A dac that actually performs well as a preamplifier. The wish of everyone who doesn't have one (a commercial statement for the book). The PS Audio Stellar GainCell DAC combines a DA converter with a preamplifier. The device uses GainCell technology, which allows volume control without additional circuitry in the signal path. This results in pure signal transmission. But sound it does, too! Full and rich, as this manufacturer always wishes to sound.
The PS Audio Stellar GainCell DAC is a versatile combination digital-to-analog converter and analog preamplifier. This DAC uses the ESS Sabre32-bit Hyperstream architecture and features a fully balanced Class A analog output stage. Thanks to Digital Lens technology, incoming digital data is reclocked and jitter is reduced, resulting in a clear and detailed soundstage.
With support for various digital sources, including DSD and PCM, and connections such as I²S, coaxial, optical and USB, the Stellar GainCell DAC offers flexibility in connecting various devices. The GainCell analog volume control provides accurate and lossless volume control without additional circuitry in the signal path.
The combination of a high-quality DAC and a Class A preamplifier in the PS Audio Stellar GainCell DAC provides dynamic and detailed reproduction of music. The stereo image is accurate and the sound is rich and full, contributing to an immersive listening experience.
Curious about the performance of the PS Audio Stellar GainCell DAC? Schedule a listening session in our listening room to experience the sound quality for yourself.
Physical: 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”
Power Requirements: Input Voltage: Model-specific 100 VAC, 120 VAC, or 230 VAC, 50 or 60 Hz Power Consumption: 20 W AC Power Input: IEC C14 Fuses: 100V T250V-2.0AH (2A slow-blow fuse), 120V T250V-1.6AH (1.6A slow-blow fuse), 230V T250V-1.0AH (1.0A slow-blow fuse)
Analog Inputs: RCA: 3 stereo pairs; XLR: 1 stereo pair
Digital audio inputs: I2S: 1 input, PCM (up to 384 kHz), DSD64, DSD128, compatible with DirectStream Transport SACD handshake for DSD playback Coax: 2 inputs, PCM (up to 192 kHz) Optical: 1 input, PCM (up to 96 kHz) USB: PCM (up to 384 kHz), DSD64 (DoP), DSD128 (DoP) Format: PCM, DSD
Analog audio outputs: RCA: 1 stereo pair (unbalanced) XLR: 1 stereo pair (balanced) Headphones: 1/4" jack on the front panel
Analog Performance: Gain: 12 dB ±0.5 dB Maximum Output: 20 Vrms Sensitivity: 5.3 Vrms Input Impedance: 47 kΩ unbalanced RCA, 100 kΩ balanced XLR Output impedance: 100 Ω unbalanced RCA, 200 Ω balanced XLR Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz +0/-0.25 dB, 10 Hz – 100 kHz +0.1/-3.0 dB Noise: 20–20 kHz 110 dB (maximum output) Channel separation: 1 kHz >90 dB Input separation: 1 kHz >90 dB THD & IM: 1 kHz < 0.025%, 20–20 kHz < 0.05%
Headphone Performance: Output power at 1% THD: 300Ω 300mW, 16Ω 3.25W S/N ratio at 1kHz: >95dB (maximum output) Noise:
The PS Audio Stellar GainCell DAC combines an analog GainCell volume control with a digital-to-analog converter. Designed by Darren Myers, it strives for an uncolored signal path. Materials are carefully chosen for optimum sound quality, such as discrete MOSFET output stages. The cabinet has solid aluminum construction, which contributes to resonance control. Manufacturing takes place in Boulder, Colorado, with attention to every detail to ensure high-end audio.
PS Audio was founded in 1973 by Paul McGowan and Stan Warren. The first product was a phono preamplifier sold as kits under the name "PS," taken from the initials of the founders. Over the years, PS Audio developed standalone DACs, power products, digital transport systems and audio components, among other products. The company manufactures its equipment in Boulder, Colorado, United States. PS Audio is responsible for products such as the DirectStream DAC series, PWD (PerfectWave DAC), Power Plant regenerators and the Stellar product line. Design and development takes place in-house, including the use of FPGA technology in digital circuits. Founder Paul McGowan also maintains a daily video channel and a blog discussing technical topics related to sound reproduction. PS Audio publicly documents their design philosophy and products in that form.
