Features
| Warranty length | 3 Years |
|---|---|
| Brand | PS Audio |
Tech Specs
Connectors
- Audio Inputs: RCA / Single-Ended: 2 pair
- XLR / Balanced: 2 pair
- Audio Outputs: RCA / Single-Ended: 2 pair
- XLR / Balanced: 2 pair
- Trigger Output: 2
- USB: For USB firmware update only
Performance
- Max Gain: 12.6dB
- Frequency Response: 15Hz-150kHz, +/- 0.1dB
- Input Impedance: 50K Ω RCA / Single-Ended
- 100K Ω XLR / Balanced
- Bandwidth: 5Hz-500kHz, -3dB
- THD: < .0002% @ 1kHz, 1VRMS input
- THD+N: < .0003% @ 1kHz, 1VRMS input
- IMD: .0005% @ 1VRMS input, CCIF, 20kHz mean, 1kHz difference
- Crosstalk: -115dB, One channel driven
- Output level: 10VRMS Single-ended / 20VRMS Balanced @ 1% THD+N
- Output Impedance: 100Ω
Power Requirements
- Input Power: Model specific 100VAC, 120VAC, or 230VAC 50 or 60Hz
- Power Consumption: 15W
Physical
- Unit Weight: 24.1 lbs or 10.9 kg
- Unit Dimensions: 17"W x 3.3"H x 13"D (with knob, without knob 12"D) [43.18 cm x 8.38 cm x 33.02 (with knob, without 30.48 cm)]
- Shipping Weight: 27.6 lbs or 12.5 kg
- Shipping Dimensions: 22"W x 8"H x 17"D [55.88 cm x 20.32 cm x 43.18 cm]
Product Description
The PS Audio Stellar Gold Preamplifier is a high-end unit designed to go with the Stellar Gold DAC. However, it can also be used with any other quality amplifier. Preamplifiers act as the backbone of a premium audio setup. They manage the volume as well as ensure that the sound sources are electrically separated. The PS Audio Stellar Gold Pre amplifier features a balanced design with four inputs and all-discrete circuity. The sound is warm and accurate with life and energy. Lastly, there is a front display that shows the selected source and volume level.
Two-stage amplification
The circuit of the PS Audio Stellar Gold Pre amplifier uses two hand-crafted discrete amplifier stages. They both have a high slew rate, high bandwidth, and low distortion design. This ensures that the music is accurate. Each stage uses a combination of low-noise JFET transistors and conventional BJT types. Moreover, only the best discrete components are used along with no capacitors in the signal path. Minimal feedback is used to reduce distortion. Lastly, there is a powerful Class A output stage that can drive long cable lengths with ease. It is also a balanced design that reduces noise even more.
Preamplifiers in use
Preamplifiers such as the PS Audio Stellar Gold Pre amplifier are used to switch between musical sources such as DACs, phono preamps, and tuners. The output is then fed to a power amplifier. The aim is to avoid colouring the signal in any way by adding noise or distortion. The characteristics of the PS Audio Stellar Gold Preamplifier create a warm analogue sound with life and energy.
Connectivity
The PS Audio Stellar Gold Pre amplifier has four inputs, two standard RCA and two balanced XLR inputs. The preamp converts all inputs to a balanced system. This can then be fed to a balanced amplifier via XLR connectors. The system is controlled by the front menu button or the supplied remote control. Moreover, the display shows the balance, selected input, and volume level. You can also select AC coupling.
What is a balanced system?
Balanced systems were originally developed for studio use. However high-end audio components such as the PS Audio Stellar Gold Pre amplifier also use balanceed cables. Long cable lengths along with low signal levels tend to pick up noise and hum. Notably, conventional two-wire cables did not have enough shielding to prevent noise pickup. As a result, a multiwire system was developed. These have two pairs of wires as well as a common ground or zero-volt reference. Each pair of wires carries a signal of the opposite phase. When the signal is recombined at the amplifier any noise is cancelled out. This is similar to 2-2 being 0.
Why a separate pre-amplifier?
Top-of-the-line audio components try to separate the different parts of an audio system as much as possible. That is so that there is no mutual interference. Integrated systems have digital and analogue circuitry crammed together in the same case. This is not good for audio purity. As a result, the PS Audio Stellar components feature a separate DAC and Preamp as two separate units.
