PS Audio StellarGold DAC
$8,750.00 inc. GST
Description
StellarGold DAC
Octo DAC, Diamond performance
Design
Application
Parallel DAC Technology
In high-performance audio DACs, employing four parallel DACs per channel offers a number of sonic benefits. First, it reduces noise through averaging, resulting in an impressive signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 127dB below the DAC’s maximum output of 4 volts (balanced). When noise is lowered, and the individual non-linearities of each of the 4 DACs are averaged together, the results are an increase in the effective dynamic range (loudest to softest sounds) and an audible improvement in linearity and distortion. The combined resolution effectively surpasses that of any single DAC of similar design on the market, creating an extraordinary audio experience that only a few people have yet to experience. We can’t wait for you to hear StellarGold in your system.
Perfectionist build quality
The StellarGold DAC was designed by Darren Myers whose mission was to discover how far it might be possible to extend the already extraordinary capabilities of the latest technologies of the top-of-the-line ESS DAC platforms. To do this would require the use of multiple DACS, an all new direct-coupled balanced hybrid output stage featuring a slew rate fast enough to do justice to the circuit’s capabilities, and then power the entire circuit with multiple stage linear regulators. A tall challenge given StellarGold’s affordable pricing. One look inside at this beautifully hand-crafted device and you’ll see how the PS Engineering team honored Darren’s original vision using only the highest quality parts and the lowest noise designs. The StellarGoild is truly a work of art that deserves your attention.
State of the art performance
For the vast majority of audiophiles, the DAC is the cornerstone of their system. Streaming with a network AirLens, a PerfectWave SACD transport, connecting to your computer via USB, or playing music through any digital source is the mainstay of getting music into your home. The quality of that music is directly impacted by the device that converts those digital bits into analog audio we can use to power our speakers. That is the job of the DAC. And DACs are sensitive and highly sophisticated electronic circuits that are affected by any number of issues, including jitter, noise, distortion, resolution, and quantization errors, to mention just a few. When it comes time to find the perfect DAC for your system, it makes sense to turn to a company like PS Audio which places sonic performance and the joy of musicality above all else. If you truly want the next big step in your high-end audio system, consider StellarGold for your your digital playback. We don’t think you can get close at anywhere near its price.
Specifications
Color Options : Black or Silver
Digital Audio Inputs: I2S (2), Coax (2), Optical, USB
Sample Rates
Optical (TOSLink): PCM 16 and 24 bits at 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz and 96kHz
S/PDIF (Coax): PCM 16 and 24 bits at 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz and 192kHz; DoP64
I2S: PCM 16 and 24 bits at 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, 705.6kHz, and 768kHz; DoP64, DoP128, DoP256, DSD64, DSD128, and DSD256
USB: PCM 16 and 24 bits at 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, and 384kHz; DoP64, DoP128, DSD64, and DSD128
Analog Audio Output
Output Stage: Discrete fully balanced JFET BJT hybrid
Connector: RCA single ended, XLR balanced
Output Level: High, Maximum: 4 VRMS Balanced, 2 VRMS Single Ended
Output Impedance: 100Ω / 200Ω
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz, +/- 0.1dB; 10Hz-70kHz, -1dB
Max Output: 4V RMS Balanced, 2V RMS single-ended
THD+N @ 1KHz (full scale): <0.002% at full output
IMD: 127dB, referenced to 4V RMS
Data Handling
Format: PCM or DSD
Sample Rate (PCM): 44.1kHz, 48.0kHz, 88.2kHz, 96.0kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, 384kHz, 705.6kHz, 768kHz
Data Rate (DSD): Up to DSD256 (11.2MHz) via DoP and Native DSD1024
Digital Volume Control: Yes
Analog Conversion Method: ES9038PRO DAC
I2S Digital Input:
Connector: HDMI
Format: PCM or DSD. DoP on all inputs as well as native DSD on 12S inputs
USB Digital Input
Connector: USB “B” Type
Format: PCM, DoP v1.1 (DSD over PCM), or Native DSD
Transfer Mode: Asynchronous
Unit Weight: 10.2 kg
Unit Dimensions: 43.18 cm x 7.62 cm x 30.48 cm
Shipping Weight: 11.8 kg
Shipping Dimensions: 55.88 cm x 20.32 cm x 43.18 cm