Stellar · DAC

Stellar™ DAC

Wonderful imaging and musicality, at a price you can afford.

$2,199

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The PS Audio Home Experience

Try it risk-free for 30 days in your own system. Love it or return it.

Designed for a first serious DAC

  • Volume Built in, fixed or variable
  • Formats PCM and double-rate DSD
  • Output Balanced XLR, Class A
  • Inputs Includes I²S for DSD direct

What reviewers and owners say

This is a truly fine sounding DAC, with much to recommend it and little to leave wanting.

PPositive FeedbackDean Seislove, 2025

The Stellar really opened up the sound field over the Woo DAC section.

Bbruce-in-phillyComparing with the DAC in his Woo Audio headphone amplifier · PS Audio forum · 2025

The big surprise was the soundstage and instrument definition.

Bbruce-in-phillyStellar DAC owner · PS Audio forum · 2025

Why choose it

Shape the sound to your taste

Three digital filters let you pick the presentation that suits your system and your ears. Wonderful imaging and musicality, at a price you can afford.

Where it fits

The Stellar DAC is a full-function Digital Analog Converter that can take in any digital source, from DSD to PCM, and output low distortion, high-resolution fully balanced analog. It is all you need as the basis for a reference quality digitally based music system. Add a power amplifier and a pair of loudspeakers, and using Stellar DAC's built-in lossless volume control, you'll be reveling in sonic bliss within moments.

Read more

The Stellar DAC is a full-function Digital Analog Converter that can take in any digital source, from DSD to PCM, and output low distortion, high-resolution fully balanced analog. It is all you need as the basis for a reference quality digitally based music system. Add a power amplifier and a pair of loudspeakers, and using Stellar DAC's built-in lossless volume control, you'll be reveling in sonic bliss within moments. Connect a computer, CD player, streamer, AirLens, or digital source of any kind to any of Stellar's multiple digital inputs, and you've just built one of the highest-value music systems in the world.

Design

How it's built

The idea of building an affordable, high-performance Digital to Analog Converter that can act as the center of an audiophile's music system was at the core of our engineering efforts with Stellar DAC. At this instrument's heart is the industry-leading Sabre32 bit Hyperstream Digital to Analog converter as fed by PS Audio's own Digital Lens reclocking circuit.

Read the full design story

The idea of building an affordable, high-performance Digital to Analog Converter that can act as the center of an audiophile's music system was at the core of our engineering efforts with Stellar DAC. At this instrument's heart is the industry-leading Sabre32 bit Hyperstream Digital to Analog converter as fed by PS Audio's own Digital Lens reclocking circuit. Once the incoming digital audio data has been accumulated and organized, the Digital Lens outputs near-perfect data without jitter for an amazingly clear and clean image. Stellar DAC features a fully balanced Class A analog output stage with multiple power supplies, DSD, I²S, and asynchronous USB. Stellar DAC is a winner in any system.

Features

At a glance

  • Class A balanced analog output stage
  • Full function DAC
  • Fixed or variable DAC mode
  • Hybrid design
  • Balanced XLR output
  • Digital Lens technology
  • Three selectable digital filters
  • CPLD (FPGA) input
  • High-current oversized analog power supply
  • Latest ESS HyperStream
  • Direct coupled: no capacitors in the signal path
  • Single and double rate DSD
  • DSD direct through I²S

Compare

How it compares

512 DACStellarGold DACStellar DACThis oneAirLens
Price$8,999$3,999$2,199$1,999
VolumeBuilt in, analog. Drives a power amp directlyBuilt in. A preamp is best for high-end systemsBuilt in, fixed or variableNone. It feeds your DAC
FormatsPCM and quad-rate DSDPCM to 768 kHz and quad-rate DSDPCM and double-rate DSDPCM to 352.8 kHz and quad-rate DSD
OutputBalanced XLR, Class ABalanced XLR, Class ABalanced XLR, Class AI²S and coax, to your DAC
InputsIncludes I²S for DSD directI²S, USB, AES/EBU and coaxIncludes I²S for DSD directEthernet or Wi-Fi. Roon Ready, Tidal and Qobuz Connect

Build your system

What it pairs with

A power amplifier or preamplifier

Stellar S300 Stereo$1,999Bookshelf speakers, smaller roomsView details

A power amplifier or preamplifier

StellarGold Preamplifier$3,999Most systems with several sourcesView details

Streaming? Add

AirLens$1,999Streaming from Roon, Qobuz or Tidal into a DAC you ownView details

Reviews

More reviews

The Stellar DAC displays its ability to handle this large scale orchestral work with grade and authority.

MMatt Coykendall, The Absolute Sound2025
Read the full review

This is a truly fine sounding DAC, with much to recommend it and little to leave wanting.

DDean Seislove, Positive Feedback2025
Read the full review

The big surprise was the soundstage and instrument definition.

FForum memberOwner · PS Audio forum · 2025
Read the full post

It was a completely jaw dropping moment.

FForum memberOwner · PS Audio forum · 2025
Read the full post

The Stellar really opened up the sound field over the Woo DAC section.

FForum memberOwner · PS Audio forum · 2025
Read the full post

I have had mine for two weeks and I’m loving it.

FForum memberOwner · PS Audio forum · 2025
Read the full post
Read all 7 reviews

Sounds more like a hiend room at the ces show.

FForum memberOwner · PS Audio forum · 2025
Read the full post
Full specifications
Physical
Unit Weight22.5 lbs [10.2 kg]
Unit Dimensions17"W x 3"H x 12" D [43.18 cm x 7.62 cm x 30.48 cm]
Shipping Weight26 lbs [11.8 kg]
Shipping Dimensions22"W x 8"H x 17"D [55.88 cm x 20.32 cm x 43.18 cm]
Color OptionsBlack Silver
Power requirements
Input PowerModel specific 100VAC, 120VAC, or 230VAC 50 or 60Hz
Power Consumption25W
Digital audio inputs
InputsI2S (2), Coax (2), Optical, USB
Sample RatesI2S: 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)
Analog Audio Output
ConnectorRCA single ended, XLR balanced
Output Level High, Maximum4 VRMS Balanced 2 VRMS Single Ended
Output Impedance100Ω / 200Ω
Frequency Response20Hz-20kHz, +/- 0.1dB 10Hz-55kHz, -1dB
Max Output4V RMS Balanced, 2V RMS single-ended
THD+N @ 1KHz (full scale)<0.003% at full output
IMD<0.004%, CCIF, at full output
SNR110dB, referenced to 4V RMS
Data Handling
FormatPCM or DSD
Sample Rate (PCM)44.1kHz, 48.0kHz, 88.2kHz, 96.0kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, 384kHz
Word Length (PCM)16-32 bit
Data Rate (DSD)Up to DSD256 (11.2MHz) Native
Digital Volume ControlYes
Analog ConversionES9018K2M DAC Chip
I2S Digital Input
ConnectorHDMI
FormatPCM or DSD. DoP on all inputs as well as native DSD on
USB Digital Input
ConnectorUSB "B" Type
FormatPCM, DoP v1.1 (DSD over PCM), or Native DSD
Transfer ModeAsynchronous

Questions for a specialist?

We're happy to help with system matching and upgrades. Talk to a real person at 800-PSAUDIO, Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 5 Mountain Time, or email sales@psaudio.com.

Contact a specialist

Outside the US?

Buy or audition through an authorized PS Audio dealer in your country. Can't find one near you? Contact us directly.

Find your local dealer

Hear it in your own room

Stellar DAC

$2,199

  • 30-day in-home trialThe PS Audio Home Experience. Love it or return it.
  • Talk to a real person800-PSAUDIO, Monday to Friday.
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href="/products/stellar-dac?variant=48717285064994" class="link" >Stellar DAC

Stellar DAC
$2,199.00
Shipping calculated at checkout.

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Details

Fully balanced high-performance Digital to Analog Converter based on the latest ESS technology with a fully balanced hybrid analog output stage. This DAC sounds and measures great. 
Home Audition

Get 30 days to listen to your Stellar DAC and see if you like it. If not, send it back.

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DAC & source

Stellar DAC

Stellar DAC brings wonderful imaging and musicality to any high-performance system at a price you can afford.

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Stellar DAC embodies everything PS Audio has strived for in high-value electronics.

From its clean and rich tonal balance to its wickedly wonderful imaging, this DAC can be the centerpiece of your music system. Stellar DAC features a built-in Digital Lens, I²S inputs, adjustable filters, and a hand-matched class-A analog output stage that offers breathtaking clarity and musicality.

Rediscover the wealth of music in your library with Stellar. Rich, sweet, and always a musical treat, Stellar DAC is our best value in bringing life to music.

Overview

Think of the Stellar DAC as the gateway to building a high-performance audio system at a down-to-earth price. Whether your dream system's main source of music is digital, or you're building a hybrid of both vinyl and digital, Stellar DAC offers great sonics that can bring a level of musicality to any system. Stellar DAC supports pure DSD, asynchronous USB, Digital Lens technology, I²S to connect to our best transport, balanced throughout. Replace your preamplifier, your DAC—or both—and be stunned at the level of improvement when the full and rich tapestry of music surprises and delights your senses. The Stellar DAC is the perfect foundation for those on a budget but are unwilling to compromise sound quality. Rich. Lush. Powerful. A music lover’s answer to spiraling cost-no-object equipment without sacrifice. In the more than fifty years of PS Audio’s design innovations and breakthrough products, Stellar’s groundbreaking level of performance as our gateway standalone DAC is unmatched for price and performance by its standalone competitors.

The DAC

At the heart of the Stellar DAC is its ESS Hyperstream and its fully balanced, class A gain stage. While numerous DACs employ ESS parts, no one but PS Audio surround those parts with our Digital Lens technology at its input and our hybrid class A gain stage at its output. Turns out that much of how a DAC performs and sounds is found in the way its input and output are handled. Engineers can tune an instrument's performance by varying the topologies of these two critical stages. At PS Audio, we focus our sonic efforts on imaging—helping the loudspeakers disappear— and proper, rich, tonal balance. One listen to the Stellar DAC and you'll know you're in good company.

An inside look

The DAC inside the Stellar GainCell will transform your expectations of what’s possible in resolving all of music's nuance and splendor without a trace of digital harshness. The DAC itself is based on the latest acclaimed 32-bit ESS Sabre Hyperstream architecture, the output of which is passively filtered to reduce transient distortion. The DAC's output stage is a unique Class-A configuration, fully balanced and direct coupled hybrid array, with an extended bandwidth of -3dB at 60 kHz. Stellar DAC features a high-resolution USB path based on the same XMOS technology found in our DirectStream DAC, as well as our exclusive I²S inputs featuring a separate clock and data signal from the source. I²S outputs are sent via an HDMI cable and I²S compatible sources can be purchased from PS Audio as well as other manufacturers. We believe that one audition of a simple CD, played through Stellar DAC, will open your eyes to the magic these design efforts have brought. And once you hear what Stellar DAC does on ordinary CDs, we can’t wait for you to hear what this fine instrument can do for higher resolution PCM and DSD.

What owners and reviewers say

This is a truly fine sounding DAC, with much to recommend it and little to leave wanting.
Dean Seislove, Positive Feedback · Read full review
The big surprise was the soundstage and instrument definition.
bruce-in-philly, PS Audio Forum (Stellar DAC owner) · Read full review
It was a completely jaw dropping moment.
jpczcc, PS Audio Forum (adding Stellar DAC to an AirLens system via coaxial) · Read full review
The Stellar really opened up the sound field over the Woo DAC section.
bruce-in-philly, PS Audio Forum (comparing with the DAC in his Woo Audio headphone amplifier) · Read full review
I have had mine for two weeks and I’m loving it.
Rushfan, PS Audio Forum (Stellar DAC owner) · Read full review
Sounds more like a hiend room at the ces show.
jpczcc, PS Audio Forum (listening through the Stellar DAC’s coaxial input) · Read full review
The Stellar DAC displays its ability to handle this large scale orchestral work with grade and authority.
Matt Coykendall, The Absolute Sound · Read full review

Trade up to it

You do not have to have bought from us before, and it does not have to be ours. Trade in almost any component from any brand and we credit its full original retail value against this one — up to a per-component cap that appears the moment you start a trade. See what yours is worth.

Hear it first

Every piece comes with a 30-day in-home trial. PMG Signature pieces get 60 days, with return shipping on us.

Not for sale

We build these in Boulder, Colorado, and we are glad to show our work. Paul answers questions on video most weekdays, and the factory is open to visitors.

Stellar DAC

At home

Where it disappears into the music.

Try it at home $2,199.00
Take it home
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Overview

Think of the Stellar DAC as the gateway to building a high-performance audio system at a down-to-earth price. Whether your dream system's main source of music is digital, or you're building a hybrid of both vinyl and digital, Stellar DAC offers great sonics that can bring a level of musicality to any system. Stellar DAC supports pure DSD, asynchronous USB, Digital Lens technology, I²S to connect to our best transport, balanced throughout. Replace your preamplifier, your DAC—or both—and be stunned at the level of improvement when the full and rich tapestry of music surprises and delights your senses. The Stellar DAC is the perfect foundation for those on a budget but are unwilling to compromise sound quality. Rich. Lush. Powerful. A music lover’s answer to spiraling cost-no-object equipment without sacrifice. In the more than fifty years of PS Audio’s design innovations and breakthrough products, Stellar’s groundbreaking level of performance as our gateway standalone DAC is unmatched for price and performance by its standalone competitors.

The DAC

At the heart of the Stellar DAC is its ESS Hyperstream and its fully balanced, class A gain stage. While numerous DACs employ ESS parts, no one but PS Audio surround those parts with our Digital Lens technology at its input and our hybrid class A gain stage at its output. Turns out that much of how a DAC performs and sounds is found in the way its input and output are handled. Engineers can tune an instrument's performance by varying the topologies of these two critical stages. At PS Audio, we focus our sonic efforts on imaging—helping the loudspeakers disappear— and proper, rich, tonal balance. One listen to the Stellar DAC and you'll know you're in good company.
silver
silver

An inside look

The DAC inside the Stellar GainCell will transform your expectations of what’s possible in resolving all of music's nuance and splendor without a trace of digital harshness. The DAC itself is based on the latest acclaimed 32-bit ESS Sabre Hyperstream architecture, the output of which is passively filtered to reduce transient distortion. The DAC's output stage is a unique Class-A configuration, fully balanced and direct coupled hybrid array, with an extended bandwidth of -3dB at 60 kHz. Stellar DAC features a high-resolution USB path based on the same XMOS technology found in our DirectStream DAC, as well as our exclusive I²S inputs featuring a separate clock and data signal from the source. I²S outputs are sent via an HDMI cable and I²S compatible sources can be purchased from PS Audio as well as other manufacturers. We believe that one audition of a simple CD, played through Stellar DAC, will open your eyes to the magic these design efforts have brought. And once you hear what Stellar DAC does on ordinary CDs, we can’t wait for you to hear what this fine instrument can do for higher resolution PCM and DSD.

Recommended products

Specifications

Physical
Unit Weight 22.5 lbs [10.2 kg]
Unit Dimensions 17"W x 3"H x 12" D
[43.18 cm x 7.62 cm x 30.48 cm]
Shipping Weight 26 lbs [11.8 kg]
Shipping Dimensions 22"W x 8"H x 17"D
[55.88 cm x 20.32 cm x 43.18 cm]
Color Options Black
Silver
Power requirements
Input Power Model specific 100VAC, 120VAC, or 230VAC 50 or 60Hz
Power Consumption 25W
Digital audio inputs
Inputs I2S (2), Coax (2), Optical, USB
Sample Rates 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)
Analog Audio Output
Connector RCA single ended, XLR balanced
Output Level High, Maximum 4 VRMS Balanced
2 VRMS Single Ended
Output Impedance 100Ω / 200Ω
Frequency Response 20Hz-20kHz, +/- 0.1dB
10Hz-55kHz, -1dB
Max Output 4V RMS Balanced, 2V RMS single-ended
THD+N @ 1KHz (full scale) <0.003% at full output
IMD <0.004%, CCIF, at full output
SNR 110dB, referenced to 4V RMS
Data Handling
Format PCM or DSD
Sample Rate (PCM) 44.1kHz, 48.0kHz, 88.2kHz, 96.0kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, 384kHz
Word Length (PCM) 16-32 bit
Data Rate (DSD) Up to DSD256 (11.2MHz) Native
Digital Volume Control Yes
Analog Conversion ES9018K2M DAC Chip
I2S Digital Input
Connector HDMI
Format PCM or DSD. DoP on all inputs as well as native DSD on
USB Digital Input
Connector USB "B" Type
Format PCM, DoP v1.1 (DSD over PCM), or Native DSD
Transfer Mode Asynchronous