Stellar Phono Preamplifier
Stellar Phono Preamplifier
Our finest phono preamplifier in the company's 45-year history. All analog from input to output, this stunning addition to the Stellar line will bring new life to your vinyl in ways you never dreamt possible.
PS engineer Darren Myers wiped the tradition slate clean by hand-fashioning a new approach to capturing all the magic trapped in the grooves of our records. The results are breathtaking. Music that might once have been locked into the confines of our loudspeakers is suddenly free. Stellar phono features dual inputs that can support either a moving coil or moving magnet cartridge. Cartridge loading and gain options are easily adjusted from your listening position via the supplied remote control. Input to output, Stellar is a fully discrete FET design with extraordinarily low noise and high overload capabilities so even the wildest dynamics from the punchiest cartridges sail through Stellar with no limitations or compromise whatsoever. If you love vinyl you’ll love Stellar.
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Design
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Application
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Features
Specifications - Stellar Phono Preamplifier
STELLAR PHONO PREAMPLIFIER |
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Unit Weight | 21.6lbs. (9.8 kg) |
Unit Dimensions | 17”W x 13”D x 3.25”H (43cm x 33.02cm x 8.255cm) |
Shipping Weight | 25.1lbs (11.4 kg) |
Shipping Dimensions | 22”W x 8”H x 17”D (55.88cm x 43.18cm x 20.32cm) |
Color Options | Black Silver |
Voltage Options (Factory set only) |
Japan 100V North America 120V Europe/Asia/Australia/New Zealand 230V |
Mains Power Input | IEC C14 |
Idle Power Consumption | 26W |
Fuses | 100V: T250V-2.0AH (2A Slow Blow) 120V: T250V-1.6AH (1.6A Slow Blow) 230V: T250V-1AH (1A Slow Blow) |
Accessories Included | US (NEMA 5-15P) (100V/120V versions) Schuko (CEE7/7) (230V version) UK (BS1363) (230V version) Remote Control |
Audio Inputs | RCA (Unbalanced) MM,MC |
Audio Outputs | RCA (Unbalanced) 1 Stereo Pair XLR (Balanced) 1 Stereo Pair |
DC Trigger | 3.5mm 12VDC (2) |
Performance |
All measurements are with both channels operating, gain set to low, and balanced outputs. Input frequency is 1kHz. |
Gain | MM: 44dB, 50dB, 56dB MC: 60dB, 66dB, 72dB |
Input Loading | MM: 47KΩ (100pF) MC: 60Ω, 100Ω, 200Ω, 47KΩ, Custom 1-1KΩ |
Output Impedance | Unbalanced <200Ω Balanced <200Ω per leg |
Frequency Response | 20Hz - 20KHz +/- 0.25dB |
THD | 0.5V out @ 1kHz: <0.01% |
Maximum Output | @1%THD: 24VRMS |
Overload Margin | @1kHz: >22dB |
S/N Ratio | MM: >82dB A-Weighted MC: >74dB A-Weighted |
Interchannel Crosstalk | >74dB |
Power Consumption | 26W |
Reviews
Like a new record collection
I'd say the addition of this new preamp has really elevated my system and so far I see no downsides. I have
not found a record yet that I think, “nope just can't listen to that.” In fact, the opposite is true - I
feel like I have a new record collection waiting to be discovered.
- Dan M
Sending shivers down my spine
For me, in my room, this is an amazing new box and I can't wait to hear it today, especially after the
overnight burn in. My Sutherland is for sale.
- Calord
Spoiler alert!
The Stellar phono stage is an impressive piece of work. Once you move past the $2,500 price point for these
devices, things get crazy pretty quickly. For the vinyl newbie or someone looking for their first high-end
separate phono stage, this is pretty much a no-brainer. For anyone who is contemplating a $5k - $10k spend
on a phono stage upgrade, this is a must audition product at the very least. Darren's creation is going to
cause some heartburn elsewhere in the industry.
- HT Haller
BLACKEST background I have EVER heard
I had time to swap out my Gold Note for my Stellar Phono Pre and after all connections were made, I switched
inputs from CD to Phono and I heard NOTHING.
I got worried thinking the Stellar had a problem even though I was certain I connected everything correctly.
I started Clapton Unplugged and WOW !!
This wonderful sound came from the BLACKEST background I have EVER heard in a Phono Pre (and I have had
MANY)
Don't know HOW you could achieve the kind of QUIET I heard (or NOT heard :)
I only care that you did and it sounds AMAZING !!
- Tom Allen
How did they pull this off?
I wrote James and told him PS Audio should be PROUD!!!
I am impressed and that is simply not easy to do at this stage of my audiophile path.
Bravo gentlemen for making one of the top 3 SS phono stages I've heard, the others being the SPL Phonos and
the iFi iPhono 2 although the SPP is better than the iPhono but at 5 times the price I would hope so:) The
SPL Phonos just does things dynamically with the London that I've not heard another stage do.
This is a golden age for phono stages when a company can build something that sounds as good as the Stellar
at that kind of price. Build wise, sound wise, I actually don't know how they pulled it off.
- Dnance
The midrange on this phono preamp is as open, uncongested,
transparent, and revealing as that of any phono preamp I've heard at any price. I recommend a listen to the
Stellar to anyone in the market for a new phono preamp, regardless of price. I don't think I've ever written
that before.
Stereophile
Michael Fremer
The Stellar Phono preamplifier projects an expansive sound stage, with
the ability to extend wall to wall and create the illusion of the venue imagined by the artist.
Positive Feedback
John Hoffman
Stellar offers the best performance for price, often outshining some
far more expensive competitors. This preamp should be welcomed by experienced vinyl fans as well as
newcomers to this marvelous medium. You would have to spend a lot more to seriously challenge what this
affordable and great-looking component delivers; its ability to change critical settings from your easy
chair is a real bonus. Highly recommended.
Tone Audio
Lawrence Devoe
The PS Audio Stellar phono preamplifier, once again, offers an
incredible amount of features for the money-just like the PS Audio phono preamplifiers of yore. It's also
incredibly neutral, which makes it the perfect phono stage for evaluating cartridges. I found myself
continually swapping out the ZYX Bloom 3, the Hana ML and the Sumiko Starling I reviewed for The Occasional
No. 6 because the Stellar was so adept at revealing the differences between them.
Part Time Audiophile
Marc Phillips
When it comes to an examination of price versus features and
performance, the Stellar Phono Preamp will not leave the listener wanting for much more. From front to back,
the PS Audio Stellar Phono Preamplifier is a well-designed, well-thought-out audiophile component with
excellent sonics at a very reasonable price.