Features
| Warranty length | 3 Years |
|---|---|
| Brand | PS Audio |
Tech Specs
- 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
- nput 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”
Product Description
PS Audio Stellar Gain Cell DAC and Pre Amplifier sets the benchmark for amplification, combining a pre-amp, DAC and high quality headphone amplifier all-in-one. The Stellar Gain Cell is a zero loss purely analog unit with exceptional DAC for a rich array of music.
Analog Preamplifier Section
At the heart of Paul McGowan's Stellar Gain Cell is the Gain cell analog preamplifier. It solves the problem of volume control by employing a unique variable gain technology known as Gilbert Cell. This works by controlling the volume gain from the Stellar's actual amplifier stage in response to the front panel volume control. This topology requires zero additional circuitry in the signal path to vary volume levels, offers over 80db of attenuation and can perform as well as high-end preamps.
100% Analog
Being 100% analog means the Stellar Gain Cell is able to preserve the richest musical details. It uses 100% analog input switching and unique variable gain amplifier to ensure no precious details are lost in the audio signal, whether you're using a DAC or phono stage.
Dynamic Sound
Completely balanced, the Stellar Gain Cell delivers a sound so rich and full it engages listeners unlike many preamps have been able to. It outputs stunning music through either single-ended or balanced outputs or powerful headphone amplifier, ensuring the quietest micro-dynamics and loudest macro-dynamic passages are heard with a new lease of life.
Powerful Analog Headphone Amplifier
On the front panel of the Stellar Gain Cell is an incredible sounding, high-quality analog headphone amp. When you plug your high-performance headphones in to the amplifier, the Gain Cell automatically mutes the main outputs allowing you to enjoy the all the power and performance for rich and detailed music.
High Performance DAC
PS Audio Stellar Gain Cell's Digital to Analog converter provides an unmatched quality of sound and produces a seamlessly three-dimensional soundstage from even standard CD's. It accepts any inputs from digital sources, USB, I²S and outputs with single-ended RCA or balanced XLR connections. In 24 years of creating DACs, the Gain Cell'S DAC is one of the sweetest sounding, most spacious and simply superb products they have made.
ESS Hyperstream 32 bit DAC
It uses the renowned 32-bit ESS Sabre Hyperstream DAC chip designed to minimise transient distortion. This architecture offers absolutely premium sound quality, providing a exquisite handling of high res PCM and DSD, as well as normal CD's. Passive filtering is done once the digital audio is processed through the DAC, resulting in a stunningly sweet and open sound.
Key Features
- Choice of Digital Filters
- Passive Analog Filtering
- Pure analog + state-of-the-art digital
- I²S input
- Asynchronous USB for PCM and DSD
- Supports high res files up to 24-bit 384kHz performance for PCM and single or double rate DSD
