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 Qobuz, 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.
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.
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 additional 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.
Integrated into this analog preamplifier is a stunning, Bob Stadtherr designed, Darren Myer’s voiced, DAC. Based on industry-leading Sabre32 bit Hyperstream architecture, Strata relies upon a fully balanced Class A analog output stage with multiple power supplies, independent jitter-reduced inputs, DSD, I2S, and asynchronous USB.
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.
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!
This product qualifies for our risk free in-home trial in the continental United States when purchased directly from PS Audio. And, trade in and save. Let us repurchase your old equipment at its full and original retail price. We’ll give it a good home and make sure you have the best power in the world. Just click the green Trade Up and Save button above these words to take advantage.
Physical
Unit Weight
Unit Dimensions
Power requirements
Input Power
Model specific 100VAC, 120VAC, or 230VAC 50 or 60Hz
Power Consumption
20W idle 50W typical 600W Maximum
Mains Power Input
Fuses
T250V-250mAH (1/4A Slow Blow)
Digital audio inputs
I2S
1 PCM (384KHz max) DSD64 DSD128 Compatible with DirectStream Transport SACD handshake for DSD playback
Coax
Optical
USB
PCM (384KHz max) DSD64 (DoP) DSD128 (DoP)
Ethernet
Wired, 10/100MBPS 1 WIFI, 2.4GHz 802.11b/g/n UPnP, Spotify Connect
Format
Analog Audio Outputs
RCA
(Analog Unbalanced) 1 stereo pair
Headphones
One 1/4″ headphone connector
Speakers
Analog Performance
Gain
Maximum output
Sensitivity
Input Impedance
47KΩ single ended RCA; 100KΩ Balanced XLR
Output Impedance
Frequency Response
20Hz – 20KHz +0/- 0.25dB; 10Hz – 100KHz +0.1/-3.0dB
Noise
S/N Ratio
Channel separation
Input separation
THD&IM
1KHz < 0.025% 20-20KHz < 0.05%
Headphone performance
Output power @1% THD
S/N Ratio 1kHz
Noise
THD & IM 1Vrms out
Output impedance
Power Amplifier Performance
Gain (relative to line output)
Output Power
8Ω, 1KHz, 1% 120W typical, 100W minimum
Output Power
4Ω, 1KHz, 1% 150W typical
Output Power
4Ω (one channel) 200W minimum
Frequency Response
+/-1dB 20Hz – 20KHz -3dB 7Hz – 40KHz
THD+N
IMD
Speaker Impedance
Output Impedance
Sensitivity
@76 1.6VRMS @100 400m VRMS
Channel Separation
Features
Input Selection
9 total, 3 analog, 6 digital
Volume Control
0-100 (1/2 and 1dB steps, 80dB total range)
Balance Control
12dB each direction in 1/4dB steps
Home Theater Mode
Assignable to any analog input; Adjustable (in setup) to any level
Polarity (phase) Control
Filter Control
3 selectable digital filters (PCM digital sources only)
Trigger output
Remote Control
Network Connectivity
Ethernet or WiFi built in to Strata