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PS Audio Stellar GainCell DAC Audio Converter
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PS-Audio-Stellar-GainCell-DAC-Audio-Converter
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PS Audio Stellar GainCell DAC Audio Converter Combines a cutting-edge DAC’s output with a no-compromise analog preamplifier. A unique combination of a gorgeous full-featured digital to analog converter and state of the art analog amplification. Add any analog 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 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 analog Gain Cell. Developed in the early 2000s 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.
Key Features
- Class A balanced analog preamplifier
- Full function DAC
- Class-A headphone output
- Remote control
- Fixed or variable DAC mode
- 2 output 12-volt triggers
Analog preamplifier
- One balanced analog input
- Three single-ended analog inputs
- Analog Gain Cell stage
- Fully balanced input to output
- Balanced XLR analog output
- Single-ended RCA analog output
- Home theatre bypass
- Direct-coupled without any capacitors in output signal path
Digital To Analog Converter
- 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
- 192kHz 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 analog power supply
- 7 voltage regulators
- High-speed power supply diodes
- Massive 15,000 mFd low ESR capacitors
- ESS Hyperstream
