PS Audio StellarGold Preamplifier And DAC – First Look

All Image Credit: PS Audio

The Boulder, Colorado-based PS Audio have released two new StellarGold Series components, a high-performance digital-to-analogue convertor that utilizes an “advanced parallel DAC architecture” plus a preamp featuring a combination of JFET and BJT devices. These two new high-end audio components incorporate PS Audio’s latest technological innovations, flexible configuration options and a user-friendly remote-control operation. They both come in either a silver or black finish sporting a gold-plated accent line across the front panel.

StellarGold Preamplifier

This latest preamplifier design is fully balanced from input to output and utilizes pure Class A analogue amplification throughout. Its two discrete audio amplification stages are based on a minimal global feedback design that employs high-slew-rate, high-bandwidth JFET and BJT devices, together with hand-selected internal components. The signal path is DC coupled (AC coupling selectable) so does not suffer from the technical shortcomings of capacitors. A high current Class A output stage can drive long cable lengths while volume and balance are controlled by precision stepped attenuation. Supporting the electronics is an oversized high current transformer having multiple stage regulation plus other refinements.

StellarGold DAC

This new DAC is designed around the flagship 32-bit Hyperstream II 8 channel ESS 9038PRO DAC. The design employs four parallel DAC’s per channel whose output signals are combined in a discrete Class A analogue output stage. According to PS Audio, by using multiple DACs in parallel, individual non-linearities of each DAC tend to average out, providing the advantages of lowered noise and channel crosstalk, while increasing linearity, dynamic range, and resolution beyond what any single-DAC technology can achieve. The results, according to PS Audio, are “nothing short of breathtaking”, creating a signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 127dB below the DAC’s maximum output of 4 volts (XLR).

Features At A Glance:

Rear panel digital connectivity incudes; two HDMI I2S, two coaxial, one optical and one USB input, with analog outputs supported on one pair of stereo XLR balanced and RCA unbalanced connectors. Wired network connectivity is supported on the RJ45, with firmware updates available via the USB port.

Control is available using the minimalistic front panel control ring and menu button or supplied remote control. With the front panel display showing various setup options together with volume, input, filter type and sample rate/depth etc. Wired control is supported using the two trigger outputs or PS link feature to control other compatible PS Audio devices.