Stellar Strata

The Stellar™ Strata™ combines the benefits of an exceptional analog preamplifier, a full-featured state-of-the-art DAC, a stereo 150 watt per channel power amplifier, and a high-performance streaming module in one gorgeous package. Strata’s fully balanced analog preamplifier circuitry, state-of-the-art DAC, no compromise high-definition streamer, and Analog Cell™ based power amplifier create an extraordinarily rich, full-bodied musical experience few products can match. The Stellar Strata is the perfect foundation for those unwilling to compromise sound quality. Rich. Lush. Powerful. A music lover’s answer to spiraling cost-no-object equipment without sacrifice.

DESIGN

The idea of combining a cutting edge DAC, full-featured analog preamplifier, high-definition streaming module, and a robust 200 watt per channel power amplifier was the basis of the Stellar Strata™ design imperative. We wanted an easy, simple, no-compromise musical experience whether streaming high-resolution audio from Tidal or exploring the millions of choices on Spotify, or plugging into a Stellar Phono. “Just add speakers” became engineering’s rallying cry. Strata holds true to its promise of easy connectivity. Download the PS Connect app onto your mobile device, point Strata to your home WIFI network, connect your speakers or headphones, and music filled with the rich textures and toe-tapping energy you’ve always hoped for will delight even the most critical music lover.

APPLICATION

Audiophiles have long recognized the challenge of interconnecting multiple systems into a single synergistic musical experience. Interconnect choices, power supply options, and chassis isolation requirements all play into the building of a truly musical system—get any one part wrong and the system performance is compromised. Not so with Stellar Strata. The chance for PS Engineering to optimize the audio synergy between Strata’s four separate systems was immediately appealing: eliminate the variability of interconnection issues, voice the entire system as one component, optimize power supplies, control every aspect of sound quality up to the speakers.

OVERVIEW

At this instrument’s heart is the analog GainCell™. Developed by PS Audio founder Paul McGowan, the Gain Cell™ elegantly solves the fundamental problem facing preamp designers. Volume control. Nearly all analog preamplifiers use sonically-degrading elements inserted in the signal path to control volume. The Gain Cell eliminates this problem without additional circuitry in the signal path by varying its gain in response to front panel controls. Once the high definition streaming module or connected source has passed through the Class A analog preamplifier, it’s time to connect to your speakers. Here, engineer Darren Myers used the Analog Cell where he could lavish upon the music the sweet, tube-like quality of Class A biased MOSFETs. Combined with the ruler flat high linearity of Strata’s high current output stage, richly overlayed layers of music’s inner details are preserved even in the most complex orchestral crescendos.

THE INSIDE SCOOP

Once the high definition streaming module or connected source has passed through the Class A analog preamplifier, it’s time to connect to your speakers. Here, engineer Darren Myers used the Analog Cell where he could lavish upon the music the sweet, tube-like quality of Class A biased MOSFETs. Combined with the ruler flat high linearity of Strata’s high current output stage, richly overlaid layers of music’s inner details are preserved even in the most complex orchestral crescendos. There’s nothing like Strata when it comes to musicality. It’s an all-in-one high-resolution audio solution just waiting for you to connect your speakers. Bring it on!

CONSTRUCTION

When you first pick up Stellar Strata Amplifier you’ll notice its solid build and heft. Every inch of Stellar suggests quality: from its rear panel connectors, high definition streaming module, to its internal high-end power amplifiers. Quality input and output connections, as well as beautifully constructed internals, will offer immediate assurance of quality from the very first moment you pull Strata out of its box.

FEATURES

• CLASS A BALANCED ANALOG PREAMPLIFIER
• FULL FUNCTION DAC
• BUILT IN STREAMING SERVICES
• CLASS A HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER
• 150 WATT PER CHANNEL POWER AMPLIFIER
• PS CONNECT MOBILE CONTROL APP
• BUILT IN WIFI
• HIGH RESOLUTION UP TO 96KHZ
• TIDAL
• SPOTIFY
• I2S INPUT
• FOUR DIGITAL INPUTS
• DIGITAL LENS TECHNOLOGY
• DSD DIRECT THROUGH I2S
• 192KHZ ASYNCHRONOUS COAX INPUT
• 384KHZ ASYNCHRONOUS USB
• HIGH CURRENT CLASS A HYBRID OUTPUT STAGE

Reviews

Track after track, album after album, I got the impression it was working to show every recording in its best light.

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Audiophilia Maxwell Geiger