Even the best DACs in the world benefit from a zero-loss analog preamp. That fact was the basis of the Stellar Gain Cell design imperative. Combine 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 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 analog 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.

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 theater 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 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

Digital Audio Players

PS Audio Stellar Gain Cell DAC and Preamp

$2,895

Chord Hugo M Scaler

$7,500