New Stellar Strata combines exceptional sound quality and flexibility with full-featured DAC, streaming module, 200 watt-per-channel Analog Cell™ power amp and more
Boulder, Colorado, May 18, 2020 – PS Audio today announced the introduction of its Stellar Strata Integrated Amplifier, which combines superlative sound with versatile features including a built-in state-of-the-art DAC and high-definition streamer, 200 watt-per-channel amplifier (into 4 ohms), remote control operation and much more.
“We created the Strata to deliver exceptional musicality and high-end performance in an elegant all-in-one component that is compact, yet offers extensive features,” noted Paul McGowan, PS Audio CEO.
The Strata integrated amplifier is fully balanced from input to output for extremely transparent, detailed sound quality and ultra-quiet operation. Its preamplifier stage features PS Audio’s exclusive analog GainCell™, which eliminates the sonic degradation that can be caused by conventional volume controls. The Strata provides three analog inputs including an XLR balanced input.
The built-in DAC was designed by the PS Audio engineering team of Bob Stadherr and Darren Myers to deliver extraordinary sound quality from any digital source. All digital signals are fed in native mode into the DAC’s proprietary 32-bit Digital Lens, which recognizes the sample rate, re-clocks the data, reduces jitter and applies other processing. The DAC can deliver up to 384kHz digital audio depending on the source, with native DSD capability. The Strata provides coaxial and optical digital, asynchronous USB and I2S inputs.
A built-in streaming module offers high-resolution audio up to 192kHz from streaming services including Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify, Napster, iHeart Radio, DLNA and other sources. The streaming module is operated from a smartphone using the new PS Connect app and music server software such as JRiver, Bit Perfect, Amarra or Pure Music. The phone acts as a wireless controller, with the Strata receiving its audio stream directly from the internet via Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
In addition, the Strata’s digital filter selection feature allows the listener to choose between Slow, Minimum and Fast settings and tailor the high-frequency response to personal preferences and program sources.
The Strata’s output stage utilizes an ICE high-current Class D module with PS Audio’s exclusive GainCell circuitry, which mirrors the sonic warmth of a vacuum tube while providing the power and control of solid state. The amp can deliver 200 watts per channel (into 4 ohms, 100 into 8 ohms), and drive even difficult loudspeaker loads with ease. Other Strata features include a built-in headphone amplifier, a volume trim function that adjusts the levels of each input to avoid large volume swings when switching between sources, phase and balance adjustments and other useful functions.
Like every PS Audio product, meticulous attention has been paid to parts quality and construction. The Strata’s sleek, refined design matches other Stellar Series components and is available in silver or black.
The PS Audio Stellar Strata Integrated Amplifier will be available in June 2020 at a US manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $2,999.
Stellar Strata Features at a Glance:
- Class A balanced analog GainCell preamplifier section
- Full-function DAC
- High-resolution streaming up to 192kHz using PS Connect control app
- Three single-ended analog inputs, one balanced analog input and four digital inputs including coaxial, optical, I2S and USB (asynchronous to 384kHz) with DSD capability
- 200 watts per channel into 4 ohms, 100 watts into 8 ohms; hybrid amplifier with Class A input stage coupled to a high-powered Class D output stage
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Built-in Class A headphone amplifier
- 25 lb., 17" wide by 3" high by 12" deep
About PS Audio
Founded in 1973, PS Audio has earned a worldwide reputation for excellence in manufacturing innovative, high-value, leading-edge audio products. Located in Boulder, Colorado at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, PS Audio’s staff of talented designers, engineers, production and support people build each product to deliver extraordinary performance and musical satisfaction. The company’s wide range of award-winning products include the all-in-one Sprout100 integrated amplifier, audio components, power regenerators and power conditioners.
