PS Audio Stellar Strata MK2 integrated amplifier

Product Details

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.

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.

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!

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.

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 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