John Darko
PS Audio has this week added two new members to its Stellar Series: the StellarGold DAC and StellarGold pre-amplifier.
The StellarGold DAC is built around an octet of ESS 9038 Pro chips – four per channel – whose combined outputs are fed into a fully discrete (read: op-amp-free) Class A analogue output stage.
From the press release: “The use of multiple DACs to form a single ultra-linear channel provides the advantages of lowering noise and channel crosstalk while increasing linearity, dynamic range, and resolution beyond what any single-DAC technology can achieve. The proof is in the listening.”
Digital audio decoding here extends to PCM 768kHz and DSD256. On connectivity, we get two I2S inputs, USB, a pair of coaxial and TOSLINK with a choice of balanced XLR or single-ended RCA outputs. The StellarGold DAC also sports a lossless volume control so that it may serve as a pre-amplifier.
However, if your experience mirrors mine, that putting an analogue pre-amplifier between DAC and power amplifier fattens up the sound, then you’ll also want to take note of PS Audio’s second StellarGold offering.
The StellarGold pre-amplifier follows the DAC’s slimline form factor and adopts is gold-plated front-panel accent to offer two sets of balanced XLR inputs, two single-ended RCA inputs plus balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs.
According to PS Audio, the new pre-amp’s internal circuit is fully balanced from input to output and its two amplification stages are Class A, all discrete and utilise minimal amounts of global feedback. The volume control is a stepped attenuator.
From the press release: “The StellarGold preamp employs high-slew-rate, high-bandwidth JFET and BJT devices along with hand-selected internal components…” and “…can drive long cable lengths with ease.” The Colorado company also reports that the StellarGold pre-amplifier’s transformer is oversized and that significant attention was paid to the power supply design and regulation.
The design work on both units was done by Darren Myers who left PS Audio to join Parasound in May. Each unit sells for US$3999. Both ship with a remote control. Your choice of silver or black.
Further information: PS Audio
