your digital system.
The Stellar DAC can accept a large range of digital formats from PCM to single-and double-rate DSD, with sample rates up to 384 KHz 32 bit and up to DSD256 native DSD. These formats are supported on a range of digital inputs to include; two I2S inputs, two coaxial inputs and one optical digital input, and a USB connection. Analog connectivity is available via the stereo unbalanced RCA or balanced XLR connectors. 12VDC 3.5mm connectors provides trigger I/O support.
The DAC is plug-and-play with no configuration required. Control and user configuration is available using the streamlined front panel buttons and menu and its full-function remote control.
Features at a Glance:
- Two I2S, coaxial, optical and USB inputs
- Balanced XLR and RCA single-ended analog outputs
- Accommodates all PCM sources up to 384 kHz and single-and double-rate DSD up to 256
- Fixed or built-in volume control enables use as a preamp
- ESS Sabre ES9018K2M DAC chip
- Digital Lens technology re-clocks incoming digital data and reduces jitter for superior sound
- Class A balanced analog output stage
- Three selectable digital filters enable sonic fine-tuning
- High-current oversized analog power supply
- No capacitors in the output signal path
- Remote control or front-panel operation
- Plug-and-play with no configuration required
Specifications:
- Digital audio inputs:
- 2 x I2S, 2 x Coax, 1 x Optical, 1 x USB
- Sample Rates:
- I2S: 2 inputs: PCM 44.1KHz to 384Khz, DSD64, DSD128, DSD256
- Coax: 2 inputs: PCM 44.1KHz – 192KHz
- Optical: 1 input: PCM 44.1kHZ – 192KHz
- USB: 1 input: PCM 44.1kHZ – 384KHz, – DSD64, DSD128 (native), DSD64, DSD128 (DoP)
- Analog audio output:
- 1 x RCA, 1 x XLR balanced
- Output Level: High, Maximum 4 VRMS Balanced, 2 VRMS Single Ended
- Output Impedance: 100Ω / 200Ω
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz, +/- 0.1dB 10Hz-55kHz, -1dB
- Max Output: 4V RMS Balanced, 2V RMS single-ended
- THD+N @ 1KHz (full scale): <0.003% at full output
- IMD: <0.004%, CCIF, at full output
- SNR: 110dB, referenced to 4V RMS
- Data handling:
- Format: PCM or DSD
- Sample Rates: (PCM)44.1kHz, 48.0kHz, 88.2kHz, 96.0kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, 384kHz
- Word Length (PCM): 16-32 bit
- Data Rate (DSD): Up to DSD256 (11.2MHz) Native
- Digital Volume Control
- Analog Conversion: ES9018K2M DAC Chip
- I2S digital input:
- Connector: HDMI
- Format: PCM or DSD. DoP on all inputs as well as native DSD
- USB digital input:
- Connector: USB “B”
- Format: PCM, DoP v1.1 (DSD over PCM), or Native DSD
- Transfer Mode: Asynchronous
- Physical
- Weight: 22.5 lbs [10.2 kg]
- Dimensions: 17″W x 3″H x 12″ D: [43.18 cm x 7.62 cm x 30.48 cm]
- Color Options: Black or Silver
- Power requirements
- Voltage: 100VAC, 120VAC, or 230VAC 50 or 60Hz
- Power Consumption: 25W
MSRP:
- US: $2,199.00
For more information visit the PS Audio web site.
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