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Stellar Strata MK2

Stellar Strata MK2

The new Stellar™ Strata MK2™ 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 an amazing sounding MC/MM phono stage in one gorgeous package. Strata MK2's fully balanced analog preamplifier circuitry, state-of-the-art DAC, no compromise high-definition phono stage, and Analog Cell™ based power amplifier create an extraordinarily rich, full-bodied musical experience few products can match. The Stellar Strata MK2 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.

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  • Design

    The idea of combining a cutting-edge DAC, full-featured analog preamplifier, high-definition MC/MM phono preamplifier, and a robust 150-watt per channel power amplifier was the basis of the Stellar Strata™ design imperative. We wanted an easy, simple, no-compromise musical experience, whether playing from a connected transport or tracking amazing vinyl. "Just add speakers" became engineering's rallying cry. Strata MK2 holds true to its promise of audiophile plug-and-play. Connect your speakers or headphones, press play, or lower the needle onto your vinyl, 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 MK2. 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.

    Technology

    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 MK2's high current output stage, richly overlayed layers of music’s inner details are preserved even in the most complex orchestral crescendos.

    Silver

    Features

    • CLASS A BALANCED ANALOG PREAMPLIFIER
    • FULL FUNCTION DAC
    • MC/MM PHONO STAGE INPUTS
    • CLASS A HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER
    • 150 WATT PER CHANNEL POWER AMPLIFIER
    • TWO I2S INPUT
    • FOUR TYPES OF DIGITAL INPUTS
    • DIGITAL LENS TECHNOLOGY
    • DSD DIRECT THROUGH I2S
    • 192KHZ ASYNCHRONOUS COAX INPUT
    • 384KHZ ASYNCHRONOUS USB
    • HIGH CURRENT CLASS A HYBRID OUTPUT STAGE
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    Specifications - Stellar Strata MK2

    General

     Color Options Black
    Silver
    Voltage Options Japan 100V (+/-10%)
    North America 120V (+/-10%)
    Europe/Asia 230V (+/-10%)
    Mains Power Input IEC C14
    Fuses T250V-250mAH (1/4A Slow Blow)
    Accessories Included Remote Control
    Line Cord:
    - US, JP and EX (NEMA 5-15P)
    - Schuko (CEE7/7) (230V version)
    - UK (BS1363) (230V version)
    - Australia (230V version)
    Analog Audio Inputs RCA: 2 stereo pairs
    XLR: 1 stereo pair
    Phono Inputs MM RCA: 1 stereo pair
    MC RCA: 1 stereo pair
    Digital Audio Inputs I2S: 2 inputs
    - PCM 44.1KHz to 384Khz, DSD64, DSD128, DSD256
    Coax: 2 inputs
    - PCM 44.1KHz - 192KHz
    Optical: 1 input
    - PCM 44.1kHZ - 192KHz
    USB: 1 input
    - PCM 44.1kHZ - 384KHz
    - DSD64, DSD128 (native)
    - DSD64, DSD128 (DoP)
    Audio Outputs RCA (Unbalanced): 1 stereo pair
    Headphones: 1 1/4" stereo
    Speakers: 2 binding post pairs
    Other Trigger Out: 2 3.5mm, 5-15 DVC
    USB A: 1 (for firmware update)

     

    Mechanical

     Unit Dimensions 17" w x 2.8" h (not including feet) x 13.5" d (with
    connectors and knobs, chassis only is 12")
    [43.2cm x 7.1cm x 34.3cm]
    Weight 22" w x 8" h x 17" d
    [55.9cm x 20.3cm x .4.3cm]
    Shipping Dimensions 22" w x 8" h x 17" d
    [55.9cm x 20.3cm x .4.3cm]
    Shipping Weight 25 lbs [11.4 kg]

     

    Environmental

     Location Indoor use only
    Storage Temperature -30 to 70C
    Operating Temperature 0 to 45C

     

    Features

     Input Selection 9 total: 2 analog, 6 digital, 1 Phono
    Volume Control 0-100 (80 dB total range)
    Balance Control 12dB each direction in 1/4dB steps
    Fixed Volume Mode Analog2: adjustable in setup to any level
    Phase Control Digital sources only
    Filter Control 3 selectable digital filters (PCM digital sources only)
    Input Trim Gain adjustable per input +/-10dB
    Headphone Trim Gain adjustable +/-10dB relative to speaker level

     

    Performance

    Analog Inputs

     Input Separation >85dB
    Input Impedance 47KΩ (unbalanced); 100KΩ (balanced)
    Maximum Input Level >16 VRMS

     

    Phono Input

     Cartridge/Type MM MC
    Gain 40dB 57dB
    Loading 100pF/47kΩ 470pF/100Ω
    THD+N .001% @ 5mV input .003% @1mV input

     

    Analog Output

     Output Impedance Line Out 100Ω
    Gain Volume=100
    6dB +/- 0.5dB

     

    Main (Speaker) Out

     Gain (relative to line output) 30.5dB
    Output Power 8Ω, 1KHz, 1% 100W minimum
    4Ω, 1KHz, 1% 150W typical
    Frequency Response +/-1dB 20Hz – 20KHz
    -3dB 7Hz – 40KHz
    THD+N 1KHz, 10W/4Ω 0.02%
    IMD 18/19KHz -65dB
    Speaker Impedance 4Ω minimum
    Output Impedance 50Hz 150 mΩ typical
    Damping Factor 50Hz, 4Ω 29
    Sensitivity @76 1.77 VRMS
    @100 450 VRMS
    Channel Separation 1KHz >90dB

     

    Headphone Output

     Gain (relative to line output) 16.5dB
    Output Power 300Ω, 1KHz, 1%300mW
    16Ω, 1KHz, 1% 3.25W
    Frequency Response +/-1dB 7Hz – 40KHz
    THD 1KHz, 1 VRMS 300Ω <0.02%
                               16Ω <0.02%
    S/N Ratio 1KHz >110dB (max output)
    Output Noise < -90dBV
    Headphone Impedance 8Ω minimum
    Output Impedance <4 Ω

     

    Power

     Input Voltage US 108—132VAC (120VAC nominal)
    EX/GR/UK/AU 207—253VAC (230VAC nominal)
    JP 90—110VAC (100VAC nominal)
    Power Consumption Idle 20W
    Typical 50W
    Maximum 600W

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