Stellar · All-in-one
Stellar™ Strata MK2
Just add speakers or headphones and you've got music.
$3,499
Save up to $875 with a trade-in.
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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.
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Designed for coming from a receiver, or starting fresh
- What's inside Streaming DAC, preamplifier, phono stage, amplifier
- Design Integrated, one box
- Moving magnet and moving coil phono, plus a Class A headphone amp
What reviewers say
It is stunningly efficacious and will likely result in the best sound you have ever heard in your room regardless of previously used equipment.
…its bass performance was eye-opening, to the point it’s easy to imagine you’re listening to bigger, heftier hardware.
The sound of the Strata Mk2 strikes a balance between neutrality and insight, full body and fine detail.
Why choose it
One box instead of four
A preamplifier, a full-function DAC, a moving magnet and moving coil phono stage, and a 150 watt per channel amplifier. Add speakers or headphones and you're done.
Where it fits
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.
Read more
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.
There's no reason to give up performance when you can have it all in one great product.
Design
How it's built
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™ MK2™ design imperative. We wanted an easy, simple, no-compromise musical experience, whether playing from a connected transport or tracking amazing vinyl.
Read the full design story
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 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.
- 150 W
- per channel
- 4
- types of digital input
- 384 kHz
- USB input
- MM + MC
- phono stage built in
01
Overview
At this instrument's heart is a new analog attenuator that elegantly solves the fundamental problem facing preamp designers. Volume control.
Read more
At this instrument's heart is a new analog attenuator that 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. Strata eliminates this problem by using an all new no-loss analog attenuator in response to front panel controls. Once the 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.
02
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 a new version of our Analog Cell where he could lavish upon the music the sweet, tube-like quality of Class A biased MOSFETs.
Read more
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 a new version of our 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 overlaid 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!
03
Construction
When you first pick up Stellar Strata 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.
Read more
When you first pick up Stellar Strata 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 out of its box.
Features
At a glance
- 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
Compare
How it compares
| M800 | M400 | S400 | S200 | M1200 | M700 | S300 | StrataThis one | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $29,998 / pair | $17,998 / pair | $9,999 | $7,999 | $6,998 / pair | $3,498 / pair | $1,999 | $3,499 |
| Speakers & room | Large rooms, any speaker | Large floorstanders, medium to large rooms | Floorstanders, typical rooms | Bookshelf or efficient speakers, smaller rooms | Large or hard-to-drive speakers | Floorstanders, typical rooms | Bookshelf speakers, smaller rooms | Add your speakers, bookshelf or floorstanding |
| Power | 400 W into 8Ω · 800 W into 4Ω | 200 W into 8Ω · 400 W into 4Ω | 200 W into 8Ω · 400 W into 4Ω, per channel | 100 W into 8Ω · 200 W into 4Ω, per channel | 600 W into 8Ω · 1,200 W into 4Ω | 350 W into 8Ω · 700 W into 4Ω | 140 W into 8Ω · 300 W into 4Ω, per channel | — |
| Design | Mono pair, one per speaker | Mono pair, one per speaker | Stereo, one box | Stereo, one box | Mono pair, one per speaker | Mono pair, one per speaker | Stereo, one box | Integrated, one box |
| What sets it apart | 50 W of Class A bias: 99% of typical listening in pure Class A | 30 W of Class A bias | 10 W of Class A bias per channel | 10 W of Class A bias per channel | Vacuum tube input stage | Stable down to 2Ω | Dual mono, a separate power supply for each channel | Moving magnet and moving coil phono, plus a Class A headphone amp |
| What's inside | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Streaming DAC, preamplifier, phono stage, amplifier |
Build your system
What it pairs with
Speakers in its power range (150 W)
Aspen FR5From $3,499 / pairSmall to medium roomsView detailsSpeakers in its power range (150 W)
Aspen FR10$9,999 / pairTypical living roomsView detailsTrade Up and Save
Save up to $875 on your Stellar Strata
Your old gear is worth more than you think. PS Audio credits the full original retail value of what you trade, up to the limit, straight off your new purchase.
- Tell us what you have. Press Start your trade-in and list your gear. Nearly any working hi-fi component counts, from any brand.
- Pay the adjusted price. At checkout you are charged only the price after your credit. Our sales team reviews every trade within 48 hours.
- Send yours back. We email a return label number. You have 30 days to ship your trade.
The fine print
What we accept. Nearly any hi-fi make and model at component level: a preamplifier, power amplifier, DAC, phono stage, loudspeaker pair, turntable, headphones or CD transport. It must work and be in respectable cosmetic condition.
What we don't. Broken or non-working products, and most accessories, phono cartridges, power cables and interconnects. Exceptions can be made based on value.
Several items? Yes. Trade as many as you like, up to the credit cap. Use "Add another" on the Trade Up form.
Not sure it qualifies? Call 800-PSAUDIO (800-772-8346) or email sales@psaudio.com, and a real person will answer.
Reviews
More reviews
What I heard was incredibly balanced and neutral
…its presentation was honest and full of detail and space.
The sound is way clearer, and the convenience of having everything in one unit is a game changer.
Full specifications
| 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) |
| 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] |
| Location | Indoor use only |
| Storage Temperature | -30 to 70C |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to 45C |
| 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 |
| Input Separation | >85dB |
| Input Impedance | 47KΩ (unbalanced); 100KΩ (balanced) |
| Maximum Input Level | >16 VRMS |
| Cartridge/Type | MM / MC |
| Gain | 40dB / 57dB |
| Loading | 100pF/47kΩ / 470pF/100Ω |
| THD+N | .001% @ 5mV input / .003% @1mV input |
| Output Impedance | Line Out 100Ω |
| Gain | Volume=100 6dB +/- 0.5dB |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
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 specialistOutside 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 dealerHear it in your own room
Stellar Strata
$3,499
- 30-day in-home trialThe PS Audio Home Experience. Love it or return it.
- Save up to $875 with a trade-inCredit comes off the price at checkout.
Stellar Strata MK2
Details
Home Audition
Get 30 days to listen to your Stellar Strata MK2 and see if you like it. If not, send it back.
Shipping
UPS Ground USA
FedEx International
Stellar Series · Integrated amplifier
Stellar Strata MK2
Everything a system needs between your music and your loudspeakers, in a single box.
At home
One box, and the whole system disappears into the music.
Stellar Strata MK2 integrated amplifier
One box, and you have a system
An integrated amplifier with a converter, a phono stage and a headphone amplifier already inside it. Add loudspeakers and you are listening.
Why one box
The usual way into this is five boxes, five decisions and five things to get wrong, and it is the reason most people who mean to build a system never start. It is not the only way.
Everything the signal needs between your music and your loudspeakers is in here, chosen to work together by the people who built it. One decision, made properly, instead of five made nervously.
What owners and reviewers say
The sound of the Strata Mk2 strikes a balance between neutrality and insight, full body and fine detail.
…its bass performance was eye-opening, to the point it’s easy to imagine you’re listening to bigger, heftier hardware.
What I heard was incredibly balanced and neutral, Elliot Scheiner’s mix shined in all of its glory. In fact, it occurred to me that this presentation would suffice for constructing a mix in the studio: its presentation was honest and full of detail and space.
I’ve used it with my Magnepan LRS+ and KEF R3 Meta’s and both sound better with the Mk2.
I bought a Strata MK2 last January and every time I use it to play music, I’m really happy with this integrated Amplifier.
…the PS Audio allows me to experience classic rock and classical tracks with a smile.
The phono stage is very quiet and sounds very good.
I wrote to a audio buddy and said the following: "it is insane the level of sound quality i am getting from a modest integrated and 20 year old speakers (Thiel 3.7's).
Been using mine for a few days now. So far I can say the sound is greatly improved. I’ve used it with my Magnepan LRS+ and KEF R3 Meta’s and both sound better with the Mk2. My REL T/5x subwoofer integrates much better, more seamlessly with my LRS+ speakers than with any other amp I’ve tried. Have...
I swapped out a bunch of gear for the Strata MK2 too, and honestly, the improvement was huge. The sound is way clearer, and the convenience of having everything in one unit is a game changer.
It is stunningly efficacious and will likely result in the best sound you have ever heard in your room regardless of previously used equipment. If your collection of separates is $50K or less, you should try it.
I have known Paul McGowan, CEO of PS Audio, for many years and have reviewed a number of his products. They always deliver good value for the dollar, and the PS Audio Stellar Strata MK2 Integrated Amplifier is no exception
What the numbers actually mean
You never have to read these to enjoy the music. But here is what is inside the one box, and what each part quietly does for you.
More than the room will ask for
100W into 8 Ω
100 watts per channel into 8 ohms, 150 into 4 — in that order. Most speakers you will pair with this are nominally 8 ohms, and 100 watts is already more than a normal room ever calls for.
Flat across everything you hear
±1 dB, 20 Hz–20 kHz
And still usable out to 7 Hz and 40 kHz at −3 dB, so there is quiet headroom at both ends of the band.
Your records, without another box
40 dB MM · 57 dB MC
A real phono stage for both kinds of cartridge, already inside. If your records are up in the loft, this is the reason to bring them down.
Everything at its own resolution
DSD over I²S · 384 kHz USB
Whatever you stream and whatever you have collected plays at its full resolution, rather than being converted down to suit the box.
Who it is for — and who it is not
For a first serious system, and for anyone who wants one decision rather than five. Also for a second room, where the whole point is that it is simple.
If you already own an amplifier you love, do not buy this. Buy a StellarGold DAC or a Power Plant and keep what is working. We would rather sell you the one box that improves everything you own than the box that replaces it.
Where it sits
Steps up to separates — a StellarGold DAC, then an S300 or M700 monoblocks — when you want to start choosing rather than being chosen for.
And nothing here is a starter version of something better. The measurement discipline, the listening and the people are the same as on equipment costing ten times as much. What changes further up is scale and ambition, not honesty.
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 — the block that tells a newcomer they do not have to start their system over.
There is a cap on how much credit a single component can carry, and the exact figure 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
If you are not sure this is the right place to start, say what you have and what you are trying to fix, and we will tell you — including when the answer is that you should not buy anything from us yet. Paul answers questions on video most weekdays.
Overview
The Inside Scoop
Construction
Recommended products
Specifications
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 |