Ps audio stellar strata mk2 integrated amplifier dac - silver

Stellar Strata MK2

The new Stellar™ Strata MK2™ combines the benefits of a superb analog preamp, a full-featured, state-of-the-art DAC, a 150-watt-per-channel stereo power amplifier, and a stunning-sounding MC/MM phono stage—all in one beautiful package.

The Strata MK2's fully balanced analog preamp circuitry, state-of-the-art DAC, uncompromising high-definition phono stage, and MOSFET-based power amplifier create a remarkably rich and full-bodied musical experience that few products can match.

The Stellar Strata MK2 is the perfect foundation for those who don't want to compromise on sound quality. Rich. Sumptuous. Powerful. The answer to a music lover who wants high-end equipment without expense, without compromise.

Design

The idea of combining a state-of-the-art DAC, a full-featured analog preamplifier, a high-definition MC/MM phono preamplifier, and a robust 150-watt-per-channel power amplifier was the basis of the Stellar Strata™ design. We wanted a simple, intuitive, and uncompromising musical experience, whether playing from a connected transport or using high-quality vinyl. "Just add speakers" became the engineers' motto. The Strata MK2 delivers on the promise of a plug-and-play audiophile experience. Plug in your speakers or headphones, press play, or place the needle on your vinyl, and music—rich in nuance and with the immersive energy you've always craved—will delight even the most discerning listener.

Application

Audiophiles have long known how challenging it is to interconnect multiple systems into a single, synergistic musical experience. Interconnect cable choices, power options, and chassis isolation requirements are all crucial to creating a truly musical system—a failure in just one component can compromise the performance of the entire system. Not so with the Stellar Strata MK2. The opportunity for PS Engineering to optimize audio synergy between Strata's four separate systems was immediately appealing: eliminate the variability of interconnect issues, design the entire system as a single component, optimize power supplies, and control every aspect of sound quality all the way down to the speakers.

Overview

At the heart of this tool is a new analog attenuator that elegantly solves the fundamental problem preamp designers face: volume control. Nearly all analog preamps use sound-degrading elements inserted into the signal path to control volume. The MKII eliminates this problem with a brand-new, lossless analog attenuator that responds to front-panel controls. Once the connected source has passed through the Class A analog preamp, it's time to connect it to the speakers. In this case, engineer Darren Myers used the Analog Cell, where he was able to bring out the sweetness and tube-like quality of the Class A biased MOSFETs. Combined with the ultra-high linearity of the Strata MK2's high-current output stage, the rich detail of the music is preserved, even in the most complex orchestral crescendos.

Behind the Scenes

Once the signal from the high-definition phono stage or connected source has passed through the Class A analog preamp, it's time to connect it to the speakers. In this case, engineer Darren Myers used a new version of our Analog Cell, which allowed him to bring out the sweetness and tube-like quality of the Class A biased MOSFETs. Combined with the ultra-high linearity of the Strata MK2's high-current output stage, the rich detail of the music is preserved, even in the most complex orchestral crescendos. There's nothing quite like the Strata MK2 in terms of musicality. It's a complete high-resolution audio solution, ready to plug into your speakers. Don't hesitate!

Construction

When you first pick up the Stellar Strata MK2 amplifier, you'll immediately notice its solid construction and weight. Every detail of the Stellar exudes quality, from the rear-panel connectors to the Darren Myers-designed MC/MM phono stage to the high-end internal power amplifiers. Quality input and output connections, as well as beautifully crafted internal components, will give you instant confirmation of quality from the moment you take the Strata MK2 out of the box.

SPECIFICATIONS

Integrated stereo amplifier with built-in DAC, MM/MC phono stage and headphone amplifier;

Designed, assembled and tested in the USA at PS Audio's Boulder, Colorado facility;

Fully balanced Class A preamp stage with proprietary Analog Cell input stage;

Proprietary next-generation digitally controlled analog volume attenuator for zero distortion and absolute transparency;

High-current hybrid output stage with Class A biased MOSFETs and Class D power amplifier module delivering 150 Watts / 100 Watts per channel into 4 Ohms / 8 Ohms;

Dedicated Class A headphone amplifier with 1/4" (6.35 mm) jack output on the front panel;

32-bit DAC chip-based digital to analog converter with native support for DSD64 (2.8 MHz) / DSD128 (5.6 MHz) / DSD256 (11.2 MHz) and 24-bit / 384 kHz PCM;

Digital input stage with proprietary ultra-low jitter Digital Lens reclocking technology, with impeccable timing precision;

Latest generation XMOS asynchronous USB processor;

Proprietary I2S interfaces with HDMI connectors, for the management of Raw (pure, unaltered) digital streams arriving from the sources, with separate clock and signal data;

Digital inputs: 2x I2S via HDMI (DSD64, DSD128, DSD256 / PCM 24/384), 1x USB Type-B asynchronous (Native and DoP DSD64, DSD128 / PCM 24/384), 2x coaxial electric S/PDIF RCA (PCM 24/192), 1x optical Toslink (PCM 24/192);

Analog inputs: 1x balanced L/R XLR, 2x unbalanced L/R RCA, 2x unbalanced Phono L/R RCA (1x L/R MM, 1x L/R MC);

Unbalanced analog L/R RCA output dedicated to the connection of an additional power amplifier or an active subwoofer;

Home Theater bypass function with adjustable fixed levels;

Channel balance;

Phase control for sources Digital;

Trigger In / Out with 3.5 mm jack ports;

Remote control included;

Black finish;

Dimensions (W x H x D) 432 x 71 x 343 mm (excluding feet, connectors and knob included);

Weight 9.5 kg.