The new StellarGold DAC boasts advanced parallel DAC architecture. This, says PS Audio, takes advantage of performance standards unavailable to single DAC designs. We are told that, by using multiple DACs in parallel, individual non-linearities of each DAC tend to average out. This is because the probability of all DACs having the exact same non-linearity error at the same digital input value is nearly zero. We are assured that the results are "nothing short of breathtaking".
The StellarGold DAC is designed around ESS 9038 Pro technology and employs four parallel DACs per channel. This reduces noise through averaging 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 four DACs are averaged together, the upshot is an increase in the effective dynamic range (loudest to softest sounds) and an audible improvement in linearity and distortion, so says the company.
The PS Audio DAC supports PCM to 768kHz and DSD to 256 (11.2mHz) with its fully balanced design offering a pair of I2S ports, a USB, an AES/EBU, and a coaxial input.
STELLAR GOLD PREAMPLIFIER
PS Audio tells us that the StellarGold Preamplifier is fully balanced from input to output and features two hand-crafted discrete audio amplification stages, both enjoying extremely high slew rate, high bandwidth, and low distortion signal handling capabilities.
Based on a combination of JFET and BJT devices alongside "hand-selected purist components", the brand states the musical signal is delivered without the interference of capacitors in the signal path. Volume and balance are controlled by precision stepped attenuation.
Each amplification stage is based on a minimal global feedback design that achieves low distortion skills "through careful balancing and high current design choices".
Finally, its high current class A output stage is said to be "more than capable" of driving long cable lengths without compromise so that your power amplifier enjoys all the benefits StellarGold Preamplifier has to offer.
The PS Audio StellarGold analogue offers two pairs each of RCA single-ended inputs, XLR balanced inputs, and a pair of RCA single-ended and XLR balanced outputs per channel.
The PS Audio StellarGold DAC and StellarGold Pre are currently priced at £4,000 each RRP.
Visit PS Audio for more information
Posted in: Hi-Fi
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