PS Audio Stellar Strata MK2 Integrated Amplifier – Quick Look
All Image Credit: PS Audio
PS Audio have released a MKII version of its Stellar Strata Integrated Amplifier with updated features including a moving-magnet/moving coil phono stage, a built-in improved high-resolution DAC, a Class A analogue preamp stage and headphone output amplifier and 150 watts of output power.
The Stellar Strata MK2 is fully balanced from input to output. Its Class A preamplifier stage features PS Audio’s exclusive analogue GainCell variable-gain volume circuitry, which is said to eliminate the sonic degradation that can be caused by passive controls. Its improved DAC can support 384kHz digital audio (depending on the source), with native DSD capability up to DSD256. It is designed around PS Audio’s exclusive Digital Lens technology with all digital signals fed into the DAC’s proprietary design in their native format, which then recognizes the sample rate, re-clocks the data, reduces jitter, and applies other processing.
This latest design also includes; a high-current, Class D hybrid output stage that delivers 150 watts of power (into 4 ohms), a digital filter for PCM sources allowing the listener to to tailor the response to personal preferences, balance and phase controls (the latter for digital sources), input trim for each source and a headphone volume trim control.
Vinyl enthusiasts are now catered for due to the inclusion of PS Audio’s Stellar Strata MK2’s new moving magnet/moving coil phono stage that supports two stereo pairs of unbalanced RCA connectors to support dedicated inputs for MM and MC cartridges and RIAA equalization.
Other rear panel connectivity includes; 2xRCA and 1xXLR analog line input, 1xRCA analog output, while digital support includes one optical and two coaxial digital inputs, a asynchronous USB and two HDNI I2S inputs. Control is supported on 2 x 12VDC trigger outputs with a USB port for potential future firmware upgrades. With speaker connectivity supported on one pair of binding posts.
Finally, control and setup are available using the single front panel menu button and rotary volume control in conjunction with the LCD display. A small IR display is also supplied for seated operation.
Features At A Glance:
- Class A balanced analogue GainCell preamplifier
- Moving magnet/moving coil phono stage
- Full-function DAC to accommodate up to 384KHz digital audio and native DSD up to DSD256
- Three single-ended and balanced analogue inputs; moving magnet and moving coil phono inputs; digital inputs including two coaxial, two I2S, optical, and USB (asynchronous to 384KHz)
- Digital Lens technology Digital Lens re-clocks incoming data to reduce jitter and provide additional sonic advantages
- 150 watts per channel into 4 ohms, 100 watts into 8 ohms; high-current Class A hybrid output stage
- Built-in Class A headphone amplifier
- 5- 15-volt trigger output for connection to other A/V system components
- 21 lbs.
- 17″ wide x 2.8″ high x 13.5″ deep
- Silver or black
Basic Specifications:
- Inputs/Outputs:
- Analog Audio Inputs: RCA: 2 stereo pairs, XLR: 1 stereo pair
- Phono Inputs: MM RCA: 1 stereo pair, MC RCA: 1 stereo pair
- Digital Audio Inputs:
- 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)
- Audio Outputs:
- RCA (Unbalanced): 1 stereo pair
- Headphones: 1 1/4″ stereo
- Speakers: 2 binding post pairs
- Trigger Out: 2 3.5mm, 5-15 DVC
- USB A: 1 (for firmware update)
- Cartridge Support:
- MM:
- Gain: 40dB
- Loading: 100pF/47kΩ
- THD+N: 0.001% @ 5mV input
- MC:
- Gain: 57dB
- Loading: 470pF/100Ω
- THD+N: .003% @ 1mV input
- MM:
- Main Amplifier:
- Gain (relative to line output): 30.5dB
- Output Power: 8Ω, 1KHz, 1% 100W minimum, 4Ω, 1KHz, 1% 150W typical
- Frequency Response: +/-1dB 20Hz – 20KHz, -3dB 7Hz – 40KHz
- THD+N1KHz: 10W/4Ω 0.02%
- IMD: 18/19KHz -65dB
- Speaker Impedance: 4Ω minimum
- Output Impedance @ 50Hz: 150 mΩ typical
- Damping Factor @ 50Hz/4Ω: 29
- Channel Separation @ 1KHz: >90dB
- Headphone Amplifier:
- Gain (relative to line output): 16.5dB
- Output Power into 300Ω @ 1KHz: 1%300mW, 16Ω, 1KHz, 1% 3.25W
- Frequency Response: +/-1dB 7Hz – 40KHz
- THD @ 1KHz/1 VRMS into: 300Ω <0.02%, 16Ω <0.02%
- S/N Ratio @ 1KHz: >110dB (max output)
- Output Noise: < -90dBV
- Headphone Impedance: 8Ω minimum
- Output Impedance: <4 Ω
- Dimensions (wxhxd): 17 x 2.8 x 13.5 inches, (43.2 x 7.1 x 34.3cm)
- Weight: 21 lbs [9.5 kg]
MSRP:
- US: $3,499.00
For more information visit the PS Audio web site.
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