The PS Audio Stellar Gain Cell DAC is not only a superb performing fully-featured digital to analogue converter it is also an excellent analogue preamplifier! Using PS Audio’s own Gain Cell volume control technology, the Stellar Gain Cell DAC offers a clean detailed pathway between source and amplifier.
PS Audio Stellar Gain Cell DAC Key Features:
- Class A balanced analogue preamplifier
- Class-A headphone output
- Fixed or variable DAC mode
Analogue Preamplifier
- 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
DAC:
- 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 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
Dimensions (WHD) = 432 X 77 X 31
Weight = 7.72kg
DESIGN
The idea of building a no-loss analog preamplifier with its own built-in cutting edge DAC was the basis of the Stellar GainCell design imperative. At this instrument’s heart is the analog GainCell. Rather than using additional sonically-degrading elements inserted in the signal path to control volume, the GainCell eliminates this problem without additional circuitry in the signal path by varying its gain in response to front panel controls. 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.
APPLICATION
The Stellar GainCell DAC is a full-function analog preamplifier featuring a state of the art built-in Digital to Analog Converter inside. It is all you need as the basis of a reference-quality music system. Add a power amplifier and a pair of loudspeakers and you’ll be revelling in sonic bliss within moments. Connect a computer, CD player, or digital source to any of Stellar’s multiple digital inputs, or a Stellar Phono Preamplifier to its analog ins, and you’ve just built one of the highest value music systems in the world.
