PS Audio StellarGold Analog Preamplifier - Black

StellarGold Preamplifier

Preamplifiers are the backbone of high-quality audio systems, managing inputs, starting the amplification process, adjusting volume and balance, and providing electrical separation between sound sources and amplifiers. When you add the StellarGold Preamplifier to your audio chain—connecting devices like DACs, phono preamplifiers, tuners, or other auxiliaries to the amplifier—a magical sonic revelation unfolds: greater realism, life, and spaciousness around every performer. It's time to take control of your system and add that missing element: a great preamplifier. StellarGold.

Design

The StellarGold Preamplifier features two discrete, handcrafted audio amplification stages, both featuring ultra-high slew rate, wide bandwidth, and low distortion to truly bring out the best in your music. Based on a combination of JFET and BJT transistors, along with hand-selected purist components, the music signal is transmitted without the interference of capacitors in the signal path. Each amplification stage is based on a minimal global feedback design that achieves low distortion through careful balancing and high-current design choices. Finally, the high-current Class A output stage is more than capable of driving long cable runs without compromise, allowing your power amplifier to enjoy all the benefits the StellarGold preamplifier offers.

Application

Preamplifiers are the heart of any standalone audio system, controlling music sources such as DACs, phono preamplifiers, and tuners. Connecting these sources to the power amplifier without adding any sonic signature is a challenge the StellarGold preamplifier tackles without hesitation. Vitality, energy, and sweet analog reproduction are at the heart of the performance of this extraordinary device. The StellarGold preamplifier features 4 identical balanced and unbalanced inputs and converts all incoming signals to a balanced signal for the lowest possible distortion, and can be used in a two-channel audio system or as part of a home theater system.

Overview

The StellarGold preamplifier is a remarkably musical instrument. It provides an excellent, no-compromise interface between source devices and the power amplifier. Designed by Darren Myers, the StellarGold outperforms any preamplifier in its price range. Preamplifiers play a crucial role in any component audio system, strategically placed between music sources: CD players, phono preamplifiers, DACs, tape decks and tuners—and the power amplifier—performing essential control and isolation functions. Control is simple in concept, but extremely difficult to design in an acoustically transparent manner. Control functions such as input switching, volume, balance, and amplification can leave unwanted acoustic imprints on your music if not carefully designed. The StellarGold is an extraordinary preamplifier that we can't wait for you to hear in your system.

Inside Program

The heart of any preamplifier is the gain stage, which provides amplification, and the volume control, which adjusts the loudness of the sound. Inside the StellarGold preamplifier is a newly developed, high-slew-rate, low-feedback discrete JFET-BJT hybrid circuit, which delivers exceptionally low distortion without resorting to global feedback that would overly compress the sound. Volume is controlled by a fully balanced, precision-stepped attenuator. An oversized, high-current transformer powers the StellarGold preamplifier, ensuring musical reproduction with a wide dynamic range, without compression or distortion. The fully balanced circuitry, with a bandwidth that extends almost to DC at low frequencies and well above the threshold of audibility at high frequencies, is responsible for the impeccable musical reproduction that owners of the StellarGold preamplifier will appreciate. Openness, transparency, greater spatiality around instruments: voices come alive in a way that most people would never have believed possible.

Construction

The designer's goal was to create an amplifier stage with high slew rate, wide bandwidth, and open sound, capable of maintaining the sonic signature and producing natural, open, and expressive music. All inputs are balanced from the input into the StellarGold preamplifier. Input switching is via gold-plated double-pole, double-throw relays, hand-selected for their sonic neutrality. High-performance analog audio products like the StellarGold preamplifier benefit from the use of high-quality audiophile capacitors and the finest discrete components. Handcrafted for exceptional performance and sound quality, this StellarGold preamplifier will bring an extraordinary level of performance to any purist audio system. If you're interested in creating sonic magic, hear the extraordinary StellarGold preamplifier for yourself.

SPECIFICATIONS

Fully balanced solid-state analog preamplifier;

Designed, built and tested in the USA at PS Audio's Boulder, Colorado facilities;

Two hand-assembled discrete preamp stages featuring a combination of JFET and bipolar BJT transistors, with no capacitors in the signal path, for high slew rate, extremely wide bandwidth and ultra-low noise;

Precision balanced volume control with electronically controlled stepped attenuator;

High-current Class A output stage;

Linear power supply with oversized high-current transformer and multiple voltage regulators;

Input selection via gold-plated DPDT relay switches;

Audiophile-grade capacitors and select components Highest quality;

L/R stereo inputs: 2x balanced XLR, 2x unbalanced RCA;

L/R stereo outputs: 2x balanced XLR, 2x unbalanced RCA;

Two 3.5 mm jack trigger ports;

Frequency response 15 Hz - 150 kHz (+/- 0.1 dB);

Total harmonic distortion less than 0.0002% (1 kHz, 1 VRMS / THD+N < 0.0003%, 1 kHz, 1 VRMS);

Remote control included;

Dimensions (W x H x D) 432 x 84 x 330 mm;

Weight 10.9 kg.