PS Audio Stellar Gain Cell DAC and Preamplifier

PS Audio Stellar Gain Cell DAC and Preamplifier

 

Please note: the special offer price is for a limited time only, while stocks last.

What happens when you take a zero-loss state of the art analogue preamplifier and add to it one of the best sounding DACs there are? Audio nirvana. It turns out that a great analogue preamp preserves a DAC’s magic. Together, preamp and DAC form a new class of product whose sum is greater than its parts. The PS Audio Stellar Gain Cell™, A redefined and improved instrument featuring their proprietary analogue gain cell and digital to analogue converter. Think of the Stellar Gain Cell DAC as a complete analogue control centre with an exceptional performing DAC at its heart.

All the features and functions you’d ever want in an analogue preamplifier and modern DAC are right here in Stellar. A zero-loss, fully balanced, pure, analogue signal path combined with DAC features rarely found at any price level: pure DSD, asynchronous USB, Digital Lens technology, I²S to connect to PS Audio's best transport, balanced throughout. Replace your preamplifier, your DAC—or both—and be stunned at the level of improvement when the full and rich tapestry of music surprises and delights your senses.

In the more than forty years of PS Audio’s design innovations and breakthrough products, Stellar’s groundbreaking level of performance as PS Audio's gateway standalone DAC and preamplifier is unmatched for price and performance by their standalone competitors. Taken together, They’re willing to bet you’ve never heard anything quite this good at anywhere even remotely close to this price.

Features

• Class A balanced analogue preamplifier
• Full function DAC
• Class-A headphone output
• Remote control
• Fixed or variable DAC mode
• 2 output 12-volt triggers
• One balanced analogue input
• Three single-ended analogue inputs
• Analog Gain Cell stage
• Fully balanced input to output
• Balanced XLR analogue output
• Single-ended RCA analogue output
• Home theatre bypass
• Direct-coupled without any capacitors in output signal path
• 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 input
• 384kHz asynchronous USB
• 96kHz asynchronous TOSLINK input
• 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 analogue power supply
• 7 voltage regulators
• High-speed power supply diodes
• Massive 15,000 mFd low ESR capacitors
• ESS Hyperstream

 

At the heart of the Stellar Gain Cell is its analogue preamplifier section: the Gain Cell. Invented in the early 2000s by PS Audio founder, Paul McGowan, this unique approach to variable gain amplification eliminates a classic problem for preamplifier designers. The volume control.

All preamplifiers must provide a means for the level to be turned up or down. There are numerous methods of accomplishing this seemingly simple task: potentiometers, stepped attenuators, light-dependent resistors, transformers, electronic switches, etc. All have something in common. They are inserted in the signal path and degrade the musical signal to varying degrees.

The Gain Cell solves the problem

Instead of inserting an additional level control in the signal path, the PS Audio Gain Cell relies on a different technology known as a variable gain amplifier (Gilbert Cell). This topology was invented in the 1960s by Howard Jones and Barry Gilbert and widely adopted by recording and mastering studios in their analogue heyday—later abandoned when these same studios went digital.

The idea behind the Variable gain cell is simple. Instead of adding additional circuitry to the signal path to vary loudness, the preamplifier’s actual amplifier stage varies its gain in response to the user’s front panel volume control. This method requires zero additional circuitry in the signal path, offers more than 80dB of attenuation, and if designed properly performs to the equal of most high-end preamplifiers.

100% analogue

The Gain Cell DAC has 100% analogue input switching so users can select what they listen to without ever leaving the analogue domain. The Gain Cell DAC’s variable gain amplifier solves the problem of signal degradation from additional circuitry to control volume. Together, these pure analogue technologies honour the signals passed through them, whether they’re from Stellar’s DAC or an external phono stage, nothing in the music is sacrificed or lost. Music’s preserved in all its rich glory.

Stellar’s Gain Cell is balanced from input to output and the sound is rich, full and engaging in ways few preamplifiers can claim. From the quietest micro-dynamics to the loudest macro-dynamic passages, Stellar’s Gain Cell outputs gorgeous music through either its balanced or single-ended outputs or its headphone amplifier. Music takes on new life through the Gain Cell.

Rich, powerful, analogue headphone amplifier

For those into headphones (and who isn’t?), Stellar Gain Cell offers an exceptional sounding and powerful analogue headphone amplifier on the front panel. Stellar Gain Cell will automatically mute its main outputs when a headphone is plugged in and the listener can enjoy all that’s great with a high-performance set of headphones. This is music reproduced at its finest.

 

The DAC inside the Stellar Gain Cell will transform your expectations of what’s possible in an under $2,000 DAC: performance is unparalleled in this price category, or anywhere near.

The DAC inside the Stellar Gain Cell produces a seamless 3D soundstage from even normal CDs. Laboured over by its chief architect, Bob Stadtherr, and hand-tuned and voiced by Paul McGowan and Darren Myers, the improvement in sound quality over other DACs is astonishing. The Gain Cell DAC accepts inputs from any digital source including I²S and USB from your computer and outputs directly through Stellar’s analogue Gain Cell preamplifier with either single-ended (RCA) or balanced (XLR) connections.

Used with music server software like JRiver, Bit Perfect, Amarra or Pure Music and an iPhone or Android app, the Gain Cell DAC becomes your entry into the world of high-end digital audio music, both PCM and DSD. Performance is superb at anywhere near the price and there are good reasons why, as you’ll soon discover. In fact, the Gain Cell DAC is one of the best sounding products PS Audio have produced in their 24 years of building DACs. Sweet, spacious and effortless, this device will bring the life back into your music and all at the touch of a finger.

Digital Lens inside

All input signals are taken into the Gain Cell DAC in Native Mode, without Sample Rate Conversion (SRC) and fed directly into a simplified FPGA known as a CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device), which discovers sample rate and format, reclocks all incoming data, reduces jitter, waveshapes data output to the DAC chip, and utilizes high speed/low gate count logic to reduce propagation delay for faster throughput. This proprietary technology is called the Digital Lens.

The DAC chip itself is the acclaimed 32-bit ESS Sabre Hyperstream architecture, the output of which is passively filtered to reduce transient distortion. the Gain Cell DAC’s power supply includes a large analogue transformer, 7 regulators, properly-bypassed high-speed switching diodes, and a massive 15,000 mFd of storage capacitance.

The output stage is a unique Class-A configuration, fully balanced and direct-coupled hybrid array (utilizing both discrete semiconductors and ICs), with an extended bandwidth of -3dB at 60 kHz feeding directly into Stellar’s Gain Cell.

Asynchronous USB for PCM and DSD

The Gain Cell DAC features a high-resolution USB path based on the same XMOS technology found in PS Audio's DirectStream DAC. Asynchronous and capable of 24-bit 384kHz performance for PCM and single or double rate DSD, the Gain Cell DAC USB input sounds every bit as good as the best digital audio is capable of. Using a high-quality USB cable between the Gain Cell DAC and your computer creates an instant media server that can be controlled through any number of handheld devices like an iPad, iPhone or Android using a 3rd party controller program. Your entire music library can be managed by iTunes, JRiver, MConnect, Windows Media Player, Foobar, Pure Music, Bit Perfect, Media Monkey, Audirvana, or Ammara (to name a few) for ease of use. If you have yet to experience the pleasure of scrolling through your entire music library and selecting the next track at the touch of a finger, you’re in for a quite a treat. With the Gain Cell DAC and a USB cable you can stream both PCM and DSD high-resolution audio, using nothing more than your computer and a handheld device to control and play your entire music library.

I²S input

Gain-Cell-DAC-rear-verticalI²S is the native format of all CD transports and many servers. I²S features a separate clock and data signal from the source. Typically, this clock and data signal are multiplexed together to be transmitted over a single cable in a format known as S/PDIF (Sony Philips Digital Interface), or AES/EBU (Audio Engineering Society/European Broadcast Union). Once received in multiplexed form, the DAC input must untangle the clock and data and once again separate them. I²S solves the problems associated with unravelling data of S/PDIF and AES/EBU formats. I²S outputs are sent via an HDMI cable and sources with I²S outputs can be purchased from PS Audio as well as other manufacturers.

The Gain Cell DACs I²S inputs are also compatible with our DirectStream Transport. What this means is important. The DirectStream Transport is one of only a very few players to output pure DSD from the locked SACD layer of SACD discs. Only PS Audio DACs, such as DirectStream and DirectStream Junior—and now Stellar—are authorized to play the pure DSD layer in all of its glory.

Choice of digital filters

The Stellar Gain Cell DAC offers the choice of three digital filters for users to select from. Each digital filter has a different sonic character and the choice of filters offers an excellent means of improving system synergy. No filter choice is wrong or right. Instead, each filter can be selected and auditioned by the user to more perfectly match their chosen collection of the amplifier, source, and loudspeaker, as well as personal tastes and biases.

Users can relax and use the supplied remote control to audition each of the three filter choices for best audio quality matching the system it is played on. Should users upgrade their amplifier, speaker or sources at some point, Stellar is there to help maximize performance.

Active vs. passive filtering

Once the digital audio data have been processed through the Gain Cell DAC’s ESS Hyperstream 32 bit DAC, it’s time to turn them into music and this is the job of the analogue filter and output stage. Most DACs use an active filtering system to clean up the output of the internal DAC but this can add a harsh, bright sound to the music. In the Gain Cell DAC, PS Audio use all passive analogue filtering giving our output a sweet, open sound unencumbered with harsh digital artefacts.

The challenge of the Gain Cell DAC’s design

The real challenge designing the Gain Cell DAC was making sure both PCM and DSD were handled in a way that sacrificed as little as possible through the playback process. Entry-level DACs that accept both PCM and DSD typically favour one format over another when it comes to voicing the device. The two designers of the Gain Cell DAC, chief engineer Bob Stadtherr and CEO Paul McGowan, worked together for nearly a year making decisions on power supplies, overall architecture, developing a custom, simplified FPGA for the input stage and voicing the output stage in a balanced and musical manner that honors both PCM and DSD formats.

The first choice was easy. Both Stadtherr and McGowan chose the ESS line of Hyperstream 32 architectures for the chip’s unrivalled sound quality. Important to both designers would be bringing as much musical detail as possible out of Red Book CDs and reducing the sonic gap between 44.1kHz/16 bit performance and high-resolution PCM and DSD. Lessons learned from years of building DACs aided design decisions critical to the mission of few musical compromises.

PS Audio believe that one audition of a simple CD played through the Gain Cell DAC will open your eyes to the magic these design efforts have brought. And once you hear what the Gain Cell DAC does on ordinary CDs, they can’t wait for you to hear what the Gain Cell DAC can do for higher resolution PCM and DSD.

Pure analogue + state-of-the-art digital

Whether you’re playing a pure analogue source like a turntable or the latest digital medium through the Stellar Gain Cell’s zero-loss Analog Cell, you’ll find yourself in audio heaven.

 

Work on the Stellar series began in 2015 with the goal of building a line of world-class, exceptional sounding, under $2,000 full-size chassis products at PS Audio's Boulder facilities. What they hoped for was an affordable gateway into the world of PS Audio. They wanted to build a line of equipment they would be proud to place the PS Audio name upon, and customers would be equally proud of displaying in their homes, at prices anyone can afford.

PS Audio's standards have always been high. In their forty-plus years of business, they have never sacrificed quality, performance, or customer service when they launch a new product. If they can’t proudly take a new product home and enjoy its musical delights, then it’s never going to see the light of day as a PS musical instrument. Nothing is more important to PS Audio than honouring the music and those that use their products.

The first major challenge in Stellar’s creation was how to build a beautiful, full-sized chassis, and still have budget enough for the level of audio quality PS Audio had envisioned. Once solved with the tireless help of PS Engineering and a cartel of local vendors eager to keep business local, their next hurdle was the biggest of all—crafting musical circuits that matched their lofty vision of sonic bliss. Nearly two years in the works, their vision of a locally built gateway line of musically gorgeous audio products took shape. The Stellar line became reality and one they hope will enjoy a lifetime legacy in the PS Audio family.

Each Stellar product is hand-built in PS Audio's Colorado facility. They take great pride in what they build, how it sounds, and how the end-user is treated. They’re PS Audio, and making music and keeping their customers happy and thrilled is what they’re all about.

 

"The PS Audio Stellar Gain Cell DAC works exceptionally well on every front, as a DAC, as a Preamp and as a Headphone Amplifier. It is extremely linear in tonality, almost honeyed in musicality, it is one of the most analog sounding DACs I have listened to. Yet the resolution, even with 44.1 kHz, is so high as to present an epic soundstage. It is extremely forgiving of both hardware and software… yet it can provide world class performance from high resolution files on reference quality Headphones." Headphone Guru - October 2018

"that's its greatest strength: the Stellar Gain Cell DAC allows you to seamlessly, transparently switch between sources, increase gain, and make meaningful sound adjustments, all the while calling zero attention to itself. This unit is not merely a DAC with a volume control: it's the ideal analog preamplifier, and the fact that it includes PS Audio's idea of trickle-down engineering in the form of an affordable, nearly world-class, budget-friendly DAC is the icing. The GCD is a keeper—it comes very highly recommended!" Positive Feedback Magazine -  November 2017

"The Stellar DAC/Pre-Amp/Power Amplifier filled my listening room with 3D sound, and they matched well with each of my speakers; the floor standing Audio Physic Tempos, the stand mounted Platinum Audio ST 1’s and the low-to-the ground Mission 727s. I was surprised how different they made each sound and I spent a great deal of time swapping out my Parasound Halo 2.1 integrated amplifier, Bel Canto s300 integrated amplifier to make sure I wasn’t fooling myself. And, yes, I was hearing something new and more evocative from my usual suspects." Hifi Pig - October 2017

 

Specification

• Input Power: Model specific 100VAC, 120VAC, or 230VAC 50 or 60Hz
• Power Consumption: 20W
• Mains Power Input: IEC C14
• Fuses: 100V T250V-2.0AH (2A Slow Blow) // 120V T250V-1.6AH (1.6A Slow Blow) // 230V T250V-1.0AH (1.0A Slow Blow)
• Analogue inputs: RCA x3 stereo pair, XLR x 1 stereo pair
• Digital audio inputs: I2S x1 PCM (384KHz max) DSD64 DSD128, Coax x2 PCM (192KHz max), Optical x1 PCM (96KHz max), USB 1x PCM (384KHz max) DSD64 (DoP) DSD128 (DoP)
• Analog Audio Outputs: RCA x1 stereo unbalanced pair, XLR x1 stereo balanced pair, 1/4" headphone connector x1
• Analogue Performance
• Gain: 12dB +/-0.5dB
• Maximum output: 20 Vrms
• Sensitivity: 5.3Vrms
• Input Impedance: 47KΩ single-ended RCA, 100KΩ Balanced XLR
• Output Impedance: 100Ω single-ended RCA, 200Ω balanced XLR
• Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20KHz +0/- 0.25dB, 10Hz – 100KHz +0.1/-3.0dB
• Noise: 20-20KHz <-90dBV
• S/N Ratio: 1KHz <110dB (max output)
• Channel separation: 1KHz <90dB
• Input separation: 1KHz <90dB
• THD & IM: 1KHz < 0.025%, 20-20KHz < 0.05%
• Headphone Performance
• Output power @1% THD: 300Ω 300mW, 16Ω 3.25W
• S/N Ratio 1kHz: >95dB (max output)
• Noise: <-80dBV
• THD & IM 1Vrms out: 300Ω <0.05%, 16Ω <0.06%
• Output impedance: <4 Ω
• Volume Control: 0-100 (1/2 and 1dB steps, 80dB total range)
• Balance Control: 24dB each direction in 1/2dB steps
• Home Theater Mode: Assignable to any analogue input, Adjustable (in setup) to any level
• Polarity (phase) Control: Digital sources only
• Filter Control: 3 selectable digital filters (PCM digital sources only)
• Trigger output: (3.5mm 5-15VDC) 2
• Remote Control: Yes, InfraRed
• Unit Weight: 13.5 lbs [6.1 kg]
• Unit Dimensions: 17” x 12” x 3”
• Shipping Weight: 17 lbs [7.7 kg]
• Shipping Dimensions: 23”x 18” x 9”

 

About PS Audio

PS Audio is a renowned high-fidelity audio components and equipment provider catering to audiophiles and the sound recording industry. With a rich history dating back to 1973, PS Audio has been at the forefront of audio innovation, delivering exceptional products that elevate the listening experience to new heights. Founded by audio designers Paul McGowan and Stan Warren, PS Audio shipped its first products in 1974. The company's name was derived from the initials of its visionary founders, reflecting their commitment to crafting audio equipment that pushes the boundaries of sonic performance. From the very beginning, PS Audio has been dedicated to delivering uncompromising sound quality and engineering excellence.

PS Audio's product lineup encompasses a wide range of audio components designed to meet the needs of discerning audiophiles. From preamplifiers to mains regenerators, DACs to streamers, PS Audio offers a comprehensive selection of equipment that captures the essence of every musical detail.

PS Audio's unwavering dedication to excellence has earned the company numerous accolades and awards worldwide. From Editors' Choice awards by prestigious publications like Stereophile and The Absolute Sound magazines to consistently earning spots on Stereophile's Recommended Component lists, PS Audio has cemented its reputation as a leader in the audio industry. Experience the power of PS Audio's cutting-edge audio components and elevate your listening experience to new heights. Explore their range of preamplifiers, mains regenerators, DACs, amplifiers, power cables, and power conditioners, and unlock the true potential of your audio system. With PS Audio, immerse yourself in the captivating world of high-fidelity sound reproduction.