PS Audio Stellar Gain Cell Digital Analogue Converter
There isn’t a DAC made that doesn’t benefit from a great analogue preamplifier. The Stellar Gain Cell DAC combines the benefits of both—a full-featured DAC with an exceptional analogue preamplifier controlling its output level. Fully balanced circuitry from input to output, the Stellar Gain Cell DAC builds upon years of research and innovation in the art of digital audio and Class A analogue amplification. Together, or separately, they create an extraordinarily rich, full-bodied musical experience few standalone products can match. Stellar Gain Cell DAC is the perfect foundation for those unwilling to compromise sound quality. Rich. Lush. Powerful. A music lover’s answer to spiralling cost-no-object equipment without sacrifice.
Even the best DACs in the world benefit from a zero-loss analogue preamp. That fact was the basis of the Stellar Gain Cell design imperative. Combine a cutting edge DAC’s output with a no compromise analogue preamplifier. A unique combination of a gorgeous full-featured digital to analogue converter and state of the art analogue amplification. Add any analogue or digital source to Stellar’s input, a power amp and speakers to its output, and music filled with rich textures and toe-tapping energy surprise and delight even the most critical Audiophile.
At the heart of Stellar Gain Cell DAC is a stunning, Bob Stadtherr designed, digital to analog converter. Based on industry leading Sabre32 bit Hyperstream architecture, Stellar DAC features a fully balanced Class A analog output stage with multiple power supplies, independent jitter-reduced inputs, DSD, I2S, and asynchronous USB.
The DAC’s output level is controlled by the analogue Gain Cell. Developed in the early 2000’s by PS Audio founder Paul McGowan, the Gain Cell elegantly solves the fundamental problem facing preamp designers. Volume control. Nearly all analog preamplifiers use additional sonically-degrading elements inserted in the signal path to control volume. These impediments to the signal path’s purity range from simple potentiometers to exotic stepped attenuators, relays, solid state switches, ladder networks, transformers, light dependent resistors. All share intrusive elements in the signal path. The Gain Cell eliminates this problem without additional circuitry in the signal path by varying its gain in response to front panel controls.
Class A balanced analogue preamplifier
Full function DAC
Class A headphone output
Remote control
Fixed or variable DAC mode
2 output 12 volt triggers
Analogue preamplifier
One balanced analogue input
Three single ended analogue inputs
Analogue Gain Cell stage
Fully balanced input to output
Balanced XLR analogue output
Single ended RCA analogue output
Direct coupled without any capacitors in output signal path
Digital To Analogue Converter
Four digital inputs
I2S input
Digital Lens technology
Three user selectable digital filters
Compatible with PS Audio DMP for SACD playback in
DSD
DSD direct through I2S
192kHz asynchronous coax and TOSLINK inputs
192kHz asynchronous USB
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 analog power supply
7 voltage regulators
High speed power supply diodes
Massive 15,000 mFd low ESR capacitors
ESS Hyperstream
Physical
Unit Weight: 13.5 lbs
Unit Dimensions: 17” x 3” x 12”
Shipping Weight: 17 lbs
Shipping Dimensions: 22”x 8” x 17”
Power requirements
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)
Accessories included: US (NEMA 5-15P) (all versions), Schuko (CEE7/7) (230V version), UK (BS1363) (230V version)
Analog inputs
RCA: 3 stereo pair
XLR : 1 stereo pair
Digtial audio inputs
I2S: 1 PCM (384KHz max), DSD64 DSD128, Compatible with DirectStream Transport SACD, handshake for DSD playback
Coax: 2 PCM (192KHz max)
Optical: 1 PCM (96KHz max)
USB: PCM (384KHz max), DSD64 (DoP) DSD128 (DoP)
Format: PCM, DSD
Analog Audio Outputs
RCA: (Analogue Unbalanced) 1 stereo pair
XLR: (Analogue Balanced) 1 stereo pair
Headphones: One 1/4" headphone connector front panel
Analog 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
Noise: >95dB (max output), <-80dBV
THD & IM: 1Vrms out 300Ω <0.05%, 16Ω <0.06%
Output impedance: <4 Ω
Features
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 analog 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. Infra Red
