PS Audio Stellar Strata MK2

PS Audio Stellar Strata MK2

Boulder, USA  | 2024 – 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.

PS Audio Stellar Strata MK2

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.

The inside Scoop

Once the high definition phono stage 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 overlaid layers of music’s inner details are preserved even in the most complex orchestral crescendos. There’s nothing like Strata MK2 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!

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Construction

When you first pick up Stellar Strata MK2 Amplifier, you’ll notice its solid build and heft. Every inch of Stellar suggests quality: from its rear panel connectors, Darren Myers designed MC/MM phono stage, 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 MK2 out of its box.

PS Audio Stellar Strata MK2

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
 
PS Audio Stellar Strata MK2

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 21 lbs [9.5 kg]
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 Impedance47KΩ (unbalanced); 100KΩ (balanced)
Maximum Input Level>16 VRMS

Phono Input

 Cartridge/TypeMMMC
Gain40dB57dB
Loading100pF/47kΩ470pF/100Ω
THD+N.001% @ 5mV input.003% @1mV input

Analog Output

 Output ImpedanceLine Out 100Ω
GainVolume=100
6dB +/- 0.5dB

Main (Speaker) Out

 Gain (relative to line output)30.5dB
Output Power8Ω, 1KHz, 1% 100W minimum
4Ω, 1KHz, 1% 150W typical
Frequency Response+/-1dB 20Hz – 20KHz
-3dB 7Hz – 40KHz
THD+N1KHz, 10W/4Ω 0.02%
IMD18/19KHz -65dB
Speaker Impedance4Ω minimum
Output Impedance50Hz 150 mΩ typical
Damping Factor50Hz, 4Ω 29
Sensitivity@76 1.77 VRMS
@100 450 VRMS
Channel Separation1KHz >90dB

Headphone Output

 Gain (relative to line output)16.5dB
Output Power300Ω, 1KHz, 1%300mW
16Ω, 1KHz, 1% 3.25W
Frequency Response+/-1dB 7Hz – 40KHz
THD1KHz, 1 VRMS 300Ω <0.02%
                           16Ω <0.02%
S/N Ratio1KHz >110dB (max output)
Output Noise< -90dBV
Headphone Impedance8Ω minimum
Output Impedance<4 Ω

Power

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

PS Audio Stellar Strata MK2

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